Hannah was vomiting last night so she stayed home with me rather than going with Rocio and Grace to a party (and then shopping). I made chicken soup for lunch, but of course she wasn’t interested.After a several futive attempts to get her to eat – I came up with a solution – turn lunch into a game, where I served her the soup through the window of her cubby house (which is on our balconey). Much to my relief success, and she even asked for seconds and thirds! Is it just that im somewhat incompetent, rather than totally incompetent?
Rocio and I were watching a movie last night “Along Came Pollyâ€, where the boss of the main character ran around saying “Good Thingsâ€. This morning, a client sent through a new ad, and in the first line of the ad copy was “Good thingsâ€
Last night our four-year-old, Grace had her first night without a nappy. Obviously great news, and great for her self esteem. We’ve been working towards this for some months. Her little sister Hannah, who’s two and has been sleeping without a nappy for about six months) implored Grace last night to, “no wet, no wetâ€. Earlier when Grace was wearing a night nappy, we would tell Grace it was her “special†undies, to which Hannah would smile mischievously and say “not undies, not undiesâ€. You’ve got to love that sibling rivalry.
For years I have endured the scornful glare of Gareth Powell (it’s impossible to explain Gareth but he’s one of the most extraordinary individuals I have ever met), who ridiculed my black and red-striped iPhone case. Well sneer no more Gareth Powell, my old iPhone case has been replaced with a far more tasteful plain white case.
Of course I alerted Gareth to this unexpected turn of events. Here is his response:
Let us not hope you have acquired good taste in your old age. I always looked upon you as the leader of the dishevelled tasteless generation.
Is nothing solid in this changing world?
My girls’ current burthday invitations, and they were at a party this morning – it’s the stuff of childood.
Today a year ago, my eyes, for the first time in my life, were opened to the fact, that life is not eternal, and that eventually we all run out of tomorrows.It has become clear that the only thing that really matters in this life is how much love we leave behind – the amount of love we give minus the amount of love we receive.
All my old fears, frustrations, malaise, ingratitude, mislaid ambitions were cut, burnt, poisoned, and starved, not only from my brain, but I believe, also from my soul. Yes, change, is difficult, but I can never go back and be the man I was before July 31 2009, so that means the only way is forward, and to focus on what’s important, my family.
And what a wonderful year it has been, to see my beautiful daughters grow, and to see my amazing wife shine.
Rocio and I were sitting watching Grace dance at “Physie (physical culture) this morning when I glanced over and noticed one of other dads working on his notebook..He looked bored and tired, and only very occasionally glanced up to watch his daughter. He was obviously not really concentrating on his work (or whatever he was doing), and his mind was obviously not fully there in the hall.
I had an awful realisation that I was just like that guy 13 months ago. I rushing through life not appreciating my blessings, trying to do too much at the same time, not fully living in the present. It’s so easy to become a zombie, and so hard to snap out it.
I was thinking the other day how much I love being a father and how much I love my wife and daughters. I just happened to come across this picture that Grace drew of me a few months back. Everything about it shouts optimism and life – from the orange head and big smile to the flower-like hands and feet. I made a joke to myself that at least in this picture I have hair, but what is most marvellous, is that this is how daughter sees me.
