I knew from the beginning it would probably be a time suck. Going on Craig's List always is for me, but normally I'm trolling for pinball machines that I probably won't buy. Tonight, however, I clicked on "Rants and Raves." This section would more appropriately be named "Haters and Weirdos." I've only been in there a few times. The majority of posts are people replying to other posts, so a newbie like me really has no idea what they're talking about. In fact, even when I read the original posts, I had no idea. Maybe the section should just be called "Venom."
A lot of material was dedicated to the secession movement that's recently cropped up. I've heard about this only through Facebook and have been reluctant to read more about it. Even though I know we're a very divided country right now, I'd rather focus on hope and promise than all the anger that people are venting at Mr. Obama. The fringes on either side sadden me. And, actually, I can relate to the people who are so upset at Mr. Obama being re-elected, because I felt that way in 2004 when Mr. Bush won. I felt like the country was really lost and I couldn't believe that most people wanted to send him back to the White House. Sound familiar?
Sometimes I think this country is just too big. I know we're supposed to think that our differences make us stronger, but it's hard to feel unified when I read about groups that are so far away from my own beliefs and philosophies. What the hell do I have in common with these people? A flag? Baseball? Maybe we can agree on hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet.
This is the main reason I've turned away from the media, which is sacrilege in a family where my dad was a newspaper man. I want to be informed, but I don't want to be confronted with all the division and acrimony which unfortunately is the dominant message everywhere I look. I am trying to find a balance between a Zen existence in the Boulder County bubble and fighting for justice, which requires information and passion... and for me at least, the occasional temper flare.
I wonder if between now and when I die, there will ever be a more unified era for this country. I'm a big believer that the more things change, the more they stay the same. If you think of it decade by decade, when was the country really all together? World War II? The Great Depression? That's the picture that history books paint. In a broader sense, I guess I struggle with the fact that there is always struggle. I'd like to feel like we're all reveling in this moment and filled with hope.
As a friend pointed out (correctly, I might add) on Facebook: I'm a doe eyed optimist.
When I'm overwhelmed by the fighting, the vitriol and the division, I retreat into my bubble. I turn off the tube and I close the browser. And I accept that I can't change everything. All I can do is put out positive energy in the orbit that I inhabit. Smiling. Making someone laugh. Common courtesy. Helping those in need. Maybe in ways I never imagined, my energy and the energy of like minded others will reach the haters on "Rants and Raves."
This optimist chooses to believe anything is possible.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Friday, November 5, 2010
biker's prayer
thank you god
for the legs to push the pedals
for the arms to hold the bars
for the heart to pump the blood
for the lungs to breathe the air
for the eyes to see the beauty
for the mouth to say the words
thank you god
for the legs to push the pedals
for the arms to hold the bars
for the heart to pump the blood
for the lungs to breathe the air
for the eyes to see the beauty
for the mouth to say the words
thank you god
Monday, August 16, 2010
never wrote lyrics before...
But these sorta popped into my head today. Why not share??
a cloudy day a gloomy day
got a heavy heart
walk along this path with me
think it's time to start
the crickets chirp, the gravel crunch
from underneath my feet
not knowing where i'm going
but my heart will keep the beat
sometimes you cannot figure
how the road is gonna bend
but thank god i've got you by my side
my lover girl and friend
sometimes the day is painted gray
the light can not break through
but if i keep on breathing
that's all i need to do.
the miracles around us
don't ever ever cease
a flower blooms, the slightest breeze
everywhere is peace.
it's time. it's time.
it's time for letting go.
it's time. it's time.
that's all i need to know.
a cloudy day a gloomy day
got a heavy heart
walk along this path with me
think it's time to start
the crickets chirp, the gravel crunch
from underneath my feet
not knowing where i'm going
but my heart will keep the beat
sometimes you cannot figure
how the road is gonna bend
but thank god i've got you by my side
my lover girl and friend
sometimes the day is painted gray
the light can not break through
but if i keep on breathing
that's all i need to do.
the miracles around us
don't ever ever cease
a flower blooms, the slightest breeze
everywhere is peace.
it's time. it's time.
it's time for letting go.
it's time. it's time.
that's all i need to know.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Mom's visit to Palestine
Yes, we have a ton to worry about domestically right now, but I couldn't help but cut and paste an email my mom sent me about her recent trip to Israel. I have long thought that our leaders let the Israeli government off the hook for settlements, human rights violations and worse. Getting the enormous amount of aid and weapons from the U.S. is a tacit endorsement of what they do.
I do not at all endorse a lot of it. Read on for some disturbing, but essential findings from my mom's latest trip. (thanks, Mom!)
"Early in our trip we heard from a representative of this group of former Israeli Defense Force (IDF) members who can no longer remain silent about what they saw and did during their years of military service in the Occupied Territories. They are about 800 strong and are both male and female. Military service is compulsory in Israel, 2 yr for women and 3 for men. Orthodox Jews are exempted, if requested.
The young man who spoke with us, Ayal Kantz, was a 28 y.o. I could gladly have counted as my son. He was handsome, articulate, and of obvious high moral character. I guess that’s why he eventually joined “Breaking the Silence.” He said it took him 6 years after completing his military service to join. He did so because he was struck by the divergence between his Jewish faith and what he was doing in the military. He thought the Israeli public needed to know what their sons and dgtrs were doing in the Occupied Territories.
Ayal was born in Israel but educated in part in the US, studying in the United World College in New Mexico during his 11th and 12th grades. Right after high school he joined the IDF and served in the Special Operations Unit all over the West Bank as a member of the Nahal Brigade, which is supposed to be one of the more “moral” brigades. He was in Hebron for one year and was eventually “traumatized” by what they did there. As a result, 6 yr later, he joined “Breaking the Silence”.
That group originally put together an exhibit displaying what they had been doing in Hebron and presented it in Tel Aviv, the most secular of the Israeli cities. They hoped that 400 people would attend. They were greatly surprised to be invited to show their exhibit to the Kennisit, the Israeli parliament. 12,000 people came to see it. Two things became apparent as a result of the exhibit: 1) there was a huge gap of knowledge between what was happening with the IDF in the Occupied Territories and what the general public was aware of; and 2) there were LOTS of soldiers who said “we did the same thing”, even though we were not in Hebron.
The “same thing” was horrendous for us to hear about: 4 - 5 arrests made each night; regular “appearance patrols” during which IDF soldiers did what was necessary to make the local populace afraid……….lighting fires, shooting out street lights, banging pans……..anything loud to instill fear (“if they don’t fear us, we can’t control them”); and periodically doing “training arrests”………..arresting a family that you know is not a threat just to sharpen your skills.
I think the worst thing I heard from Ayal, having been on this trip before and feeling that the situation in Hebron was HORRENDOUS, was that Hebron was no worse than any other place in the West Bank; it was simply more obvious there.
I was also deeply disturbed to learn that most Israelis thought nothing wrong with “Operation Cast Lead”, the 12/08 incursion into Gaza that resulted in 1400 Palestinians dead. Ayal told us that many Israelis feel threatened today and see their society as “victim”. Nonetheless, he strong claimed that not everything done today by the Israeli govt is for security; much is because of “religious ideology” or “land ideology”.
Finally, Ayal told us that all the time he served in Hebron, he never thought about the fact that he was doing raids by moving from house to house but rather from “terrorist nest to terrorist nest””. He deliberately detached himself and never directly looked at anyone he arrested. There was one exception, however, and that was when he dragged from a house the father of a family and accidentally looked into the face of a child who was standing near-by. That child looked absolutely petrified. Maybe this is what drove him to joining Breaking the Silence 6 yr later?"
The young man who spoke with us, Ayal Kantz, was a 28 y.o. I could gladly have counted as my son. He was handsome, articulate, and of obvious high moral character. I guess that’s why he eventually joined “Breaking the Silence.” He said it took him 6 years after completing his military service to join. He did so because he was struck by the divergence between his Jewish faith and what he was doing in the military. He thought the Israeli public needed to know what their sons and dgtrs were doing in the Occupied Territories.
Ayal was born in Israel but educated in part in the US, studying in the United World College in New Mexico during his 11th and 12th grades. Right after high school he joined the IDF and served in the Special Operations Unit all over the West Bank as a member of the Nahal Brigade, which is supposed to be one of the more “moral” brigades. He was in Hebron for one year and was eventually “traumatized” by what they did there. As a result, 6 yr later, he joined “Breaking the Silence”.
That group originally put together an exhibit displaying what they had been doing in Hebron and presented it in Tel Aviv, the most secular of the Israeli cities. They hoped that 400 people would attend. They were greatly surprised to be invited to show their exhibit to the Kennisit, the Israeli parliament. 12,000 people came to see it. Two things became apparent as a result of the exhibit: 1) there was a huge gap of knowledge between what was happening with the IDF in the Occupied Territories and what the general public was aware of; and 2) there were LOTS of soldiers who said “we did the same thing”, even though we were not in Hebron.
The “same thing” was horrendous for us to hear about: 4 - 5 arrests made each night; regular “appearance patrols” during which IDF soldiers did what was necessary to make the local populace afraid……….lighting fires, shooting out street lights, banging pans……..anything loud to instill fear (“if they don’t fear us, we can’t control them”); and periodically doing “training arrests”………..arresting a family that you know is not a threat just to sharpen your skills.
I think the worst thing I heard from Ayal, having been on this trip before and feeling that the situation in Hebron was HORRENDOUS, was that Hebron was no worse than any other place in the West Bank; it was simply more obvious there.
I was also deeply disturbed to learn that most Israelis thought nothing wrong with “Operation Cast Lead”, the 12/08 incursion into Gaza that resulted in 1400 Palestinians dead. Ayal told us that many Israelis feel threatened today and see their society as “victim”. Nonetheless, he strong claimed that not everything done today by the Israeli govt is for security; much is because of “religious ideology” or “land ideology”.
Finally, Ayal told us that all the time he served in Hebron, he never thought about the fact that he was doing raids by moving from house to house but rather from “terrorist nest to terrorist nest””. He deliberately detached himself and never directly looked at anyone he arrested. There was one exception, however, and that was when he dragged from a house the father of a family and accidentally looked into the face of a child who was standing near-by. That child looked absolutely petrified. Maybe this is what drove him to joining Breaking the Silence 6 yr later?"
If you'd like to hear more of these reports as my mom emails them out, let me know. The more you know, the more you'll speak out!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
From Mojo's -- 80026
If I weren't in a public place I might make an effort to go to Playboy.com and read the whole John Mayer interview. But from what I just read, I love the guy even more. I guess I'm resonating with the openness and honesty. Some of what he said was a little too private regarding sexual partners, but overall, I gotta hand it to him. I'm not going to be cooler-than-thou and say his music sucks. I like his music. Actually, I think "St. Patrick's Day" is one of the best Christmas tunes ever (seems odd, I know, but listen to the song). Check out this quote from the interview:
From now on I’m just going to pretend that people really dig the shit out of me. I’ve been so afraid of rocking the boat that I’m not sailing anywhere. I’ve been trying to prove to people I’m not a douche bag by not dating, by keeping my name out of Us Weekly. That’s fucked up, man ... So now I’m going to experiment with “fuck you.”
To the degree that we're all able, I think "fuck you" is a good place to operate from. I don't mean being nasty, I mean living from a place of "fuck it" and "fuck what other people think." My daughter is 6. She had my wife to dye some of her hair pink because she thought it would be cool. Yesterday she told me that some kids in her (kindergarten) class are making fun of her for it. I couldn't exactly quote the John Mayer interview to her, but I told her in essence: fuck the people who try to bring you down because they don't "get" you. Conformity is so dull. The people that interest me most are the abnormal ones! The goofy ones. The left field creative ones.
Other tangents and fragments:
Best free app? Naturespace. Lots of seamless outdoor loops: waves, streams, wide open fields, etc. Very nice. Very free.
For the first time in a while, I'm in budget mode. Having a coffee on my night out instead of getting dinner or seeing a flick. It certainly isn't all that extreme of a budget, but until things pick up a little I need to tighten the belt.
Trying to convince myself that this massive blueberry muffin I'm eating is not breaking my no-sugar pledge for this month. This thing prolly has more sugar than a bowl of Froot Loops. Mmmmmm.
I still have many ideas rolling around in my noggin for the parenting book. I've taken some time off from writing, but more will be committed to hard drive soon. My efforts to drum up a few interview subjects came up entirely empty: C'MON PEOPLE! Let me plumb the depths of your parenting soul! Seriously: email me if you're interested.
Watching LOST I am definitely entertained, but feel a dwindling sense of hope that the conclusion will be really satisfying. I may swear off TV for a while after it's done. Lots of movies I'd like to see though....
Speaking of which: Oscars. This Sunday. It's the only awards show I ever watch and I look forward to it every year. Now if I could only win this Oscar pool I enter. Damn it's hard.
Reading a book called "Bridges Out of Poverty" and attending a seminar on the Circles Program (www.movethemountain.org) in 2 weeks. This is part of my effort to learn how to financially mentor people who are stuck in a debt cycle. I can't see ever turning down voiceover work, but I do see a time in the next 3-5 years when I begin to direct my life towards something more fulfilling than the commerce/advertising efforts of VO.
I think that's all there is to say! New DETOUR will be getting underway soon. I am trying to 'remaster' all the old episodes without intros/outros and at higher quality. Someday I'd still like to submit to Solid Steel.
BTW, check out some cool, old R&B mixes from my buddy Megatrip: he's giving you a complimentary membership to the Soul Society all year long: http://www.bmbx.org/category/king-megatrip/
Bye for now. Be well.
Other tangents and fragments:
Best free app? Naturespace. Lots of seamless outdoor loops: waves, streams, wide open fields, etc. Very nice. Very free.
For the first time in a while, I'm in budget mode. Having a coffee on my night out instead of getting dinner or seeing a flick. It certainly isn't all that extreme of a budget, but until things pick up a little I need to tighten the belt.
Trying to convince myself that this massive blueberry muffin I'm eating is not breaking my no-sugar pledge for this month. This thing prolly has more sugar than a bowl of Froot Loops. Mmmmmm.
I still have many ideas rolling around in my noggin for the parenting book. I've taken some time off from writing, but more will be committed to hard drive soon. My efforts to drum up a few interview subjects came up entirely empty: C'MON PEOPLE! Let me plumb the depths of your parenting soul! Seriously: email me if you're interested.
Watching LOST I am definitely entertained, but feel a dwindling sense of hope that the conclusion will be really satisfying. I may swear off TV for a while after it's done. Lots of movies I'd like to see though....
Speaking of which: Oscars. This Sunday. It's the only awards show I ever watch and I look forward to it every year. Now if I could only win this Oscar pool I enter. Damn it's hard.
Reading a book called "Bridges Out of Poverty" and attending a seminar on the Circles Program (www.movethemountain.org) in 2 weeks. This is part of my effort to learn how to financially mentor people who are stuck in a debt cycle. I can't see ever turning down voiceover work, but I do see a time in the next 3-5 years when I begin to direct my life towards something more fulfilling than the commerce/advertising efforts of VO.
I think that's all there is to say! New DETOUR will be getting underway soon. I am trying to 'remaster' all the old episodes without intros/outros and at higher quality. Someday I'd still like to submit to Solid Steel.
BTW, check out some cool, old R&B mixes from my buddy Megatrip: he's giving you a complimentary membership to the Soul Society all year long: http://www.bmbx.org/category/king-megatrip/
Bye for now. Be well.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
On the path to my parenting book
Mid February has arrived and I have been trying my best to keep my promise of turning this month into a writing exercise for my prospective book "Parenting Sucks!" The new title ping ponging around is actually "Kids are Great / Parenting Sucks!" Maybe that will take the edge off a little....!
I was going to do my writing publicly, but a friend's comment about protecting my children from potential embarrassment threw a little hesitation into the works. So, I've been writing for the benefit of my hard drive only. Tonight I'm tapping away in a coffee shop in my lil' hometown of Lafayette. This is (drum roll please) the first time I've ever bought coffee in a coffee shop. Ever!! I am new to the coffee addict club. I feel guilty throwing down $5 and just loitering around this place for 2 hours. How the hell do they make any real money? Oh well, I guess it's their burden not mine. I'll probably throw another buck in the tip jar before I go.
So I've been thinking about this parenting book quite a bit and leaving myself voice memos in my iPhone whenever an idea occurs to me. One thing I really would like to do is interview parents about their experiences. If you're reading this and think you'd be up for such an interview, lemme know. I could do it via phone patch at my studio, then transcribe it later. As I said in my last post, it would be a lot like the Studs Terkel books. Then, in between the interview chapters I would have my musings and observations. Sound like a best seller? Honestly, I'm just enjoying having a creative project to pursue that I haven't discarded after a day or two. I like writing a lot but I've had trouble latching on to an idea that I can sink my teeth into. I've come to peace with the fact that I'm more adept at personal commentary than fiction. I would love to be a screenwriter, but you need fully formed ideas for those damn things! Plus it's hard to find the time for that sort of endeavor at this stage of my life. Maybe that's a lame excuse, but I'm sticking to it for now.
Last week provided a perfect illustration of the unpredictability of parenting. The week started with Oliver coughing like a chain smoker (again). We've had this problem for a while now. Kid goes on antibiotics for an ear infection, then 3 days after he's done with the meds, another infection sets in. It's tough. The doctor's advice was to see an ear nose and throat specialist with the likely outcome of having to take his adenoids out. So that was Monday.
Tuesday we kept him home from school because he's hacking like Joe Camel. You get the super stink eye from parents if you bring a phlegm-ball kid to pre-school-- even if he isn't technically contagious (which he wasn't). It's just against code. So we had to go into contingency mode where I stay home for a while, and have my wife take over later. I hate interruptions in routine. It's like taking the blanket away from Linus. Then-- hello Murphy's Law!-- Kirsten senses she's coming down with something, too.
Wednesday Kirsten is down: hard. Chills. Fever. Aches. We get through the night time routine, but it's clear she's going down for the count. Which leaves me solo on ...
Thursday. Awaken the daughter. Get the boy up. Feed em. Dress em. Brush um teeth. Rush, but don't push! (if you push, you're sure to get resistance). Drop off daughter. Drop off son. I'm fucking Super Dad, baby! I made it! Into work for a little peace and quiet. As the day rolls on, I decide to take the kids to the mall after school to stay away from Mom (still sick-- Strep as it turns out). The plan is to burn some energy at the mall's play area-- one of those soft surface germ parks where kids race around and leave various bodily fluids in their wake. Then, we'll grab some fast food (veggies be damned tonight!) and head home for stories and bed. Unfortunately, disaster strikes. I've overestimate my son's bladder endurance and he urinates all over himself. Not in the car. Not on the escalator. But mere inches from an actual toilet! Damnit! Entire plan is ruined. We have to go home. Daughter erupts. Wailing and gnashing of teeth. The world is at an end. We hastily pick up McDonald's and a corndog (their choice, not mine) and head home for an uncertain landing.
Friday. Wife still sick, but antibiotics are kicking in. More schedule shell games. Are we having fun yet? My mom is our hero as she steps up for the 2nd day of unplanned babysitting. Thank Goodness for mothers! We make it to the weekend! Which really isn't great news for me because frankly I get to relax a lot more during the week.
So there it is: a snapshot of my life and a likely similar scenario to what parents across the world face on any given week. Stay tuned for more stories from the front lines and drop me an email if you're interested in my interview project!
Be well.
I was going to do my writing publicly, but a friend's comment about protecting my children from potential embarrassment threw a little hesitation into the works. So, I've been writing for the benefit of my hard drive only. Tonight I'm tapping away in a coffee shop in my lil' hometown of Lafayette. This is (drum roll please) the first time I've ever bought coffee in a coffee shop. Ever!! I am new to the coffee addict club. I feel guilty throwing down $5 and just loitering around this place for 2 hours. How the hell do they make any real money? Oh well, I guess it's their burden not mine. I'll probably throw another buck in the tip jar before I go.
So I've been thinking about this parenting book quite a bit and leaving myself voice memos in my iPhone whenever an idea occurs to me. One thing I really would like to do is interview parents about their experiences. If you're reading this and think you'd be up for such an interview, lemme know. I could do it via phone patch at my studio, then transcribe it later. As I said in my last post, it would be a lot like the Studs Terkel books. Then, in between the interview chapters I would have my musings and observations. Sound like a best seller? Honestly, I'm just enjoying having a creative project to pursue that I haven't discarded after a day or two. I like writing a lot but I've had trouble latching on to an idea that I can sink my teeth into. I've come to peace with the fact that I'm more adept at personal commentary than fiction. I would love to be a screenwriter, but you need fully formed ideas for those damn things! Plus it's hard to find the time for that sort of endeavor at this stage of my life. Maybe that's a lame excuse, but I'm sticking to it for now.
Last week provided a perfect illustration of the unpredictability of parenting. The week started with Oliver coughing like a chain smoker (again). We've had this problem for a while now. Kid goes on antibiotics for an ear infection, then 3 days after he's done with the meds, another infection sets in. It's tough. The doctor's advice was to see an ear nose and throat specialist with the likely outcome of having to take his adenoids out. So that was Monday.
Tuesday we kept him home from school because he's hacking like Joe Camel. You get the super stink eye from parents if you bring a phlegm-ball kid to pre-school-- even if he isn't technically contagious (which he wasn't). It's just against code. So we had to go into contingency mode where I stay home for a while, and have my wife take over later. I hate interruptions in routine. It's like taking the blanket away from Linus. Then-- hello Murphy's Law!-- Kirsten senses she's coming down with something, too.
Wednesday Kirsten is down: hard. Chills. Fever. Aches. We get through the night time routine, but it's clear she's going down for the count. Which leaves me solo on ...
Thursday. Awaken the daughter. Get the boy up. Feed em. Dress em. Brush um teeth. Rush, but don't push! (if you push, you're sure to get resistance). Drop off daughter. Drop off son. I'm fucking Super Dad, baby! I made it! Into work for a little peace and quiet. As the day rolls on, I decide to take the kids to the mall after school to stay away from Mom (still sick-- Strep as it turns out). The plan is to burn some energy at the mall's play area-- one of those soft surface germ parks where kids race around and leave various bodily fluids in their wake. Then, we'll grab some fast food (veggies be damned tonight!) and head home for stories and bed. Unfortunately, disaster strikes. I've overestimate my son's bladder endurance and he urinates all over himself. Not in the car. Not on the escalator. But mere inches from an actual toilet! Damnit! Entire plan is ruined. We have to go home. Daughter erupts. Wailing and gnashing of teeth. The world is at an end. We hastily pick up McDonald's and a corndog (their choice, not mine) and head home for an uncertain landing.
Friday. Wife still sick, but antibiotics are kicking in. More schedule shell games. Are we having fun yet? My mom is our hero as she steps up for the 2nd day of unplanned babysitting. Thank Goodness for mothers! We make it to the weekend! Which really isn't great news for me because frankly I get to relax a lot more during the week.
So there it is: a snapshot of my life and a likely similar scenario to what parents across the world face on any given week. Stay tuned for more stories from the front lines and drop me an email if you're interested in my interview project!
Be well.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
And the name of my book shall be....
PARENTING SUCKS.
Not exactly the positive, self-help vibe to draw in the Oprah crowd. HA!
I'm on a new February mission, similar to the one I embarked on a year ago, when I blogged often about the Idle Life. Back then, I was reading a book called "How To Be Idle" by wonderful writer Tom Hodgkinson. Still highly recommended reading!
But over the last several months, I've been turning 2 book ideas around in my head. One is about a Zen approach to money, and the other, an unflinching look at the challenges of parenting. An attempt to puncture the Hallmark-ization of parenting.
I never knew how difficult being a parent would be, and 6 years in, I'm only at the early stages. I want to write candid commentary on my experience as a dad. And I feel some apprehension because, outside of private conversations, I don't hear many honest assessments of what a jarring ride parenting can be. Unquestionably, there are beautiful moments that I would never trade. But I've had more than my share of ugly episodes, too. And I ain't just talking poopy diapers.
Over the past few years, I've tried to refocus my statements to come from the first person rather than assigning them to the world at large. So instead of: "You don't realize how hard being a parent can be going into it." I would say: "I didn't realize...." I will do the same with these essays and observations. I don't pretend to know what everyone else goes through in their parenting journey. I can only speak for myself.
And so, tonight, I will start a weekly exercise in writing about parenting. Maybe I'll write more often than that, who knows? I've also thought about conducting a series of interviews with moms and dads, and compiling them for a book, a la Studs Terkel, to give a broader perspective. Wanna volunteer? Shoot me an email and we'll tawk.
Last February was the Idle Life! This February, it's all about tantrums and time outs. Buckle up.
Not exactly the positive, self-help vibe to draw in the Oprah crowd. HA!
I'm on a new February mission, similar to the one I embarked on a year ago, when I blogged often about the Idle Life. Back then, I was reading a book called "How To Be Idle" by wonderful writer Tom Hodgkinson. Still highly recommended reading!
But over the last several months, I've been turning 2 book ideas around in my head. One is about a Zen approach to money, and the other, an unflinching look at the challenges of parenting. An attempt to puncture the Hallmark-ization of parenting.
I never knew how difficult being a parent would be, and 6 years in, I'm only at the early stages. I want to write candid commentary on my experience as a dad. And I feel some apprehension because, outside of private conversations, I don't hear many honest assessments of what a jarring ride parenting can be. Unquestionably, there are beautiful moments that I would never trade. But I've had more than my share of ugly episodes, too. And I ain't just talking poopy diapers.
Over the past few years, I've tried to refocus my statements to come from the first person rather than assigning them to the world at large. So instead of: "You don't realize how hard being a parent can be going into it." I would say: "I didn't realize...." I will do the same with these essays and observations. I don't pretend to know what everyone else goes through in their parenting journey. I can only speak for myself.
And so, tonight, I will start a weekly exercise in writing about parenting. Maybe I'll write more often than that, who knows? I've also thought about conducting a series of interviews with moms and dads, and compiling them for a book, a la Studs Terkel, to give a broader perspective. Wanna volunteer? Shoot me an email and we'll tawk.
Last February was the Idle Life! This February, it's all about tantrums and time outs. Buckle up.
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