I find it fascinating, that as a culture, we require certain days throughout the year to remind us of certain things. We need Thanksgiving to remind us that we should be grateful for the manifold blessings of life and Christmas to point out that love and peace are a good thing. We also have this day right here, Valentine's Day.
Why on God's green earth, do we need a day to remind us to tell each other of our love. This should be a daily occurrence. If you love someone, tell them every single day. We are not lucky enough to know when we will part this life, I don't want anyone I care about to have any lingering doubts about how much they meant to me. You shouldn't either. So get over your ample baggage and tell them you love them every day, and use this silly day for fun and tasty treats.
Who is this nut?
- kired
- "You need to believe in things that aren't true. How else can they become?" T. Pratchett
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
14.2.12
11.3.11
20.2.11
File Under: Lessons in Mortality
When a parent allows a child a first pet, we all know that we are on a path to a lesson in mortality. Along the way we impart the values of nurturing and responsibility. We impress upon their young minds what it truly means to care for another living creature, all the while, dreading the inevitable tears and heartache
My nine year old son was gut punched by that inevitability today. It appears that while we were gone for the weekend, his hamster, Phoebe, passed in her sleep. My wife (thank goodness), found her in her little house, curled up, with her eyes closed, surrounded by her "stash." A peaceful end, that so many of us may never get.
Telling my son was so very hard. I could see it rip right through him. No hesitation in fully grasping what it all meant. The last time we had to explain death, he was five, and he really couldn't grasp it; not so now.
I have to wonder if he feels some guilt for the times he complained about caring for her. We'll have to make him understand that she had a good little hamster life. She never wanted for food or water and she had a warm little house of her very own.
The thing I'm really not sure of, is who's heart is breaking more. His, for the loss of his pet, or ours for his pain.
My nine year old son was gut punched by that inevitability today. It appears that while we were gone for the weekend, his hamster, Phoebe, passed in her sleep. My wife (thank goodness), found her in her little house, curled up, with her eyes closed, surrounded by her "stash." A peaceful end, that so many of us may never get.
Telling my son was so very hard. I could see it rip right through him. No hesitation in fully grasping what it all meant. The last time we had to explain death, he was five, and he really couldn't grasp it; not so now.
I have to wonder if he feels some guilt for the times he complained about caring for her. We'll have to make him understand that she had a good little hamster life. She never wanted for food or water and she had a warm little house of her very own.
The thing I'm really not sure of, is who's heart is breaking more. His, for the loss of his pet, or ours for his pain.
28.7.09
File Under: Phoebe
Those of you that follow my Tweets will know that we bought a hamster a little over a week ago. Since there have been requests...meet Phoebe.
20.3.09
File Under: Emotional Moments
It's funny how emotions can over take you with out warning. I was just upstairs with the family, they were reading while I practiced guitar. Addy had dragged my old bear, Max, onto the bed.
Max is one of those fabulous big ol Gund Honeybears. He literally hugs you back and was the last stuffed toy of my youth. Admittedly, I was a little old when I got him, but to this day, I won't turn down a good stuffed bear as a gift.
Since I was tired, I decided to lay down for a minute and snuggle my old bear. As I lay there hugging Max, I had a strong memory of the day I got him. My Mom and Gram took me with them to a gift shop in Caribou. While looking around I found Max; Gram decided I should have him, so she bought him for me, as a present (birthday, maybe).
My gram passed a couple years ago, and that memory triggered a rush of emotion. I started sobbing like I hadn't done since she died. My son, who was lying near, saw the tears and asked if I was alright. I told him through sobs that I missed his GG (great-grammy). That little man leaned in, hugged me tight, kissed my cheek and told me he loved me. Which made me cry harder, but was exactly what my heart neeeded. I'm so lucky to have such a great kid, my Gram would be proud.
Max is one of those fabulous big ol Gund Honeybears. He literally hugs you back and was the last stuffed toy of my youth. Admittedly, I was a little old when I got him, but to this day, I won't turn down a good stuffed bear as a gift.
Since I was tired, I decided to lay down for a minute and snuggle my old bear. As I lay there hugging Max, I had a strong memory of the day I got him. My Mom and Gram took me with them to a gift shop in Caribou. While looking around I found Max; Gram decided I should have him, so she bought him for me, as a present (birthday, maybe).
My gram passed a couple years ago, and that memory triggered a rush of emotion. I started sobbing like I hadn't done since she died. My son, who was lying near, saw the tears and asked if I was alright. I told him through sobs that I missed his GG (great-grammy). That little man leaned in, hugged me tight, kissed my cheek and told me he loved me. Which made me cry harder, but was exactly what my heart neeeded. I'm so lucky to have such a great kid, my Gram would be proud.
17.2.09
File Under: Facebook's '25 Things'
It seems that the '25 Random Things' notes that many of us have been posting, may have more value than we think. Check out this piece at the Chicago Tribune.
For those of you who don't have Facebook and would like to have more insight into your author, here is my note:
Unlike some other tagging type people, there are no obligations attached to this thing, just read it and whatever. Anyone who wasn't tagged, but reads this, sorry the system is clunky.
1. Ellyn is my reason and my life.
2. Even though they drive me nuts, I love my children so much, my heart hurts to think of the future they may face.
3. I have a bad temper, mostly toward those I love, this is my greatest shame and my greatest failure.
4. I love to curse. I use all kinds of offensive, horrible words and string them together in new and interesting ways.
5. I have a wicked bad stomach. For years I took drugs so I could continue to eat and drink whatever I like. Since I don't like pills, I'm trying to regulate it with diet. I really miss those foods (coffee, chocolate, speecy spicy hotsie totsie), but I've read that I will eventually get to eat them again, in small doses.
6. I'm a cheap bastard. I'm not saying I won't spend money to have something nice. I'm saying, I won't even buy a movie with out thinking it over for a week.
7. I love the process of buying cars. I love test driving and dickering. I love moving my stuff into them, and those drives you take in a new (well new to me) car. You know, the ones to nowhere. Also, I've always wanted a Jeep. Not one of those Grand Cherokee things, a real Jeep. I'll probably never buy one though (see #6).
8. I was never a sports guy, but I love the NFL. To me, football is the king of sports.
9. A few days before my 35th birthday I bought a guitar starter kit. I'm ashamed to admit that Guitar Hero had something to do with it.
10. That guitar kit from #9 is gone. It was crap. I've replaced it with a Hagstrom Super Swede and a Fender G-Dec. I also bought a Fender acoustic and a Fender Jazz Bass.
11. I really want a Fender Telecaster. I think I may have an addiction. All those guitars and I still suck. Oh well, it makes me happy.
12. I'm glad that music has made a resurgence in my life. Along the way it seemed to have lost it luster. Now, thanks to some of you, it's assumed it's proper place in my life. It may be that I was just listening to the wrong music.
13. I didn't really want to go on my first balloon ride, now I love it so much I run the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest and am working on my pilot's license. At this rate, I'll be a pilot in about another decade.
14. According to friends and family, I was oblivious to the girls that were interested in me. Instead, I walked around feeling miserable and unwanted. I now argue that it was fate saving me for my wife.
15. I decided a long time ago that my friends and family were more important than a career in entertainment. My acting professor told me I had to choose, because to be as good as I wanted to be, I had to let it all go. I very seldom regret this decision. I do however miss the process.
16. I am very picky about what shows I will see live. I have an unfortunate affliction which causes me to see how things could be done better. I am kind of an asshole in that respect.
17. I was born in Connecticut and lived there as an infant for several months, before my parents moved back to Maine. Which means I'm not a 'real' Mainer, a point that is often made to me. It's kind of funny considering how many of the 'real' Mainer's, I grew up with, don't live here any more.
18. I believe that if every able body volunteered just a little, the world would be better, and I wouldn't be so damned tired.
19. I'm apparently, a wicked flirt. Lucky for me, my wife is not the jealous type. In fact she laughs at me.
20. I'm not as self-assured as I sometimes appear. In fact, I'm more of a dancing monkey, begging for your approval. Therefore, when I say, that I don't care what people think, I'm lying.
21. I have no known enemies, although I do have a special hatred for greed and stupidity.
22. I have friends who are fundamental opposites of me. Just cause I don't agree with them, doesn't mean I don't care for them.
23. I feel responsible for making my young employees into better people. When they fail, I feel as though I have failed as well.
24. I cry during sad movies and TV shows. I'm just a big wuss, what can I say.
25. I've lost two childhood friends in recent years. I deeply regret that I lost track of both of them until hearing of their passing. For this reason, I'm glad for this silly site.
For those of you who don't have Facebook and would like to have more insight into your author, here is my note:
Unlike some other tagging type people, there are no obligations attached to this thing, just read it and whatever. Anyone who wasn't tagged, but reads this, sorry the system is clunky.
1. Ellyn is my reason and my life.
2. Even though they drive me nuts, I love my children so much, my heart hurts to think of the future they may face.
3. I have a bad temper, mostly toward those I love, this is my greatest shame and my greatest failure.
4. I love to curse. I use all kinds of offensive, horrible words and string them together in new and interesting ways.
5. I have a wicked bad stomach. For years I took drugs so I could continue to eat and drink whatever I like. Since I don't like pills, I'm trying to regulate it with diet. I really miss those foods (coffee, chocolate, speecy spicy hotsie totsie), but I've read that I will eventually get to eat them again, in small doses.
6. I'm a cheap bastard. I'm not saying I won't spend money to have something nice. I'm saying, I won't even buy a movie with out thinking it over for a week.
7. I love the process of buying cars. I love test driving and dickering. I love moving my stuff into them, and those drives you take in a new (well new to me) car. You know, the ones to nowhere. Also, I've always wanted a Jeep. Not one of those Grand Cherokee things, a real Jeep. I'll probably never buy one though (see #6).
8. I was never a sports guy, but I love the NFL. To me, football is the king of sports.
9. A few days before my 35th birthday I bought a guitar starter kit. I'm ashamed to admit that Guitar Hero had something to do with it.
10. That guitar kit from #9 is gone. It was crap. I've replaced it with a Hagstrom Super Swede and a Fender G-Dec. I also bought a Fender acoustic and a Fender Jazz Bass.
11. I really want a Fender Telecaster. I think I may have an addiction. All those guitars and I still suck. Oh well, it makes me happy.
12. I'm glad that music has made a resurgence in my life. Along the way it seemed to have lost it luster. Now, thanks to some of you, it's assumed it's proper place in my life. It may be that I was just listening to the wrong music.
13. I didn't really want to go on my first balloon ride, now I love it so much I run the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest and am working on my pilot's license. At this rate, I'll be a pilot in about another decade.
14. According to friends and family, I was oblivious to the girls that were interested in me. Instead, I walked around feeling miserable and unwanted. I now argue that it was fate saving me for my wife.
15. I decided a long time ago that my friends and family were more important than a career in entertainment. My acting professor told me I had to choose, because to be as good as I wanted to be, I had to let it all go. I very seldom regret this decision. I do however miss the process.
16. I am very picky about what shows I will see live. I have an unfortunate affliction which causes me to see how things could be done better. I am kind of an asshole in that respect.
17. I was born in Connecticut and lived there as an infant for several months, before my parents moved back to Maine. Which means I'm not a 'real' Mainer, a point that is often made to me. It's kind of funny considering how many of the 'real' Mainer's, I grew up with, don't live here any more.
18. I believe that if every able body volunteered just a little, the world would be better, and I wouldn't be so damned tired.
19. I'm apparently, a wicked flirt. Lucky for me, my wife is not the jealous type. In fact she laughs at me.
20. I'm not as self-assured as I sometimes appear. In fact, I'm more of a dancing monkey, begging for your approval. Therefore, when I say, that I don't care what people think, I'm lying.
21. I have no known enemies, although I do have a special hatred for greed and stupidity.
22. I have friends who are fundamental opposites of me. Just cause I don't agree with them, doesn't mean I don't care for them.
23. I feel responsible for making my young employees into better people. When they fail, I feel as though I have failed as well.
24. I cry during sad movies and TV shows. I'm just a big wuss, what can I say.
25. I've lost two childhood friends in recent years. I deeply regret that I lost track of both of them until hearing of their passing. For this reason, I'm glad for this silly site.
25.12.08
30.11.08
File Under: I'm apparently a pissant
I just bought Guitar Hero World Tour. I needed a new guitar, as the RB1 and the GH Explorer were both acting up and causing problems. Since it was only $30 more the GHWT guitart with the game than just the Rock Band 2 guitar, it seemed an easy decision. It's quite fun, especially in a group.
I must say, that just because Yahtzee's friends don't want to sing, doesn't make me a lush or a pissant. Although, I am sure some of you will argue that point.
I must say, that just because Yahtzee's friends don't want to sing, doesn't make me a lush or a pissant. Although, I am sure some of you will argue that point.
2.10.08
14.9.08
File Under: GPN-Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival
After a good night's sleep, September 13 arrived and it was time to 
hit the road for another Grace Potter and the Nocturnals show. We packed up the kids and headed back home, where we would drop them off with a babysitter, grab Matt and Tom (2nd show). The trip to Fredericton was uneventful, though we did listen to Blues and Lasers, Jen Crowell and the Woods Vehicle and of course GPN.
A quick stop at the hotel to drop off the bags and then to downtown Fredericton for some din-din and music. We had dinner at "Mojo's Pub," which some of you may see as humorous. The food was very good, the house beer was tasty, and I recommend it to anyone going to Freddy.
It was time to head for the Bud Light Blues Tent for the "State of Grace" sets. Upon arrival we found, my mother and her friends already enjoying themselves. The first act was Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin Daddys. They were a 7 piece band, 2 tenor saxs, barri sax, trumpet, guitarist, upright bass and drums. Their concise playing was a thrill. Especially amazing, was that fact that Shirely was playing with a broken arm. A fact that none of us noticed until she mentioned it, she was that good. (Tom later chatted with her and found out how she broke her arm, she tripped on an instrument on stage, she finished that show).
The next act was Charlie A'Court (please ignore the back up singers). He was in a trio with a bassist and a drummer. This left Charlie playing his own rhythm and lead, and play it he did. Holy shit that guy is good. I highly recommend you take any chance to see him live.
What can I say about the Grace Potter set? Hmm, let me think. Oh yeah, it was fuckin awesome! They were in the rockin zone. Bryan was definitely feeling it, to the point where Ellyn was commenting on it (a later conversation with Scott would confirm Bryan's groove). Between snapping pics and noting the set list, I enjoyed a hell of a show. Oh yeah, the setlist:
Treat Me Right
Ain’t No Time
Mystery Train
Sweet Hands
Stop the Bus
Here’s to the Meantime
Ah Mary
Pain in My Heart
Joey
Sugar
Paint it Black
If I Was From Paris
Watchin You
Angel Band
Big White Gate
———
Down by the River
The place went ape shit when they did Paint it Black and Down by the River.
Some of my impressions of the event are as follows:
1. Canadian, drunk, frat boys are just as annoying as American, drunk, frat boys.
2.That many people in a tent, talking all at once, sounds like a brooding shed.
3. Women who carry overly large bags into a festival environment should be beaten with them.
Other than that, a good time was had by all.
For more pics, visit my flickr page.
hit the road for another Grace Potter and the Nocturnals show. We packed up the kids and headed back home, where we would drop them off with a babysitter, grab Matt and Tom (2nd show). The trip to Fredericton was uneventful, though we did listen to Blues and Lasers, Jen Crowell and the Woods Vehicle and of course GPN.
A quick stop at the hotel to drop off the bags and then to downtown Fredericton for some din-din and music. We had dinner at "Mojo's Pub," which some of you may see as humorous. The food was very good, the house beer was tasty, and I recommend it to anyone going to Freddy.
It was time to head for the Bud Light Blues Tent for the "State of Grace" sets. Upon arrival we found, my mother and her friends already enjoying themselves. The first act was Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin Daddys. They were a 7 piece band, 2 tenor saxs, barri sax, trumpet, guitarist, upright bass and drums. Their concise playing was a thrill. Especially amazing, was that fact that Shirely was playing with a broken arm. A fact that none of us noticed until she mentioned it, she was that good. (Tom later chatted with her and found out how she broke her arm, she tripped on an instrument on stage, she finished that show).
The next act was Charlie A'Court (please ignore the back up singers). He was in a trio with a bassist and a drummer. This left Charlie playing his own rhythm and lead, and play it he did. Holy shit that guy is good. I highly recommend you take any chance to see him live.
What can I say about the Grace Potter set? Hmm, let me think. Oh yeah, it was fuckin awesome! They were in the rockin zone. Bryan was definitely feeling it, to the point where Ellyn was commenting on it (a later conversation with Scott would confirm Bryan's groove). Between snapping pics and noting the set list, I enjoyed a hell of a show. Oh yeah, the setlist:
Treat Me Right
Ain’t No Time
Mystery Train
Sweet Hands
Stop the Bus
Here’s to the Meantime
Ah Mary
Pain in My Heart
Joey
Sugar
Paint it Black
If I Was From Paris
Watchin You
Angel Band
Big White Gate
———
Down by the River
The place went ape shit when they did Paint it Black and Down by the River.
Some of my impressions of the event are as follows:
1. Canadian, drunk, frat boys are just as annoying as American, drunk, frat boys.
2.That many people in a tent, talking all at once, sounds like a brooding shed.
3. Women who carry overly large bags into a festival environment should be beaten with them.
Other than that, a good time was had by all.
For more pics, visit my flickr page.
File Under: GPN at Unity College
The trip started off late, as usual, so our caravan was hauling down the interstate. As we neared the exit for my sis-in-laws (our bed for the night), "Ah Mary" came on Sirius, from the back we here a little girls voice, "Can you turn that up?" I turn it up, "a little more?" Up it goes, "A little more!" What a great start to my Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Weekend.After a quick drop off of the kids, Ellyn (3rd show), Matt (2nd), Curtis (virgin), and I (5th); made our way to Unity as quickly as possible. Once inside the venue, we see Potterville Posse member Todd doing he email gathering thing. The usual greetings are exchanged, excitement was palpable. I introduce myself to Nicole, the new Merch person. I must say, she is a sweetheart comparable to our Jen. It turns out she got the job by answering a Craig's List ad. She didn't even know which band it was for. While chatting with her, I finally laid my hands on the Blues and Lasers CD. Woot!
When we enter the venue, we can't find seats together. Turns out the 200 seat venue had sold around 300 tickets. Mom heads down to sit with Van, Matt and Curtis end up in the back and Ellyn finds us seat next to Shawn Mercer's family. Shawn Mercer would be the opening act for the night.
Shawn's set was damn good. He definitely has some interesting songs, including topics such as Sweetbread, climbing trees, and taking out compost. The gentleman who was playing lead for Shawn that night (he has a rotating crew) was damn good. During one of his solos, he performed a pitch perfect scat to match his playing. Super cool.
The thing that made the set so sweet, Mr. Scott Tournet came out and sat in. He would later confess that he didn't know the songs at all. I'll tell you, with out noticing the concentration on his face, you would never know. It is my humble opinion, that Scott is just getting better and better; and this author can't wait to see just how good he gets.
During the break, I made my way up to the front to talk to Todd, Van and Mom. I just happened to be standing in front of Graces monitors (when on guitar), when the band walks on stage. SERENDIPITY! I stayed there too, for one damn rocking, floor bouncing, ass kicking show. I could do that every f'n night of my life. I was hearing the guitars off of their amps, Grace's voice from her monitors, and the drum nice and clear. It was so damn good I tell ya!
The drum jam, or "orgy" as I call it, was interesting as the stage was so small. I'll tell you it may have been a pain for them to get around the kit, but they rocked it anyway.
Unfortunately, I was "stuck" up there without my camera, so I tried to get the best shots I could out of my phone. So the pics are a little dodgy. The set list that appears here, does not tell the correct story. Paris was moved to the encore, I assume due to a broken E1 string (see pic of Scott, it's the weird line) on the flying V and the encore ended up being "Ah Mary" followed by "Pain in My Heart" and "If I was from Paris"As the boys left the stage, Grace pushed the merchandise and assured us that anyone who bought a Frisbee would receive some play time.After the show, we chatted while the crowd filed out. Eventually we ended up in the lobby, where we got to chat with Scott, Bryan and Grace. I got to talk about my new Jazz Bass with Bryan, which was neat. I even understood what he was saying, most of the time. The best part, Matty finally got to meet Grace, they had a nice conversation about his name, car dealerships, and Matt Burr's not being anything but Matt. After assurances about seeing them the next night, we departed for the evening. A Good time was had by all.
Listen to the show over at This is Somewhere.
28.8.08
File Under: Erik is now an Aeronaut
Last Friday night Erik took his first balloon flight. Some of these pics a
re from my dad.
13.8.08
File Under: We have a kitchen
We now have a functioning kitchen. I will post pics when the paint and trim are done, but it is very nice. I would like to thank my father for helping so very much and my wife and son for their demo work. I am so sore I can barely walk, but it is done. Now all I need is to get through the balloon fest, and I can sleep.
6.8.08
File Under: Kitchen Remodel
To sum up the last few days of our kitchen remodel.
Ellyn rules at demo, thank god for my Dad, and I don't ever want to do this again. We're probably about 1/2 way through.
Love ya all, and miss you.
Ellyn rules at demo, thank god for my Dad, and I don't ever want to do this again. We're probably about 1/2 way through.
Love ya all, and miss you.
3.6.08
File Under: Special Oil
Hello boys and girls in CMP land. Your Uncle Kired just received his budget plan for heating oil this coming year. $313.00 per month. Isn't that special? Last year it was $185 per month. That was special too. I feel so special right now, I just want to tell our President how special he is. I would also like to tell all those folks at those big oil companies how special I think they are. Oh and those special people who play the commodities market, aren't they just the most special people?
I would like to hear from all you boys and girls about how special it's going to be to heat your home this year.
I would like to hear from all you boys and girls about how special it's going to be to heat your home this year.
11.3.08
File Under: Erik is learning to whistle
Erik has been practicing his whistling, and the song he has chosen is Peter,Bjorn, & John- Young Folks. He loves the song, and the intro to this video is especially apropos.
24.2.08
File Under: Digging Tunnel Tom and Tunnel Baker
After brunch today Ellyn, Erik, Addy and I went out to dig tunnels in our nice big snow banks. I began on Tunnel Tom and Ellyn started on Tunnel Baker. After awhile we met up and began working on a room. A good time was had by all.
5.2.08
File Under: Erik checks this guitar thing out
Erik is home today with a fever. He asked if he could try the old guitar.
17.12.07
File Under: Go Elf Yourself
That's right just go elf yourself. I elfed my whole family. I'm so ashamed.
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