Well, it's Thanksgiving week. I can't believe how fast time is slipping by. You know all those things people say when you're growing up that you just never believe? Every day I'm finding out more and more of those phrases are true. If only I could turn back time and pay heed to all the advice people gave...
"Enjoy Growing Up, It's The Best Years of Your Life!"
You know, looking back I dreaded that part of my life. But now I think of how great it could have been. If I only knew then what I know now I would have attempted to make so much more of it. Not only the social aspects, in which I utterly avoided. The actual time to just learn and explore interests without worry of money, work and bills. Growing up did include a lot of work. Looking around at other kids I realize that comparatively yes, it was a lot of work, but that taught me many valuable things that has served me well to this day. Heck the way things are going in the world, I may end up needing to rely on knowing how to "rough it". Many people I see out there would be at a complete loss. Anyway, even with that said there was plenty of time to enjoy and just be a kid. I took so little advantage of that time I should be put on trial, because it's gotta be a crime. To think of the free time I had to just practice on my golf game. I frittered so much of that time away. I could have played just half as much and still played 10 times more than I do now, and still I would have had to practice a couple hours a day.
I used to read a bit, mostly the outdoor and nature stories that Dad had in his little library in the den. Books by authors such as Gene Hill and Pat McManus. As an aside, I've got to recommend Pat McManus to everyone out there reading this, it's the least I can do after stealing his work to title this post. Do yourself a favor try a McManus book. I'd recommend starting with "The Grasshopper Trap" or "A Fine and Pleasant Misery". They get get the Not Too Bad... ***** stamp of approval if you want to bring a smile to your face. Here's another independent review if you don't believe me. McManus Review. Nowadays I find myself watching documentaries if I'm watching TV (Well, TV that doesn't include a ball of some sort.) Either about history (war and historical politics are of particular interest) or science. To think of the free resources and time I had to explore those interests more back when I was growing up. Even if the teachers were terrible (and I have had a few of them, would make for some good stories), I still had books, hell, libraries and hours a day where learning and exploring was supposedly encouraged. Never did like Algebra much, so I don't think going back in time would have helped that. But, I did really enjoy geometry and trig. I think I was the only one who went ahead in their geometry book to do proofs for fun. I guess that was my Sudoku. At least Linda will know what I mean by that.
I was never a bad student. Usually got A's, sometimes a B or two. I got one C+ in my life. 7th grade English, but that was just me being stubborn and having one of those teachers I mentioned that would make a good story. I don't remember her name, I don't have many specific memories of growing up, at least not details like that. I do remember she flunked me on a spelling test because I used all capital letters. Even back then I wrote all in caps. I can't remember the last time I used cursive or lower case letters in my normal hand writing. Maybe that's what drew me to Architecture, that and the fact I was damn near blind so Jet Pilot was out of the question. That was my "I wanna be a fireman" dream job. Anyway, I wasn't a bad student, but if I enjoyed learning as much back then as I do now I'd smile my way through straight A's. Well, maybe a B in algebra... begrudgingly.
Then there is the social aspect. Still don't think I would be too successful at that even with the whole "given what I know now" theme. I'm sure I would would be exponentially better than I was, and at least I would put more effort into it. It would be nigh impossible to not show improvement. Even my meager social life now is substantial in comparison to my school age years. Never know, maybe I would have shown aptitude if I'd tried harder. One of those questions that can never be answered. I think I'm too set in my ways now. You know what they say...
"It's Hard To Teach an Old Dog New Tricks."
Which brings me back to; Well it's Thanksgiving week. We all know what that means. It's about time for me to get a Halloween post up! Yes, once again I transport you back to an age before computers, before telephones, telegrams or the pony express. Back when news arrived by caravans and ships. Hey, that's not too bad... I could be carving it into a rock or painting it on a cave wall.
Halloween was an entirely different experience than last year. Taylor was so much more aware of what was going on. This year Taylor was going to be a Lady Bug. After recovering from the shock that Linda was going to have Taylor running around wearing red and black on the same day as "The Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." I admitted she looked very cute. I mean, last year she was cute in her Bumble Bee outfit, but she just kinda sat there and smiled, or drooled. Now she was running (read stumbling) around the house in it.
"Enjoy Growing Up, It's The Best Years of Your Life!"
You know, looking back I dreaded that part of my life. But now I think of how great it could have been. If I only knew then what I know now I would have attempted to make so much more of it. Not only the social aspects, in which I utterly avoided. The actual time to just learn and explore interests without worry of money, work and bills. Growing up did include a lot of work. Looking around at other kids I realize that comparatively yes, it was a lot of work, but that taught me many valuable things that has served me well to this day. Heck the way things are going in the world, I may end up needing to rely on knowing how to "rough it". Many people I see out there would be at a complete loss. Anyway, even with that said there was plenty of time to enjoy and just be a kid. I took so little advantage of that time I should be put on trial, because it's gotta be a crime. To think of the free time I had to just practice on my golf game. I frittered so much of that time away. I could have played just half as much and still played 10 times more than I do now, and still I would have had to practice a couple hours a day.
I used to read a bit, mostly the outdoor and nature stories that Dad had in his little library in the den. Books by authors such as Gene Hill and Pat McManus. As an aside, I've got to recommend Pat McManus to everyone out there reading this, it's the least I can do after stealing his work to title this post. Do yourself a favor try a McManus book. I'd recommend starting with "The Grasshopper Trap" or "A Fine and Pleasant Misery". They get get the Not Too Bad... ***** stamp of approval if you want to bring a smile to your face. Here's another independent review if you don't believe me. McManus Review. Nowadays I find myself watching documentaries if I'm watching TV (Well, TV that doesn't include a ball of some sort.) Either about history (war and historical politics are of particular interest) or science. To think of the free resources and time I had to explore those interests more back when I was growing up. Even if the teachers were terrible (and I have had a few of them, would make for some good stories), I still had books, hell, libraries and hours a day where learning and exploring was supposedly encouraged. Never did like Algebra much, so I don't think going back in time would have helped that. But, I did really enjoy geometry and trig. I think I was the only one who went ahead in their geometry book to do proofs for fun. I guess that was my Sudoku. At least Linda will know what I mean by that.
I was never a bad student. Usually got A's, sometimes a B or two. I got one C+ in my life. 7th grade English, but that was just me being stubborn and having one of those teachers I mentioned that would make a good story. I don't remember her name, I don't have many specific memories of growing up, at least not details like that. I do remember she flunked me on a spelling test because I used all capital letters. Even back then I wrote all in caps. I can't remember the last time I used cursive or lower case letters in my normal hand writing. Maybe that's what drew me to Architecture, that and the fact I was damn near blind so Jet Pilot was out of the question. That was my "I wanna be a fireman" dream job. Anyway, I wasn't a bad student, but if I enjoyed learning as much back then as I do now I'd smile my way through straight A's. Well, maybe a B in algebra... begrudgingly.
Then there is the social aspect. Still don't think I would be too successful at that even with the whole "given what I know now" theme. I'm sure I would would be exponentially better than I was, and at least I would put more effort into it. It would be nigh impossible to not show improvement. Even my meager social life now is substantial in comparison to my school age years. Never know, maybe I would have shown aptitude if I'd tried harder. One of those questions that can never be answered. I think I'm too set in my ways now. You know what they say...
"It's Hard To Teach an Old Dog New Tricks."
Which brings me back to; Well it's Thanksgiving week. We all know what that means. It's about time for me to get a Halloween post up! Yes, once again I transport you back to an age before computers, before telephones, telegrams or the pony express. Back when news arrived by caravans and ships. Hey, that's not too bad... I could be carving it into a rock or painting it on a cave wall.
Halloween was an entirely different experience than last year. Taylor was so much more aware of what was going on. This year Taylor was going to be a Lady Bug. After recovering from the shock that Linda was going to have Taylor running around wearing red and black on the same day as "The Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." I admitted she looked very cute. I mean, last year she was cute in her Bumble Bee outfit, but she just kinda sat there and smiled, or drooled. Now she was running (read stumbling) around the house in it.
We got a pumpkin this year. First one in a long time. Taylor enjoyed exploring the patch and seeing all the pumpkins. They had a little photography area set up where one could take some pictures with a nice back drop. We spent some time there, although I think that was probably Taylor's least favorite portion of the excursion. She was a trooper and allowed me to get a few pictures. Although I have at least 50 of the back of her head or in mid-complaint, we did manage to get a few keepers. She even got to pick a couple of small pumpkins to bring home herself. My job was to to carve the large one. I ended up doing a simple smiling pumpkin face. I was tempted to try something more difficult and scarier but we figured Taylor would probably enjoy a simple happy one more at this age. It didn't turn out too bad, but I'm looking forward to future years when I can try some more difficult things and maybe improve my skill in that area. Already have a few ideas for next year, we'll see if any of them come to fruition.
Here are some pictures from the pumpkin patch.
Linda decided to take Taylor trick-or-treating with the neighbor across the street. The same as she did last year. She left just about the same time as the football game was coming on. Let me tell you, it was very painful see my sweet little girl running around in her red and black outfit. I confessed to Linda that someone would need to shoulder the blame if Florida lost the game. I didn't want to saddle Taylor with that sort of pressure, but this was serious. I mean, red? and black? during the Florida-Georgia game... in our house? Daddy's little girl? "Et tu, Taylor?" Oh well, she knows not what she does. She had a little black bucket to carry around. While she would spend most of her time in the stroller; this year she would be walking up to the door and standing there with her bucket. I can only hope she doesn't come home with a bucket full of rocks. After all, I'm far from the only resident of this town, or state, that immediately equates red and black with Georgia. Especially on this day.
"I don't understand it. I went trick-or-treating and all I got was a bag full of rocks."
Here are some pictures from the pumpkin patch.
Linda decided to take Taylor trick-or-treating with the neighbor across the street. The same as she did last year. She left just about the same time as the football game was coming on. Let me tell you, it was very painful see my sweet little girl running around in her red and black outfit. I confessed to Linda that someone would need to shoulder the blame if Florida lost the game. I didn't want to saddle Taylor with that sort of pressure, but this was serious. I mean, red? and black? during the Florida-Georgia game... in our house? Daddy's little girl? "Et tu, Taylor?" Oh well, she knows not what she does. She had a little black bucket to carry around. While she would spend most of her time in the stroller; this year she would be walking up to the door and standing there with her bucket. I can only hope she doesn't come home with a bucket full of rocks. After all, I'm far from the only resident of this town, or state, that immediately equates red and black with Georgia. Especially on this day.
"I don't understand it. I went trick-or-treating and all I got was a bag full of rocks."
Luckily she came home with a bucket full of candy, and only couple of rocks... I'm pretty sure Taylor put those in there herself. After all, Florida did end up winning the game 47-17, so people should have been fairly benevolent toward the faux pas. She didn't eat any of her candy,(that won't come until at least next year) but she knew it was her loot. She put her bucket in the middle of the living room floor and started pulling it out. Separating it in piles and sometimes handing Mommy or Daddy a piece. Of course she had to always carry a minimum of two pieces in each hand for the following days. Her favorite items to carry were the little chocolate candy bars. Thankfully she is still unable to open the packaging. It did an admirable job to keep the melted mass of chocolaty goodness contained.
I think next year I'll be recording the football game and joining Mommy and Taylor for the trick-or-treating. I imagine she'll be fully aware of the situation and actually able to say "Trick or Treat!" that is assuming shyness isn't hereditary. It will be a new experience for me. I only remember going trick-or-treating one time growing up and that consisted of driving around to a few houses. Walking wasn't an option, it would have taken a few hours to cover the bottom of my bag that way... if people were generous. I do remember seeing a picture of me dressed up as Casper the Friendly Ghost. I'm assuming I went trick-or-treating that day, but I don't have personal recollection. I know it was taken in Delaware so I had to be less than 4 years old.
Here are some pictures from Halloween.
I think next year I'll be recording the football game and joining Mommy and Taylor for the trick-or-treating. I imagine she'll be fully aware of the situation and actually able to say "Trick or Treat!" that is assuming shyness isn't hereditary. It will be a new experience for me. I only remember going trick-or-treating one time growing up and that consisted of driving around to a few houses. Walking wasn't an option, it would have taken a few hours to cover the bottom of my bag that way... if people were generous. I do remember seeing a picture of me dressed up as Casper the Friendly Ghost. I'm assuming I went trick-or-treating that day, but I don't have personal recollection. I know it was taken in Delaware so I had to be less than 4 years old.
Here are some pictures from Halloween.
"They Grow Up So Fast"
I can't believe the changes in Taylor. Not so much her looks, although when I look back through my catalog of Taylor pictures it's amazing how that has changed as well. I'm more talking about her personality and development. It seems just yesterday that Taylor was perfectly content to just sit in my lap and play. Now she constantly squirms and wants to climb down, then up, then down to run into the other room, stopping to pick up every speck of anything on the floor. Holding hands is on her terms now. Wasn't long ago if you held out your finger she would grab on and hold it. Now she is just as apt to grab hold as she is to shake her head and push it away. Instead of sitting in my lap, laying her head on my chest when she is tired, she usually prefers to grab a blanket or stuffed animal and lay on the floor. Instead of carrying around a rattle or plastic ring, she likes to carry the phone, occasionally pushing a button and holding it up to her ear. Another favorite is the remote, or should I say remotes (she still has a hard time conceiving of an empty hand). Finding a remote now generally requires an expedition around the house. I know as time passes she is just going to become more independent. I need to make a concerted effort to enjoy her at this age, as she'll never visit these times again. I don't want to always be looking in the past wishing I had taken more advantage of that time period.
"Stop and Smell the Roses."
Following is a random sampling of pictures since my last blog update.
During most game days Taylor is a little more suitably dressed. Here are some pictures of her wearing her cheerleader outfit.
Taylor has taken an interest in drawing lately. We got her some washable markers and crayons, but she pretty much will draw with anything. She seems to really enjoy sitting at my desk and writing on all my legal pads with pen. Here are some more pictures; mostly of her drawing, but also some after bath time and just Taylor being Taylor.
I took some footage from video taken since my last blog post and put together a small collage style movie. Fair warning, it's a tad long. Hopefully the subject will help assuage boredom and perhaps keep you entertained. It's officially untitled, but let's call it "13 Minutes with Taylor". I hope you enjoy.
"Stop and Smell the Roses."
Following is a random sampling of pictures since my last blog update.
During most game days Taylor is a little more suitably dressed. Here are some pictures of her wearing her cheerleader outfit.
Taylor has taken an interest in drawing lately. We got her some washable markers and crayons, but she pretty much will draw with anything. She seems to really enjoy sitting at my desk and writing on all my legal pads with pen. Here are some more pictures; mostly of her drawing, but also some after bath time and just Taylor being Taylor.
I took some footage from video taken since my last blog post and put together a small collage style movie. Fair warning, it's a tad long. Hopefully the subject will help assuage boredom and perhaps keep you entertained. It's officially untitled, but let's call it "13 Minutes with Taylor". I hope you enjoy.
Well, that's it until the next installment. I hope soon to put up some pictures and make a post of our dog sledding adventure. Every time I visit the the blog I see that expired poll question and I realize how far behind I am in making posts here.
1 comment:
these are great you guys... look forward to seeing you all soon.
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