My kid loves to eat. I mean, loooooves to eat. Beets. Apples. Parsnips. Carrots. Peas. Squash. Plums. Blue/Rasp/Black/Strawberries. Peaches. Mangoes. Pears. Zucchini. Sweet Potatoes. You name it, he'll eat it.
Except for broccoli, which is really funny to watch him not only bat it away as you approach his mouth with your fork, but also to watch him physically take it off the fork, look at it for a second, then just reach over the edge of the highchair tray and drop it on the floor.
As if to say, "Get this junk out mah face."
Campbell Isaiah started out on baby formula, store bought, first with Emfamil, then with Gerber Baby, which the latter worked better for us. The former gave him bad gas and bad, bad spit... the day that I literally went through 10, count them, 10 t-shirts for me and 6, count them, 6 onesies for him is burned into my mind as a day that will live in infamy. Emfamy. There was one point when he spit up all over me and my shirt, so I changed, then changed him, and I actually took two steps towards the door with him in my arms when he spit up again. It was rough that day... I texted The Lovely Steph Leann out of sheer frustration and panic with "I can't do this!" and "Just one. Never doing this again. He's an only child."
Looking back, I probably didn't mean it. But ten shirts with various amounts of baby vomit on it? Come on now...
We started making our own formula several months into this parenthood thing, this time using Goat's Milk... we made lots and lots AND LOTS of goats milk, each pitcher with scoops of baby supplements and vitamins and such.
And eventually, we moved into real food.. we had already decided that we would go natural and organic. We knew over time that there might be a slight delay with our kid--and we were right--so we wanted to make sure he was as healthy as possible...
So, several nights per week, I pull out my trusty peeler and work on the aforementioned fruits and vegetables... I'll actually be doing some apples tonight.
Campbell is a kid of routine. He likes routine, he likes familiar. For instance, he typically knows what to do when we lay him down to change his diaper. He might cry some, maybe move a little, but mostly he lays there... and when you go to put his pants back on him, most of the time he will lift both legs to make it easy.
At school, he knows its time for lunch after outside playtime, and he always follows the line perfectly to the class door... he knows its time to eat.
Similarly, here at The Cabana, when his meal is ready, be it a couple of eggs and a 1/2 avocado for breakfast, or an orange, some pineapple, some peas and beets (with almond butter) for lunch, when you say, "Ready to eat?" he heads for the kitchen.
Not only does he head for the kitchen, he goes straight for the high chair, and starts pawing at the belt buckle. He will look around, and if he can reach far enough on the kitchen table, he will snatch whatever he can get his hands on, be it a vitamin pill or a bowl full of kiwi, and try to eat it. Because dinner.
T (we steam it, then freeze it, then thaw and warm upon serving), and take them to the table, along with a juice bottle--prune is his favorite, though he does like cherry juice, grape juice and pear juice too.
part of what our freezer has looking like for 10d
hen a routine of things happens... we put him in the seat and buckle him in, putting the tray in front of him, snapped into the high chair itself. We will get the bowls of the food we have just warmed up minutes before
There's a fork we grab, and then we wet a napkin to wipe his face every few bites. He can be messy sometimes, and by sometimes, I mean all the time.
We aren't perfect, and we forget stuff. And there's nothing more fearful than forgetting something big, like his prune juice. Cause he ain't patient, and he ain't caring that you have had a long day... he wants to eat.
For the record, there is not a single time, not one single meal, not one single second that we have just forgotten something and then just not cared. Not once have we just blown him off, despite his crying, to say, "Whatevs, kid. You'll live."
He knows we won't leave. He knows we have food there, its in small bowls on the table, he knows that he will have that food in just a minute... but no, he wants to cry, and fuss, and smack the tray until he gets what he wants.
Its the same with God, ain't it?
Name a time He has forgotten you, or forsaken you, or just left you behind, saying "Whatevs, kid. You'll live."
Never.
We get involved in our own little routines, our own way of doing things, and when it doesn't go according to plan, when it doesn't happen EXACTLY like we thing it should, be it we should keep getting bites of almond butter and butternut squash, we pitch our little fits... smack the tray, cry, fuss, tell God that "this isn't how it is supposed to be!" and "where are you, God!" and "why are you doing this to me!?!" with the mindset that His silence is obviously Him walking away, to possibly never return.
When in fact, maybe He did take a step away. But He is always there. He never goes far, if at all. He might just be grabbing a Holy Napkin to wipe the junk off our face. He might be grabbing some Communion Juice to allow us, after a brief time of nothing, to drink of His Spirit...
Either way, God loves you and I both. And He would never leave us. Just like I would never leave Campbell alone and hungry.... I love him too, too much. And God loves us too, too much.
"Never confuse His silence for His inactivity" is a lesson I learned a long time ago... and some if it was the hard way... how about you? Is He being quiet? And how are you handling it?
40. "Bolt"
I'd been seeing the previews for this movie for a while--Bolt was a television dog, owned by Penny, who somehow is abandoned, or gets out of the studio lot or whatever. He seeks to find his owner, and ends up being accompanied by Mittens the cat and Rhino the hamster. The fact that it was in 3-D made it even better.
After working a while at The Happiest Place in the Mall, the anticipation was even higher, as I saw the preview twice an hour, up to eight hours per day. It seemed like it would be a pretty good film, with the voices of John Travolta (Bolt) and Miley Cyrus (Penny), but the scene stealer appeared to be Rhino, the hamster in the ball who was nothing but a fanboy and Bolt geek.
I laughed, lots. It was well written, well done, and really, it was just a fun movie. Would easily watch it again--looks to be on DVD and Blu-Ray in the Spring (April, maybe) and will pick up... and I recommend you do the same.
39. Getting a Blu-Ray Player
Speaking of "Bolt" on Blu-Ray... we wouldn't be getting it on Blu-Ray if we didn't have a Blu-Ray player, which we do now. The day after Thanksgiving, after spending Black Friday at The Happiest Place in the Mall from 1am to 10am, I ambled on over to Best Buy. Dreary eyed, blurry sighted, foggy brained, I was looking for a Blu-Ray.
The Lovely Steph Leann and I had already discussed it, of course... we had a limit, and the goal was to find one that came under--hopefully well under. And what better place to find one than Best Buy, what better time than the day after Thankgiving. I found our Sony Blu-Ray with all the bells and whistles, upgradable software and BD Live capabilities for just around $200.
And I'm watching the 8th episode of LOST on it right now.
38. The Chipotle Mexican Grill
I had first eaten at a Chipotle around the mall--at the old place, The Casa de Pesos, we lived very close to it, and one day, decided to give it a whirl. Fantastic food, by the way. Had the tacos, with meat and cheese only, topped with sour cream, soft shell please.
When we moved to The Cabana, across town, we moved away from the Chipotle. So, imagine my wonder and happiness when, right across 280, perhaps a mile (if that) from where The Cabana sits, they turned an old Captain D's that had closed down into a Chipotle Mexican Grill. For their "grand pre-opening", they were giving away free food to anyone and everyone for two straight days.
I had Chipotle for lunch, then dinner, then lunch, then dinner. And it rocked.
In fact, The Lovely Steph Leann just came in, and asked me what I wanted for dinner. I think I know the answer.
(That last sentence was written about an hour ago. In the time between typing "...know the answer" and "That last sentence...", We went to Target to get some groceries, then ended up at Chipotle Mexican Grill. The music overhead was some strange tune I'd never heard, sounding like a Mexican Beck. Beckez? Becko? Anyway, I usually go for the chicken soft tacos, tonight I was daring and did the carnitas. Not a fan.)
37. ESPN's The Sports Guy
His name is Bill Simmons, and he used to write as "The Boston Sports Guy" before he was incorporated into the wide band of ESPN columnists. He's actually been there for 9 years, and I think I've been reading him for just that long, even back on ESPN's old site and his first book is just great. And The Sports Guy just gets better with age.
He's funny, he's irreverent, and he does what most columnists do not--keeps politics out. Granted, he's made illusions to not necessarily being a fan of Dubya (but then again, neither is Brad Latta. Or NYC Jenny. Or J Rob. But I love ya, Dubya) but he's never let that really intrude on his topics, nor does he ever make that the focal point. No, his topics range from the Celtics (his NBA team who won a title) to the Red Sox (his MLB team) to the Patriots (his NFL team) to favorite movies to whatever else happens in pop culture. Its also no secret that sometimes I borrow phrases from him here and there.
One of the great things this year too, though, was the B.S. Report with Bill Simmons, the ESPN Podcast... just like his columns, he'd have great shows discussing all the aforementioned topics, but this time he's also got guests with him--Chuck Klosterberg, Michael Lombardi, Cris Collingsworth, NBA Commissioner David Stern, SNL star Seth Myers and so on.
36. "Moratorium" by Alanis Morissette
I've never been this accountable-less and within
I've never known focuslessness on any form
I've never had this lack of ache for dalliance
To let go and let god in ways I have never even imagined
I declare a moratorium on things relationship
I declare a respite from the toils of liaison
I do need a breather from the flavors of entanglement
I declare a full time out from all things commitment
I've never let my grasp soften fingers like this
I've never been careless other... less like autonomy's twin
From the album "Flavors of Entanglement", the excellent newest release from Alanis Morissette, and one of my favorite songs of the year.
35. Dr. Earl does Dinner Theater
Got a buddy of mine who is a doctor, we like to call him Dr. Earl. Well, the Good Doctor has come along in his acting performances over the years, joining Impact, the adult drama team for Valleydale Church (an sbc fellowship), and this year, he was cast as "Gabriel", in the modern retelling of the story of the birth of Jesus.
The Good Doctor and Yours Truly over Christmas
The Good Doctor had the majority of the lines, and was in about 90% of the entire show... don't get me wrong, Rhett Barnette (Joseph) and Lisa Whaley-Bowen-Whaley-Owens (Mary) were great, and those who had smaller parts were great too, but for my money, The Good Doctor Earl stole the show. Good job, Earl. Good job.
34. McQ Writes a Book
Got another friend of mine, McQ, who runs the Strength In the Struggle blog. She is alot like me, as in, she likes to write alot. McQ is funny, she's got a contageous laugh and now... she's an author.
She started working on this book early in the year... well, I take that back--she's been working on the book for years and years, but she started compiling her writings to turn into a book. Taking the title from her blog, she calls it "Strength in the Struggle"(you can also order the book from this site) and its a pretty good selection of writings. The photography is also taken by McQ from her adventures around the country and is excellent.
Mostly, though, what's cool about it is that she's achieved a dream that not too many people can say they have done... published a book. Self publishing is something I've already considered.
As a follower of Christ, we are bound by the law of what is good and what is right, as listed in the Word of God, telling us be careful what we see and what he hear, be cautious of what we put before our eyes and in our hearts. I say this to head off anyone telling me this exact thing, Amy McL, because I have to say, for me...
...this movie was absolutely hysterical. I mean, unbelievably funny, to the point I was cracking up every few minutes. The plot is a little contrived--two guys get into trouble and are sentenced to work with some troubled kids at a center. Of course, it goes without saying, the ending will be that, though they hate the kids at first, they end up loving the kids, and the kids, though hating the two guys, end up loving the two guys. Duh. That's how movies like this are supposed to end.
That being said, this movie is driven by Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott, two extremely funny and talented guys. Their timing and delivery of what might be unfunny dialogue turn this from cliche to completely a riot. I like Paul Rudd anyway, for his work in the little-seen-but-very-funny "Wet Hot American Summer" (directed by David Wain, as is "Role Models"), the slightly overrated "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and of course, my 91st Favorite Movie of All Time. Seann William Scott, who will forever be known as Stifler, is also emerging as a great go to guy for silly, stupid comedy, and in the case of genius like "The Rundown" (also on The Dave100), smart, sharp comedy.
Anyway, if "Superbad" offended you, or "Knocked Up" got under your craw, stay away from "Role Models". Its got language, its got unnecessary boobage and its got boy potty humor... but man, its funny. And its great to watch Fogell emerge as a decent actor.
Thinking back on the movie, and all it contained... I still feel the same way.
32. Brad Latta
The Lattas have turned into quite a large group... the youngest, Scott, one of The 100 Coolest Things of 2007, is about to get married to his love, Jessica (Scott says, "That should rank among the Top 20 Coolest Things of 2008, right?") in April, so I figured it was about time that eldest brother Brad found his way amongst the blog.
I call him the Clouds Ombudsman, as he likes to give many times a different viewpoint on what I have to say here... and this was a good year for it--the election gave plenty of debating material for sure. He's not a fan of the former president and isn't exactly a huge supporter with the current one, and his law background gives him good insight on what is and is not concerning many, many topics, including politics and even Constitutional law.
Every now and again, when I know I've written something perhaps a little controversial, or tossed out a viewpoint that I know will be unpopular, I cringe thinking of how Brad will respond--then I look forward to it. If there were such a thing as "Coffee Drinker of the Year", he'd be nominated.
31. The Apple Store
Early in December, my iPod started dying. Wouldn't hold a charge, had to plug it in to the computer or the wall to listen it, and so on, and I had to take it to the Apple Store... here's what I wrote on December 3rd:
Adam the Apple Guy called for me, and I told him of my ills. He was impressed that my iPod battery had lasted almost 4 years (March would make it 4, methinks) and I told him how bummed I was that I was going to be without it for a few weeks.
Adam the Apple Guy said, "Well, that might not happen. If we have them in stock, we can give you a refurbished one, just trade them out. The battery and casing will be new, the hardware will be refurbished. Is that a solution?"
You mean I can walk out with this thing tonight? All bright and shiny? Heck yeah!
Adam the Apple Guy even did the registration online for me, with the new serial number and everything. And the price? Not the $80 or 90 I was planning on... but it was $59.99, plus tax. Total cost? $64.20. Love it.
I'm a PC guy, and will be one for a while, mostly because I can't afford to be an Apple guy... but their customer service? Primo fantastico. Those guys rocked that night.
Note on the Pruitt Cool Awards
After further consideration, I have decided to award only one of these per year... I had 3 more recepients in mind, but I am going to wait. This should be more of a "lifetime achievement of coolness" award... so, James & Jessica Hawbaker will remain the sole Pruitt Award for Coolness winners... until 2009.
Coming soon... we dive into the 30 Coolest Things of 2008, with some Rhett, Rick, Rush and "Hey! I read your blog!"
Bought a suit on Sunday. Went to Men's Wearhouse, was helped by a lovely saleschick named Centaur, or something like that. Anyway, Steph and I spent waaaaay too much money, and when it was over, we decided we just couldn't spend $500 on a suit, because I still needed the shirts, socks and shoes... understand, I've never needed a suit. Never had a reason to buy one, so this was our learning trip.
Thanks to the Good Rev'rn Ty, we went to JC Penney's, found one much, much cheaper. Tried on some shoes, but didn't find anything I wanted. Decided to wait a day, so we went to visit S&K Menswear--they have this "2 Shirts, 2 Suits, 2 Ties for $250" deal, though like any deal, nothing good was in the limited selection.
So on Monday, I decided I'd go in the morning, before work, and get everything I needed. Went to Proffitts first... their shoe department wasn't very good, their salespeople weren't very helpful, and there was NO ONE in the suit department. So I left.
Onto Sears. Same. Suit department not good. Shoe department not good.
Went to Parisian. A guy in their suit deparment was helpful, but he didn't seem to understand I had a price range, even though I told him like, four times. I ended up trying on a blazer that fit really well... he said "fits you like a suit should." I looked at the price. $695. I said "Yeah, but it doesnt cost what my suit should." Left there and went to the shoe deparment. There was a guy who actually was helpful... he measured my foot--which is very wide--and spent 20 minutes with me in trying on shoes and helping me figure out what would fit in my price range. And I ended up picking up a pair of black Steve Maddens for $69.95.
So then, back to JC Penney's. The guy that waited on us the day before was there, and I said "I'm here to get my suit". What's great is that on Sunday, this guy looked at me and guessed my blazer size (44S), shirt size (16.5, 32/33) and pant size (36/30). Actually, that might be scary. Anyway... I have a suit. - - - - - - - - - - - -
Our 2nd Anniversary was yesterday. Had dinner at PF Changs--the honey glazed shrimp was AWESOME.
I bought Stephanie two things--a book that she's been wanting for a while... I had to order it, but thats because she wanted the hardcover edition and its not available in any store. Then I also got her a game she's been wanting, which we played several times last night.
She did well... she went by my favorite comic book shop and picked up a stack of comics I've been missing, then also gave me money to put towards my iPod goal. I'm shooting for the 60gig video iPod, ranging at about $399, and right now I'm at $270 or so. I'll get there eventually.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
So today is a day off. And my brain is rotting because I've watched an hour of Real World/Road Rules Gauntlet 2, and am currently watching the 40 Most Awesomely Bad Love Songs Ever.
I slept a little late, and right now, at 1215, I've done NOTHING. I've got laundry to do, I have to file and inventory my new comics, I need to do some drama stuff, take a shower, shave, eat something, go by the grocery store, and so far, I'VE DONE NOTHING!!!!!
And its been FEEEEEEEE-NOMINAL.
Coming tomorrow... I'll review the latest American Idol, and talk about The Amazing Race.
