Dawn of a new day

Since I last wrote in October, which was just a review of some sport equipment there have been a few changes.  Earlier this year, the Mrs. and I welcomed a brand spanking new baby boy.  Going forward he will be referred to as Gerber because a co-worker said he looks like the Gerber baby.  Watching my wife give birth was one of the craziest things ever.  We were both glad when it was over and we suspect so was Gerber.

Having a child is amazing.  Gerber never fails to amaze and entertain.  Like his father, he seems to be very curious about his world.  At least, that is what we are telling ourselves.  Like everything else with babies, it could just be gas.  Already, he has made a visit to my place of business and he was a hit.  He seems to like to stay close to us but as long as he is held by one of us most of the time, he is fine with people saying hello.  He has wonderfully long eyelashes that he got from me and a cute chin that he got from the Mrs.

Side note: If you are happily married to the mother of your child and were married long before the child was born, can you still call her your baby momma?

Anyway, it has been quite an adventure.  We use cloth diapers which is not bad.  Gerber seems to enjoy it and washing them poses no great hardship.  He has many generous friends so he has tons of clothing and hats.  At this stage, he is even sort of into a routine.  He sleeps about four to five hours, wakes up, needs to be changed and fed, and then, fingers crossed, goes back to sleep.  I will not say having a child has put things in perspective but it does cause me to worry about a whole new set of things.  That being said, I love to play with him because of his drooliness (sp) and wide-eyed look.  Back in the 90's, a lyric from the groups Jodeci's first album was "...and my baby is born, healthy and strong, and my dreams are a reality".  That lyric about sums it up.  He is healthy, he is strong, the Mrs. is doing well, and I am hanging on.  What else can I ask for?  I wish my mom were here to compare my baby looks to his but I know she is doing it but just not able to share right now.  Oh well, those are the breaks.

More changes

In addition, to adding another member to our nuclear family.  I have a different set of duties at work and a different office location within my building.  All these changes have given me time to reflect. I am looking at what I did well and what I could have improved and when.  In my estimation, some of my strengths early on became weaknesses later on.  I have learned to not try to prove anything to anyone but instead to work hard and let my work speak for itself.  I hope I have finally learned this lesson because I have been given the opportunity to learn it in the past.  There are some who believe that life or God keeps trying to teach you lessons until you get it.  I have the realization, I just hope when presented with the test again, I use the lessons and skills I have developed and acquired to produce a better outcome.

I was telling a friend that the mark of a good manager or leader or at least the desire of a good manager is that the people you manage leave your charge with more confidence and/or more skills.  The jury is out but it seems that with some I succeeded more than others.  This is a time to see how I can improve and do a better job of mentorship.  However, I recognize that my job is not done.  There are still people who come to me for advice and it is my job, duty, and pleasure to listen and help when I can.  A while back I realized that my core goal in life is to impart knowledge and hopefully, help others improve.  Sometimes, I succeed at that and some times I fail.  In some cases, I have done both at different times with the same person.  The great thing about life is that many times you get second and third chances.

My goal is steer others from repeating my mistakes, keep myself from making those same mistakes again (I am ready for new mistakes), and continue to live a life and conduct myself in a manner that when I am gone people miss my personality and respect my efforts.

My Review of REI Fall Fleet Hoodie - Men's

Originally submitted at REI

The REI Fall Fleet hoodie helps you fend off the chills of a late-season run with its performance fabric and expert fit. Soft recycled polyester comfortably moves with you during activities. Moisture-wicking fabric dries fast so you won't feel chilled when a breeze kicks up. Fabric provides UPF 40 ...

REI Fall Fleet Hoodie - Men's

Loved it so much I bought another.

By D Road Novice from Ann Arbor, MI on 10/16/2011

 

5out of 5

Fit: Feels true to size

Sleeve Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Warm, Comfortable, Lightweight

Best Uses: Running

Describe Yourself: Avid Athlete

Was this a gift?: No

I use this when running on Fall days. I have found that while it is not windproof it cuts the wind down enough to make a difference. I like that I can put a light compression shirt, a cold gear type t-shirt, or a long sleeve cold gear shirt under it as necessary for the conditions. The arm pocket is great for holding my house keys. The hood keeps my ears just warm enough on brisk days.

(legalese)

Woody and me chill as can be

Recently, I have not been blogging, okay for the last 6-8 months I have not been blogging. I guess this had to do with feeling a little exposed and not feeling comfortable writing about life. Anyway, since I last wrote I started giving brief sex education talks to people returning from prison.

From these talks, I learned I could do sex education and that I like doing sex education, for the most part. Also, I learned that doing this feeds an already voracious appetite to discuss sex and relationships. However, feeding the beast just makes it want more.

I love sex. I love listening to people discuss sex. I love the idea that I am imparting some information that some one did not know. Sometimes, I learn something new as well.

Overall, I think I am happy but I am not quite sure. I know I like myself but I question the why of what I am doing. A wise friend encouraged me to go for it and not worry too much about the why (i.e. stop trying to find a pathology). I am not hurting anyone. I try not to be too overbearing or pestering. (Today, I failed at that but tomorrow is another day.) Another friend said I should get a PhD. in sexuality or sexology. She might have just been saying that to get me to go away though. :)

On a side note, I think sexuality is treated as a feminine concept. By that I mean, not that it is solely female but treated in a softer fashion and rarely associated with heterosexual men.

I think I am happy. I think I am happy. I think I am happy. I know I am bored.

Really corny and/or sappy

My love cannot be quantified,
My love cannot be verified.

I love you without judgment,
I love you without condition.

I love you simply.

Another lonely Christmas but not so much

During this holiday season, the Mrs. and I took the time to do some visiting. To hear her tell it she convinced me to take three weeks off for a road trip. Actually, one of those weeks I had off anyway so it was really only two weeks. Well, as is my way I was reluctant to go but overall, this has been a good trip. We saw some friends from graduate school who live in Mississippi, we told them not to move there but there are doing well. We visited family in Augusta, GA and had a very pleasurable time. Evidently, if you buy your wine by the case it is cheaper but that still means you are a buying a case of wine for one person. If the wine shop owners, pull out a cart and shop for you, you buy a lot of wine.

From there we went to my father's house. Sometimes I slip and call it my parents' house but according to the bank it is my father's house. It was pretty enjoyable. As always, we reminisce about my mother and funny times. We learned more about his father (my grandfather) and a little more about my mother's father (my other grandfather). We made a bunch of phone calls on Christmas but the best part about Christmas was sitting around and talking for hours in the living room in our pajamas. I love pajamas. Anyway, it was really nice. It felt very adult and sedate. If our plans go well in 2011, it will be the last time we are able to do that for many years to come.

To 2011, I say watch out. You will see me tidy up my office, re-pot my plants, and complete a triathlon, among other things.

Jesus died to take away our sins, not our minds

During the sermon on October 17, 2010, the priest stated the following "...And remember, Jesus died to take away our sins, not our minds". I think that is pretty cool. I wish we all remembered that. I am a Christian and I believe the following:

1. Evolution is a scientific explanation of how God created the universe. They are not mutually exclusive.
2. The first scientists were clerics so there is no science without religion.
3. Homosexuals should be allowed to marry whomever they want if they want.
4. I do not understand how people can argue for Creationism or intelligent design and then argue that homosexuality is not natural. That one really confuses me. Either God created everything through a plan or God did not.
5. Not a surprise, but I believe homosexuality is natural.
6. Not really related to religion, but all straight guys should be happy there are homosexual guys. Less competition. Duh.
7. The sex of God is really not important.
8. Jesus could have been married or been dating Mary Magdalene. Would it make his works any less important or impressive?
9. There is an attack on Christianity in this country. The attack is by other Christians.
10. I long ago stopped trying to figure out God's plan and started working on my plan. I am pretty sure I have way more control over my plan. Free will and all.
11. I love liturgy and order in my religion. I especially love church being done within an hour and a half with coffee hour included.