Madrid: Volume 4: Cultural Oddities

Current mood: I found myself soiled, sullen, and silly

Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Ok so of course going to Europe things will no doubt be different. You can prepare yourself with the knowledge and learn to expect the unexpected. You can work extra hard to be aware of your surroundings and study the culture you find yourself immersed in. But somethings are still just gonna strike you as odd or different.

One such phenomenon that I was not prepared for was the popularity of the Euro-Mullet. Yes it seemed that everywhere I turned in Madrid the dudes and you know who the dudes are, don't you. The trendy, fashion conscious 20 something males. The dudes were wearing mullets like it was Jeff Foxworthy convention. Now they weren't quite like the American Redneck Classifacation of Mullet. They seemed to be more well groomed, have much more of a definate shape, and more hair care product per square inch than the less civilized U.S. mullet. But rest assured they were still Mullets, short in the front and long in the back.

More on cultural oddities later. For now ask yourself, "Self, do the French carry around French bread as they walk the streets?" The answer is just around the corner in a future blog in the continued series covering my travels of Spain and France.

Currently listening : Age of Reptiles By Showbread Release date: By 01 August, 2006

On Being a Dad: 08.07.06

Current mood: calm, cool, collected
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes

I have not been good about blogging about my thoughts on becoming a dad for the first time. I realized this and it began to make me doubt whether I will be a good dad. If I can't even be attentive to blog about my kid how can I be attentive to my kid for real. That comes from deep with in the would of a man. All men have this wound. I chose to blog about it, impending fatherhood, and all that comes with it but I also choose not to listen to it.

That question "will I be a good father?". Will I be a good daddy? Am I good enough? Do I have what it takes? All those questions strike fear and uncertainty into the heart of a man. However, I know the answer and it is a positive one. No I don't have what it takes. Not on my own anyway. First and foremost, I have a heavenly father that I have been praying to ever since I first found out. I have been asking for wisdom and patience and know-how since day one. I am good to go.

I have a great dad though we had rough times in our relationship and I carried baggage for awhile all that is gone. He is a man of integrity and father I am proud of. At 32 years old I still call him Daddy sometimes, and though some would find that embarrassing that is who he is. I call him dad more and more now but I still can't help but call him daddy too sometimes.
I have an awesome wife that knows how to bring balance when I am out of whack. She is going to make a wonderful mom and mommy. We can handle anything together. I can not wait to see her in action; changing diapers, feeding, keeping the puppy at bay, cleaning, and with the other hand....doing everything else.

I have a community of friends and believers around me that will help, and encourage and lift up. Ones older and wiser to show the way, ones on the journey together in a similar place to come along side of, and even those who are younger and have more energy who will help when needed.

It is the 8th and the due date is the 15th. Soon a little boy will be living in my house. He will be pooping, and peeing, and spitting up, crying, and cooing, and waking the dead. The house is mostly ready. The nursery is painted, the clothes are hung, the furniture assemble (except for the glider and ottoman -- hurry up UPS!), the stockings are hung by the chimney with...oh wrong story. But more importantly my heart is ready.

It is a frightful thought to realize this little life, this little guy will be coming in for a landing on my watch. I will be responsible for his life, his every breathe of life, waking and sleeping. For 18 or more years. But I can do it. Not because I read some book or have watched enough episodes of The Cosby Show but because God has entrusted me to do so. And this little boy is in God's hands more than he will be in mine.

Currently reading :
Searching for God Knows What By Donald Miller
Release date: By 13 October, 2004

Quote of the Day

Current mood: Got the jitters!

What doesn't kill you only makes you fearfull and edgy.

Currently listening :
Horsedrawn Wishes By Rollerskate Skinny
Release date: By 27 February, 1996