heartbreaker

b goes to school two nights a week.

he works from home these days, but is generally not around,

you know, all those conference calls.

so p gets so excited when b appears from upstairs!

last night, was the first night he was also

visibly upset when he learned he couldn't go to school.

dad gathered all of his school things,

p grabbed huggle buggle bear,

dad put on his coat,

sweet p pulled out his coat and thrust it into b's hands -

and then put his arm out

(this is how he helps us dress him)

not yet, sweet p -

you still get to stay home with mom...

like it or not!

saddest scene ever watching p watch b

drive away... i think b maybe even got a little

misty eyed.

who wouldn't!?

p.s. i am also obviously playing with picasa editing our photos -

sometimes they turn out, and sometimes they don't

pull your weight around here!

since we are at a new, bigger place,

we obviously have more space to clean.

and it gets overwhelming at times.

(though we love it).

so everyone in the family is expected to

pull their own weight around here.

and p man, well, he's a big boy!

good thing he LOVES it.

this is p man setting up his cleaning supplies

and the next three he uses some elbow grease

and baby safe floor cleaner.

such a thorough little cleaner.

and as if scrubbing the floor yesterday wasn't enough,

he decided today the floor was still a bit dusty.

he loves the swiffer.

i regret that we did not capture a picture of

p's reaction when we took his cleaning supplies

away from him.

complete and total breakdown.



in addition to p's new walking skills, & cleaning skills,

he is also apparently getting all of his teeth.

he doesn't seem to mind too much.

and he is sleeping much better in his new room.

in other news,

just a little over a week before we get to tell

little p man if he is having a brother or sister...

something tells me he will love being a big brother.





Don't Do It

From the desk of: Things I don't recommend doing....

Driving to Atlanta and back from Orlando within a 18 hour span.

Now, why would I do such a thing? The pursuit of the dream, I guess you could say. Not too long ago, I submitted a taped audition for a film that is shooting in LA through my agent up in Charlotte. So, when I checked my phone in between raining 3s and dropping dimes on the Rollins Basketball hardwood (reliving my basketball camp days with Coach K and Coach Kyle), and saw a VM from my agent up there, I was excited. "Could it be? Is this my big break?" These are the thoughts that were going through my head as I listened to the message. Turns out the message had nothing to do with that. But, it did contain some exciting news. The casting director for Tyler Perry Studios wanted to see me for an audition for "House of Payne." So, I was pumped about that. The audition was in Atlanta, and on Thursday at 11 am. I got the message Tuesday night at 9 pm. And was scheduled to work for a friends cleaning business Wednesday afternoon/night.

Any parents may want to read this next part with your eyes closed.

After I finally put the mop up(after 6 hours of vacuuming/mopping) and got showered up to hit the road, it was roundabout 9:30. Only 6+ hours(and miles and miles) to go before I sleep. Of course the parental units wanted me to stop along the way for a good nights sleep, and safety or something like that. But I was too amped up on adrenaline(and/or 5 hr energy) to do any sleeping anyway. I arrived at my cousins place around 330 and settled in for a "good nights rest." Well, that didn't really happen. I slept for a couple hours, then woke up for a while. That happened a couple times. When I have to wake up for something I want to do, but think I may sleep through it, I always wake up in a panic that I have indeed slept through it. Which doesn't really help the sleeping process.

Ok, you can open your eyes now.

Anywho, I then ventured out to find the studio for my audition, and ran through about one million different scenarios of how it would go down. I do this often in my head. It's exhausting. I get there, go into the security place, sign in, sign a non-disclosure agreement and am informed that if I wander around the studio, I'll be escorted out. Noted. The waiting area had very comfortable chairs, which was nice. And there was only a few other guys there, which makes you feel like you have better odds. Numbers and things. As a general rule, I try not to listen to the people that audition in front of me, cause it can throw what you have prepared off. But, I couldn't not listen to the guy that went first(I was second). He was terrible. That's probably mean and unfair, but, he was. I felt kinda good about that, which obviously makes me a bad person.

I then went in to meet the casting director and we chatted about this and that, and she was a very pleasant person, which, believe it or not, most casting directors are not. Probably because they have to deal with people all day everyday, most of whom are weird. So we do the read, and I was pretty happy with it, which is always nice, because who wants to drive 6 hours for a 5 minute audition and have it suck? Not this guy. She said it was great and she loved me, which you really don't get that often. She went on to say even if I don't get this role, she'd have me back to read in the future. Pretty much the best audition I've been to yet. Bonus. Back in the car. 6 hours back to the O.

Well, now two days have passed and I haven't heard anything, which means I didn't get it. I know, you're all devastated. Thank you. Hopefully she meant the whole thing about having me back in the future. I'm pretty sure she did. She seemed pretty genuine about it.

Regardless, it was a great experience, and I think I made a good contact there, which could pay dividends in the future. Head up, on to the next one.

Faithful readers, good news is coming soon. I feel it. Also sort of thinking about a coast switch in the semi-near future. Not next week or anything, but not years away either. Go big or go home, right?

Till next time...

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Blog managers LDL and LTD have reminded me many times that I've been a slacker on the blog postings. I have no defense.

One of my favorite things about California has been the complete access to outdoor space. I live within 3 blocks of a pretty decent sized park full of stairs for outdoor workouts, tennis courts (as soon as I find a partner) and plenty of mud puddles for Pax. Also nearby, is a giant area of land owned by the National Park Service. Sometimes, when I'm feeling super charged after work (so, not that often). I take Pax for a run through the Presidio. Usually we head down to Chrissy Field where he can play in the surf until his tail falls off. Typically these kinds of outings end with me waiting for him to drag himself up the hills on the way home. I think he's getting old.

One of my least favorite things about living in California is being so far away from my nephew. He is just the coolest new toy ever (he thinks the same of me). Recently, I got to spend some quality time with Peter man while his parents were busy moving boxes. Luckily we had some serious tunes (thank you iphone and Pandora!). Plus, his mom brought us Chick-fil-a for lunch. We danced and danced and danced. I'm pretty sure he does think I am a toy. We laughed for a good ten minutes at absolutely nothing. Just the sound of the other one laughing was enough to set us off.

Other than that, I'm just doing my best to stay warm and dry and try to meet some new people. I've definitely got prospects but being friendly all the time is exhausting! I've been to a handful of new places for lunches, brunches, dinners and happy hours. I've spent time with my co-workers after business hours. I've gotten in touch with old friends from camp and college and I have to say, I've been pretty lucky with the big transition out west. "There's just too much to see waiting in front of me. . ."

Next time I'll have to post about some of the bizarre things that come from being an enginerd desperate to break from the cubicle. . .

daddys little helper

as our twelve readers know,

we have recently moved.

p had a ball helping b fix things around the house.



just a little off the back please

b and i have conquered another parenting milestone,

we finally cut p's hair.  that precious, beautful, white blonde

hair.

that's all it is right?

hair?

it will grow back.  probably by sometime next week.

so without further ado...

ok, just kidding.  i took several before pictures.

as in, fifteen.  but i will spare you.

p is pretty excited about being naked in the bathroom...

little does he know he is about to lose some weight.

mostly in the back because someone called him a

beautiful little girl the other day.

not my baby boy! but i love those bangs.

so they stay.

b! not too short!

dad, what the heck?

there is no water in my tub, i am sitting in my bumbo,

and you are taking scissors to my hair.

they made up.

nothing makes p giggle like a little reading.

brown bear, and goodnight moon.

handsome little boy.

no worse for the wear. his mom?

i'm craving a cocktail but thinking of sprout #2

so i am headed for the fudge instead.

tomorrow p will probably be ready for a shave.





At the request of my personal blog manager, LTD, this is a post of something I wrote not too long ago while in the friendly skies. I'm sure it had something to do with reading the lovely, well written post from LDL. So, faithful readers, here you are, some writing stylings from yours truly.


As the sun sets over the wall of hydrangaes, casting a golden sheen over the lush St. Augustine grass, sparkling off the pool, here S. sits with a smile who's radiance matches that of the setting sun. Looking over the backyard as he reflects on his life, his lifelong companion L. sipping elixer alongside. Captain patrolling the ground dutifully. Contentment has never known such a home.

There is nothing left. He has overcome all, and his children carry on his legacy of love.

Little does he know, across the country, his legacies are desperately trying to continue on the path he has forged. But, of course, they will succeed. How could they not? For they are their parents children.

The sun dips out of sight and the light begins to turn from orange to blue. As he heads inside for the night, he wonders about that last milestone of his illustrious career. So much has been accomplished, but this, this one last achievement which has been desired, and deserved, for so long - if it's to be, it will be.

...

All rise, the honorable RBD Jr is presiding.

Truer words have never been spoken.


Hope you enjoyed. Maybe they'll be some more writing tid-bits from me in the future.

O Captain! my Captain!

O Captain! my Captain! Our fearful trip is done;

The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting...

Poem to be continued...

I think there has been no blog about the time in DC

 because it is hard to find the words to describe the events. 

And as I was recounting Walt Whitman's opening lines I realized they fit nicely

(though, please pay no attention to the rest of the poem :) ).

The ship has been through a lot waiting for this Senate confirmation hearing,

but the prize we sought is won. 

Several Wednesdays ago our west coasters came to meet up with us east coasters

to celebrate our Captain's Senate confirmation hearing,

to finally confirm him as a federal judge for the middle district of Florida.

We couldn't be more proud. 

For a dad who has supported each of us,

through absolutely everything...little league, buzzin bees, dalton's diamonds, boy scouts, endless sporting events, college applications, college graduations, deployments, career changes, weddings (ok..A wedding), grandparent hood...it was something special watching someone who has helped us all work toward and achieve our dreams, achieve one of his own.

Technically, we are still playing the waiting game...but...

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting!

No one deserves it more.

Florida, you're in good hands (well, in as much as your federal bench).

Dad, we love you.  We're proud of you.

I think you would like to know that I can still recite the entire first verse

of Walt Whitman's poem no problem,

I had to look a little more for reassurance toward the end...I'll work on it. 

 For those who don't know, when we were younger our dad made us memorize "O Captain! my Captain!" and recite it (to him, the captain) when we were out on the boat...oh the memories.

p.s.  Judges can still be really awesome Granddads.

p.p.s  this is also why the family dog is named "Captain"

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won;The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:

But O heart! heart! heart!

O the bleeding drops of red,

Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!

This arm beneath your head;

It is some dream that on the deck,

You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;

Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!

But I, with mournful tread,

Walk the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

 

An Intro...

First things first!

If you read our blog, please follow!

The Coastal BS clan likes to know who our readers are out there...

you know, so we know whether or not we are going to get in trouble

or if it is safe to tell secrets.  (never :)

Anyway, what follows below is just a preview of what is to come:

these are from Aunt T's phone, taken during her visit with P man.

breakfast courtesy of Aunt T : yogurt covered animal crackers

definitely have to clean the bathroom before we go to bed...

i like to do it in my winter hat from last year.

ga -ross!

Aunt T:  usually these bottles are full of milk...

what's the trouble?

i've had my bath, cleaned the bathroom, i'm ready for bed...

and no milk??

just before this picture Aunt T texted me...

"We Need Milk!"

help is on the way Aunt T, and with P's bedtime of 6pm,

we can be in bed by eight.

Whew.

Sorry it's been so long eight readers...more to come.

OPEN IDEO

I've already told most of you about my latest obsession (well, just the ones I am willing to share) but I thought I would include a link since all 9 of you are brilliant and engaged in your communities. Also one particular challenge is from our neighborhood homie Katie Clark. She has skyrocketed to the top of my list of coolest people of all time since moving to San Francisco.
http://openideo.com/

I absolutely hate "being published" and having my ideas in print before I've had a chance to vet them or weigh in how it fits with what other people are doing. I often think that I have never had a single original thought to contribute. But even if it's not original, it might still be worth sharing. I encourage all of you to check out Open IDEO periodically. Who knows, you might be inspired yourselves. Now I'm off to think of better ideas. . . like how I can either a) fall asleep b) make the ringing in my ears stop or c) get my computer to recharge without having to get the cord from Peter's room.