I’m not trying to step on any toes…..BUT…..what is with the pet owners at Halloween?  Is it ok to dress up the dog and cat? Don’t get me wrong, I love dogs and I love cats but I do not love them in little football jerseys and tutus. They come to my door every year, and every year I wonder why people do this.  How can anyone take themselves seriously as they parade up an down the street with a 5 lbs dog dressed as Tony Romo?  What do they do with the candy?  Should I pass out dog and cat treats?  If I don’t have special treats for them do I get tricked?  Are they going to poo in my yard or pee on my tires? Should put a litter box on my door step?  I’m confused and I have so many questions. Maybe I should participate this year….any costume ideas for a lama?

My life is so different now that I’m a dad. I’m beginning to learn some parent lingo.  Before I had kids I never understood the language that parents use.  For instance I now know that there are different types of naps: “a good nap”, “a short nap”, “too long of a nap” and “missed our nap”. I also have grasped the concept meant by the words “doesn’t travel well”.  Before I had a kid I never understood what “pick your battles” meant. Now, I get it.  The mysterious “teething” process is no longer a mystery. (By the way–when do we finish getting those?) I have also noticed how much I look like a dad now.  I am always prepared and I carry that BIG bag. I don’t go anywhere with Aas without diapers, wipes, toys, books, snacks, extra clothes, pacifiers, blankets, car seats, booster seats, strollers…. the list goes on. I need a pack-mule when I have my son with me !  The music in the car has even changed! And I gotta tell you, it ain’t good.   When I see these changes I just smile. They don’t bother me like I thought they would.  I’m a dad–it’s worth it!

Well we just rapped up the second day of the  GHS Childrens Radiothon and I must say “what a joy”.   To see our community come together and give is really moving.  This afternoon I was at home in the backyard playing with my son (Asa) and I got to thinking about the little guys I saw struggling just to stay alive at the Greenville Memorial Hospital.  I talk with many of the children and the families and it really encourages me to see their attitude towards life.  It  is a humbling experience.  We really  must count  our blessings everyday.  I can only hope that if something like what these families  go  through ever hits my family I can be as encouraging in the same situation.  Those children are some of the most courageous people I have ever meet and it truly is an honor to call them friends.  I also want to recognize and thank  all the volunteers and people behind the scenes that make it happen as well.  We thank you for the many  hours you put in before and after the radiothon.  Thanks so much hawk

    There is a lot of new technology out there to master. Especially for those who are a little older . Have you tried to explain Facebook the old folks? Wow. I did. My mom was just here visiting for Labor day this weekend. She is in her 60s. I’m the least tech savvy person in my family, and she always asks ME about new technology. After I fumbled thru a quick explanation of Facebook, she was excited to join. She also played the wii when she was here. Yeah, my mom likes wii bowling and golf (and she is good at it!). She played so much she had to use Icee-Hot on her shoulder and arm! She wouldn’t quit. She’s addicted now, and wants to buy a wii. When I got in her new car she immediately demanded that I explain how to use her GPS navigation. Imagine that. Me explaining it to my mom– Pretty funny! So I guess she got it all right. I explained it as best I knew how…..well…she was supposed to call when she got home and I haven’t heard from her yet

My son, Asa is 20 months old, and I am worried about something.  He is soo easily entertained.  Is that normal?  Ha! I guess he takes after me that way.  I love to buy him new toys, but the problem is he only plays with them for about 5 minutes and then insists on playing with the boxes they came in.   Seems like the more expensive the toy is that I give him, the less time he actually plays with it.  The other day I gave him a toilet paper roll, a plastic cup and a straw.   He played ALL day with them with no complaints!  These items don’t get enough credit. I’m thinking about giving them as birthday gifts to my friend’s kids. Can you imagine the money I will save?!  Toy’s R Us has completely missed the mark!  Christmas shopping will be a little different this year …..

Summer colds stink.  Well I think they stink….can you really smell when you have a cold?  I have a cold.  I try to be a courteous when I’m sick. I always feel the responsibility to tell whoever I’m dealing with that I have a cold. For example I told the lady that the Post office today that I had a cold. She was very grateful.  Even at church when it’s time for handshaking I always explain why I’m not shaking hands. People usually thank me for that.   I feel the need to tell my co-workers to stay away when I have sick cooties.  And that makes them happy. I also try not to contaminate things like door knobs, remote controls, and telephones when I am sick.  I go to great lengths to use other body parts instead of my hands when sick.  For example,  for the past week I have been using my butt to open doors. ( I must say the ones that have doorknobs do take a bit longer, but it can be done.) I guess what I’m trying to say is some of you germ carriers out there are not so courteous and that’s why I have a cold in the summer and that upsets me. Please, next time you have a cold, just tell me. Don’t try to shake my hand.  I’ll take an elbow.  Thanks.

  Its summertime! All the kids are out of school.  I see them playing in in the streets, at the park, and at the pool.  To be honest,  I’m a little jealous.   Remember the summer days when you were young? Too young to work, but old enough to be bored at home.  Roaming the streets on your bike.  Spending your allowance on candy and movies.  I can even hear the ice cream truck.  What a great  feeling.  What I wouldn’t give for a day like that now!  Can you imagine?  What if, for just one summer day you could be a kid again.  Wouldn’t that be great?!  No responsibilities.  No stress.  No bills.  No plans.   Just a day to sleep in, swim at the pool, play at the mall,  ride on the handlebars of your friend’s bike.  Kids don’t realize how great they have it during the summer.  Honestly,  what do they have to worry about?  Those days are short-lived.  Before they know it, they’ll be grown up and facing the real world.  Right now you’re probably sitting at work, in your office or at home, stressing about bills or your job…or something very adult-ish.   What would you give for the day off?  One day as a kid in the summer. I say we take it.  I say we take the day off just to play.  Do it…do it now!  Go get some ice cream!  Take off your shoes! Run in the sprinklers!  Eat candy until you’re sick!  See you at the pool!  CANNONBALL !!!!

Well now that Asa my 17 month old son is all over the place I think we have about child proofed everything.  It seems as though I have said that same statement 6 times  before and he seems to find new things to get into.  We’ve locked the cupboards,  plugged up the outlets,  gotten rid of the deadly chemicals etc…..   But I still am having trouble with him eating the cat food.   Every time we turn around he  is eating something and most of the time he has been in the cat dish.   I’m kinda getting  nervous because the kitty litter box is right beside the cat food dish.  One of these days we are gonna walk in and him eating cat poop.   I guess at every new stag of his life I’m gonna have to child proof something new.  My buddy told me when he is a teenager I’ll need to child proof my bank account…..can’t wait.   thanks again for reading ….hawk

What a day.  I spent 2 hours washing my car.   Just as I was finishing up it started raining.   Really…..Come on!!!!!!   It took me 30 minutes just to unwind the waterhose and them another 15 to put it back.  I shined up all the tires washed the windows with windex the whole nine yards.   I have decided to just now wash my car anymore unless the yard needs watering.  Also why is it when you plan a day at the pool it always rains.  You know the only way to ensure a warm sunny nice day is to offer to help a friend move or volunteer to drive my mother-in-law to the airport.  The TV weather men should just call me and ask if I am going to wash my car and thats how they could predict rain or shine…….But I’m not bitter I just am a bitter blogger.  Whatever that means….thanks for reading my nonsense…hawk