Back from Thanksgiving break, a mini vacation an appetizer for the holiday time that is about to come with XMAS.
....so I'm really digging LaurenYO Vlogs. She has me thinking, maybe I should VLOG instead of blog. Honestly, I'm more likely to watch than read. Was wondering what you thought? Please vote.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Don’t hate the caveman, blame history! Relish in the patriarchal consequences..
The more I write about how we DaddyYo’s need to express and “be there” as much as we can for our LittleYo’s, the more I grow concerned about jeopardizing the good thing we DaddyYO’s have; lower parenting expectations than MommyYO.
Four score and a million diapers ago our fathers brought forth the role of the “DaddyYO” conceived in low expectations, and dedicated to the proposition that all men really don’t want any responsibility, at all.
It’s kind of funny to think back to a prehistoric time of the caveman who habits and role in the family still lurks in the current patriarchal hierarchy. DaddyCaveYO leaving the cave to hunt and gather dinner while MommyCaveYO stayed behind, piercing their nipples and getting butterfly tattoos on their lower back side, teaching and caring for our LittleCaveYO’s. Even though times have changed, just a little bit, and now both parents work, those lessons still run deep in our psyche and are now firmly rooted into the DNA of our current generation. Is this why DaddyYO gets no credit or reference in parenting books and websites? However, I have learned an important lesson.
I don't want credit, give all the credit to MommyYO. More credit equals more work, higher expectations and more responsibility. Rather than complaining about not enough of DaddyYO recognition on websites, TV, and books I'm become a fan of the current societal image of low parental expectations. So let's relish in our DaddyYO images and can I get a prehistoric AMEN!
I’m confident, there will be some naysayer who will oppose and deny this claim. I laugh at you, as I sit on my couch, in my cave, playing Call of Duty, Modern Warfare (Which is Awesome!)
Depending on your perspective, we'll always live in prehistoric times. Do we want to exceed DaddyYO patriarchal expectations and become more involved in areas we don't wish to become more involved in, like changing more diapers. Nope. If we did, the result on our futures roles could be catastrophic. We must fulfill the destiny of our forefathers, maintain low DaddyYO expectations in society and pass on “the good life” to our LittleYo’s .
Therefore, we MUST tell our MommyYO’s how much we love them, how much we appreciate them and how much we desperately need them!. Tell MommyYO EVERYDAY and than REPEAT. Do it for the future DaddyYO's, Do it for our forefather's and history of daddyo kind. Mommy is the center of the family, deal with it or change more diapers. Your choice?
Don’t hate the caveman, blame history! Relish in the patriarchal consequences.
Four score and a million diapers ago our fathers brought forth the role of the “DaddyYO” conceived in low expectations, and dedicated to the proposition that all men really don’t want any responsibility, at all.
It’s kind of funny to think back to a prehistoric time of the caveman who habits and role in the family still lurks in the current patriarchal hierarchy. DaddyCaveYO leaving the cave to hunt and gather dinner while MommyCaveYO stayed behind, piercing their nipples and getting butterfly tattoos on their lower back side, teaching and caring for our LittleCaveYO’s. Even though times have changed, just a little bit, and now both parents work, those lessons still run deep in our psyche and are now firmly rooted into the DNA of our current generation. Is this why DaddyYO gets no credit or reference in parenting books and websites? However, I have learned an important lesson.
I don't want credit, give all the credit to MommyYO. More credit equals more work, higher expectations and more responsibility. Rather than complaining about not enough of DaddyYO recognition on websites, TV, and books I'm become a fan of the current societal image of low parental expectations. So let's relish in our DaddyYO images and can I get a prehistoric AMEN!
I’m confident, there will be some naysayer who will oppose and deny this claim. I laugh at you, as I sit on my couch, in my cave, playing Call of Duty, Modern Warfare (Which is Awesome!)
Depending on your perspective, we'll always live in prehistoric times. Do we want to exceed DaddyYO patriarchal expectations and become more involved in areas we don't wish to become more involved in, like changing more diapers. Nope. If we did, the result on our futures roles could be catastrophic. We must fulfill the destiny of our forefathers, maintain low DaddyYO expectations in society and pass on “the good life” to our LittleYo’s .
Therefore, we MUST tell our MommyYO’s how much we love them, how much we appreciate them and how much we desperately need them!. Tell MommyYO EVERYDAY and than REPEAT. Do it for the future DaddyYO's, Do it for our forefather's and history of daddyo kind. Mommy is the center of the family, deal with it or change more diapers. Your choice?
Don’t hate the caveman, blame history! Relish in the patriarchal consequences.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Be a Man and Buy Knee Pads. - haha
Getting on the ground with LittleYO and playing, is very important to both me and LittleYo. It's also been a reminder of my age and how certain parts of my body are not what they used to be; My knees.
Running on my knees chasing LittleYo, to be able to stop, go and spin like a breeze is important if I don't want him catching me on my way to my next hiding spot. It's the most exciting part of my day. However, After 10 min, I'm left coughing up a lung with bruised and busted knee caps. It sucks.
I joined the gym and started running ONCE again this past week. I'm hoping I can keep it up longer than the last time " I started" working out. However, this time, I'm not doing it for myself. This time, I'm doing it for my family, for LittleYO.
So far - so good, ran 9 miles this week. I think back to the time when I ran the NYC marathon and my finish time was 3:51 min. I have no idea how I did that, but I know I could do it. Maybe someday I'll try again.
So feeling better about myself, I was in Target and came across some knee pads. Yes, you heard me right. I picked them up thinking to myself "Please, don't buy knee pads, please!" I felt there was so many (selfish) reasons why not to buy them, more importantly, I needed to buy something else. There was no way I was going up the register with just knee pads. Long story short, came across a "ManChair" for LittleyO and there I was, buying knee pad and manchair at the register.
I ran around last night, on my knees for a good 30 min, my knees feel great. LittleYO laughed like a little elf and when we are are done- we ChillyYo'd in our man chairs.
So be a man and buy knee pads. I guess so.
Running on my knees chasing LittleYo, to be able to stop, go and spin like a breeze is important if I don't want him catching me on my way to my next hiding spot. It's the most exciting part of my day. However, After 10 min, I'm left coughing up a lung with bruised and busted knee caps. It sucks.
I joined the gym and started running ONCE again this past week. I'm hoping I can keep it up longer than the last time " I started" working out. However, this time, I'm not doing it for myself. This time, I'm doing it for my family, for LittleYO.
So far - so good, ran 9 miles this week. I think back to the time when I ran the NYC marathon and my finish time was 3:51 min. I have no idea how I did that, but I know I could do it. Maybe someday I'll try again.
So feeling better about myself, I was in Target and came across some knee pads. Yes, you heard me right. I picked them up thinking to myself "Please, don't buy knee pads, please!" I felt there was so many (selfish) reasons why not to buy them, more importantly, I needed to buy something else. There was no way I was going up the register with just knee pads. Long story short, came across a "ManChair" for LittleyO and there I was, buying knee pad and manchair at the register.
I ran around last night, on my knees for a good 30 min, my knees feel great. LittleYO laughed like a little elf and when we are are done- we ChillyYo'd in our man chairs.
So be a man and buy knee pads. I guess so.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
DaddyYo loves you!
Love is not something DaddyYo's usually talk about, not sure why. I'm going to try and figure it out.
Love is as much a DaddyYO thing as it's a MommyYO thing. Its a human thing. There's no denying it. However, more parenting sites/books speak to MommyYO if at all DaddyYO. Why is that? (Love the Dad-blog!)
Those DaddyYo’s who tell and teach their LittleYo's the meaning of Love from the start, probably went through hard times in their own lives to truly understand the word; which makes these DaddyYo’s tougher than most. However, lack of communicating this LOVE and caught up in the old ways of the world in which we were raised has put DaddYO in the back chapters of parenting books and on the 2nd string "parent team".
Love is a powerful thing, almost alien. Love overrides those less useful emotions like hate, insecurity etc. Therefore, the more we say "I Love you" to our LittleYo’s the more we're both empowered as human beings. The more human powers we can control, like our emotions, the more we control our situational outcomes. The sooner you understand this, the better you are off in this crazy world.
We DaddyYo’s need to step it up and not only be more of a teacher of this most important and powerful emotion but to communicate it more openly. Don’t worry; it won’t make your pecker any smaller.
No Dude wants to share his full range of emotions, especially love. When was the last time you’re drinking beers with your buddies, playing poker talking about love? Sounds funny, not sure why it is…I guess its how we were raised as kids, social acceptance and gender specific behavior that effects who we become as adults. We are taught this from birth like having your room painted blue for boys and pink for girls. I’m not saying for us men to sit around for hours talking about Love…C’mon!
I know, It’s a sensitive DaddyYo subject. We are all at fault. For example when I'm sad, I don't cry, I scream and yell (never at MommyYo!) at the top of my lungs because it more gender appropriate response for a man to scream rather than cry. I’m cool with it. It’s what I learned and how I was programmed growing up. Another example, reading this blog entry about “Love” (I can’t even believe some of the things I’m writing) the whole thing sounds gay. This is all a clear testament of the change that needs to take place within us, DaddyYo’s. I’m not scared.
The lesson learned is simple; by not communicating and sharing this intense emotion we not only dwarf our own spiritual and family growth but have passed on the "meat head" genes to our LittleYo’s. We all want the best for our LittleYo’s, our families and for Meat heads to just go away. Maybe someday parenting sites and books will reference more of the DaddyYO and give us the credit and recognition we deserve.
Remember, DaddyYO loves you!
Love is as much a DaddyYO thing as it's a MommyYO thing. Its a human thing. There's no denying it. However, more parenting sites/books speak to MommyYO if at all DaddyYO. Why is that? (Love the Dad-blog!)
Those DaddyYo’s who tell and teach their LittleYo's the meaning of Love from the start, probably went through hard times in their own lives to truly understand the word; which makes these DaddyYo’s tougher than most. However, lack of communicating this LOVE and caught up in the old ways of the world in which we were raised has put DaddYO in the back chapters of parenting books and on the 2nd string "parent team".
Love is a powerful thing, almost alien. Love overrides those less useful emotions like hate, insecurity etc. Therefore, the more we say "I Love you" to our LittleYo’s the more we're both empowered as human beings. The more human powers we can control, like our emotions, the more we control our situational outcomes. The sooner you understand this, the better you are off in this crazy world.
We DaddyYo’s need to step it up and not only be more of a teacher of this most important and powerful emotion but to communicate it more openly. Don’t worry; it won’t make your pecker any smaller.
No Dude wants to share his full range of emotions, especially love. When was the last time you’re drinking beers with your buddies, playing poker talking about love? Sounds funny, not sure why it is…I guess its how we were raised as kids, social acceptance and gender specific behavior that effects who we become as adults. We are taught this from birth like having your room painted blue for boys and pink for girls. I’m not saying for us men to sit around for hours talking about Love…C’mon!
I know, It’s a sensitive DaddyYo subject. We are all at fault. For example when I'm sad, I don't cry, I scream and yell (never at MommyYo!) at the top of my lungs because it more gender appropriate response for a man to scream rather than cry. I’m cool with it. It’s what I learned and how I was programmed growing up. Another example, reading this blog entry about “Love” (I can’t even believe some of the things I’m writing) the whole thing sounds gay. This is all a clear testament of the change that needs to take place within us, DaddyYo’s. I’m not scared.
The lesson learned is simple; by not communicating and sharing this intense emotion we not only dwarf our own spiritual and family growth but have passed on the "meat head" genes to our LittleYo’s. We all want the best for our LittleYo’s, our families and for Meat heads to just go away. Maybe someday parenting sites and books will reference more of the DaddyYO and give us the credit and recognition we deserve.
Remember, DaddyYO loves you!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
What you can learn from UncleYO: "Be there" - so easy...so valuable!
I'm not talking about some "solution", maybe I am. DaddyYO for one full year and my responsibilities, no question, have changed. From the younger years of having no responsibility to today, I guess we all change; I guess so does my purpose.
The question is do we have "A Purpose", do we have many purposes, does it even matter?
Its a question, I more often ask myself. I know five years ago, my purpose was to A) get laid B) make lots of money, so someday I can settle down and get married. Never giving "the later" much thought in my youth because it was completely out of my realm of understanding. Looking back, that thought process doesn't even make any sense, but it was my purpose.
Finally, Adulthood. The stage of life I never thought I'd reach. It's different but it also beautiful thing. It almost doesn't seem possible to be where I am now. Ask my friends and they tell you three years ago that A) no women would ever marry me because I'm crazy B) To teach a child values and a purpose according to what I know and learned thus far in my life would be very scary. I agree.
However, somewhere along the way, almost subconsciously, my purpose (values) was slowly changing, almost preparing me for what my future had in store. Looking back, of course, I see this change slowly occurring now. Today, I'm def more prepared, excited (not scared) to teach and show my son his world, to be his guide along the way. To help answer his questions that will open up more possibilities and more questions...This is my new purpose. Is it? Sort of....
During LittleYO birthday party a few weeks back, I turned to my my UncleVinYo and said "WOW, Can't believe he's 1 years old. That was quick. Now what?" UncleYo turned to me and said three words "Just Be There". I wasn't sure what he meant so I asked him. He replied "Be there when he's sick, be there when he's happy, sad, be there for his first game, his first day of school, his first date. Just be there!"
WOWWY Howie! UncleYO is right! and so no doubt I may be over thinking this whole purpose thing and maybe it is easier by "Just being there". It's the best advice I have received thus far as a DaddyYO. So no matter what my purpose is now or what it becomes later it doesn't matter because I will always be there- until he figures this out for himself - at 34 years old!
...JUST BE THERE. That was awesome. Thank you UncleYO!
The question is do we have "A Purpose", do we have many purposes, does it even matter?
Its a question, I more often ask myself. I know five years ago, my purpose was to A) get laid B) make lots of money, so someday I can settle down and get married. Never giving "the later" much thought in my youth because it was completely out of my realm of understanding. Looking back, that thought process doesn't even make any sense, but it was my purpose.
Finally, Adulthood. The stage of life I never thought I'd reach. It's different but it also beautiful thing. It almost doesn't seem possible to be where I am now. Ask my friends and they tell you three years ago that A) no women would ever marry me because I'm crazy B) To teach a child values and a purpose according to what I know and learned thus far in my life would be very scary. I agree.
However, somewhere along the way, almost subconsciously, my purpose (values) was slowly changing, almost preparing me for what my future had in store. Looking back, of course, I see this change slowly occurring now. Today, I'm def more prepared, excited (not scared) to teach and show my son his world, to be his guide along the way. To help answer his questions that will open up more possibilities and more questions...This is my new purpose. Is it? Sort of....
During LittleYO birthday party a few weeks back, I turned to my my UncleVinYo and said "WOW, Can't believe he's 1 years old. That was quick. Now what?" UncleYo turned to me and said three words "Just Be There". I wasn't sure what he meant so I asked him. He replied "Be there when he's sick, be there when he's happy, sad, be there for his first game, his first day of school, his first date. Just be there!"
WOWWY Howie! UncleYO is right! and so no doubt I may be over thinking this whole purpose thing and maybe it is easier by "Just being there". It's the best advice I have received thus far as a DaddyYO. So no matter what my purpose is now or what it becomes later it doesn't matter because I will always be there- until he figures this out for himself - at 34 years old!
...JUST BE THERE. That was awesome. Thank you UncleYO!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
LitttleYO and BuddyYO- The simplicity of youth, the happiness of children and the sound of laughter.
As you get older- some realize, more than others, when not to speak. This week is one of those times for DaddyYO.
The simplicity of youth, the happiness of children and the sound of laughter. It's these things in life that remind us who we are, where we came from and all the more reason to look forward to tomorrow.
Have great week DaddyYO's!
The simplicity of youth, the happiness of children and the sound of laughter. It's these things in life that remind us who we are, where we came from and all the more reason to look forward to tomorrow.
Have great week DaddyYO's!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"Parent- Hood"- Real or Fiction - at the least, we can make this into a movie!
Before posting the 1st Birthday recap which was a great one, I wanted to share with you something that happen to me this morning.
Today leaving the house and saying good bye to LittleYO is something I do everyday. Recently it's become progressively tougher for me to do. Mainly because his personality is coming out and he now realizes that I'm leaving him for the day, again. Now, this morning was no different from other mornings, until I got off the subway today in downtown Manhattan....
Everyday to get to work, I walk passed a day care center in lower Manhattan. All the mommyyo's and daddyyo's are dropping their kids off. Each day I hear the same things "I love you and I will see you later". I started to think that as adults we have become F'in retarded, my self included. Why must we miss out on the day-to-day with our kids? There is nothing more we want as parentyo's than to be with our kids. However, we have become trained to go to work and say good bye...hug and kiss your baby and tell then to have a "nice day". Seriously, this is bull sh*&! (I'm not allowed to curse anymore since Littlyo picked up on the word "Shit" last week)...
Parent-hood 1. One who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child; a father or mother.
Now, let be honest. In order to raise a child, both parents have to work. Are we parenting? Is spending time with your child for two hours in the morning and two hours at night (if I get home on time) parenting? So I have an idea...!
It’s a ridiculous idea. However, the more thought I gave it; the more I wanted to feed it. Everything is situational. Humans have the innate ability to adapt. Looking back at the economy over the last few years, it's been hard, we adapted to new life styles and survived one the toughest economic collapses in history. So why not adapt to a lifestyle that benefits you, your family and friends. I call it PARENT- HOOD!
.
"Parent-Hood" - Call it a "town", call it "Religion", call it a "CULT", call it "Alternative Living", and call it anything you want. A town for families to spend the first 2 years of your kids life together, as a family among other families. A town that takes care of you and your family, as long as you take care of it back. A town that allows you to live, laugh, love as a family and allows you to spend the time, we can only dream with our kids. A town with no work, no nannies and no weekly paychecks. A town, a parent-HOOD, that redefines and grows the relationship with our family and "LittleYo's". Ya see, all children are born with the potential to be great! By simply being there, as parents, for our kids, they have a better chance of reaching a whole new level of achievement.
After two years families, from all over the world, who lived in "Parent-Hood" return back to their lives in the "old world". We return to our old lifestyles of work and nannies and weekly paychecks. However, because of the last two years we have spent with our families, we are changed people. We have a better and stronger sense of family values and community. An idea that starts with the family, effects the community and potentially the future of the world.
Granted this is nonsense post that borders on the line of delusional. However, if this thought could become something more by writing it down and somehow change the way we all are programmed to live our lives; maybe as parents, we can become less delusional to the current role we have lead to believe is "Ok" or the Norm".
We don't need to say "I love you and I will see you later".
Today leaving the house and saying good bye to LittleYO is something I do everyday. Recently it's become progressively tougher for me to do. Mainly because his personality is coming out and he now realizes that I'm leaving him for the day, again. Now, this morning was no different from other mornings, until I got off the subway today in downtown Manhattan....
Everyday to get to work, I walk passed a day care center in lower Manhattan. All the mommyyo's and daddyyo's are dropping their kids off. Each day I hear the same things "I love you and I will see you later". I started to think that as adults we have become F'in retarded, my self included. Why must we miss out on the day-to-day with our kids? There is nothing more we want as parentyo's than to be with our kids. However, we have become trained to go to work and say good bye...hug and kiss your baby and tell then to have a "nice day". Seriously, this is bull sh*&! (I'm not allowed to curse anymore since Littlyo picked up on the word "Shit" last week)...
Parent-hood 1. One who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child; a father or mother.
Now, let be honest. In order to raise a child, both parents have to work. Are we parenting? Is spending time with your child for two hours in the morning and two hours at night (if I get home on time) parenting? So I have an idea...!
It’s a ridiculous idea. However, the more thought I gave it; the more I wanted to feed it. Everything is situational. Humans have the innate ability to adapt. Looking back at the economy over the last few years, it's been hard, we adapted to new life styles and survived one the toughest economic collapses in history. So why not adapt to a lifestyle that benefits you, your family and friends. I call it PARENT- HOOD!
.
"Parent-Hood" - Call it a "town", call it "Religion", call it a "CULT", call it "Alternative Living", and call it anything you want. A town for families to spend the first 2 years of your kids life together, as a family among other families. A town that takes care of you and your family, as long as you take care of it back. A town that allows you to live, laugh, love as a family and allows you to spend the time, we can only dream with our kids. A town with no work, no nannies and no weekly paychecks. A town, a parent-HOOD, that redefines and grows the relationship with our family and "LittleYo's". Ya see, all children are born with the potential to be great! By simply being there, as parents, for our kids, they have a better chance of reaching a whole new level of achievement.
After two years families, from all over the world, who lived in "Parent-Hood" return back to their lives in the "old world". We return to our old lifestyles of work and nannies and weekly paychecks. However, because of the last two years we have spent with our families, we are changed people. We have a better and stronger sense of family values and community. An idea that starts with the family, effects the community and potentially the future of the world.
Granted this is nonsense post that borders on the line of delusional. However, if this thought could become something more by writing it down and somehow change the way we all are programmed to live our lives; maybe as parents, we can become less delusional to the current role we have lead to believe is "Ok" or the Norm".
We don't need to say "I love you and I will see you later".
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Happy 1st Birthday LittleYO!
I can't believe this week, last year, LittleYO arrived. My boy turns one and the old folks telling me to "enjoy it, it goes by quick" weren't kidding. Looking back, I shake my head and think how lucky I am to have this super kid in my life. It was a good year and the 8 months off of work ( not by choice) in the beginning of the year, actually ended up being a good thing. To be able to spend his first 8 months of life together was priceless. I'm thankful.
Preparing for his birthday has been more exciting than I thought. A lot of preparation...including LittleYO's first haircut. It never ends, new DaddyYO experiences everyday. New words and he even took his first steps today! Its awesome and I can not wait for tomorrow, to spend more time with him. It's what I live and work for, my family.
My first year as a DaddyYO, I've learned life is ordinary, family makes it extraordinary and experiences that you share together is what makes life so great! I will treasure every moment and will forever Live, Laugh and Love with my HERO~!
Preparing for his birthday has been more exciting than I thought. A lot of preparation...including LittleYO's first haircut. It never ends, new DaddyYO experiences everyday. New words and he even took his first steps today! Its awesome and I can not wait for tomorrow, to spend more time with him. It's what I live and work for, my family.
My first year as a DaddyYO, I've learned life is ordinary, family makes it extraordinary and experiences that you share together is what makes life so great! I will treasure every moment and will forever Live, Laugh and Love with my HERO~!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
AT&T Sucks
I got 3G 5 bar reception
Still can't make a call...
Because of AT&T congestion
Spend a buck fifty a month
minutes, still not enough
I spend 3 hours on the phone with support
What I'd like to do is take AT&T to federal court.
Its one thing to spend 400 dollars for a blackberry bold,
its another after 30 min, that I'm still on hold.
Its just plain cold to treat a customer like this
my thoughts of canceling start to bring me happiness.
I can't take the hold music for one more note,
Support comes back and they finally spoke
"your On the line with tech support"
Waitng for them to finish
"...Btw they don't speak any English."
Eyes blurry my mind races
I like to punch Att in their faces.
Robbing me of my dignity
and my time...
this is nothing short of a Telecrime.
AT&T sucks.
So now my device is LittleYo's toy phone
to never be turned on again to forever remain at home
its the happiest my bold has made me in a long long time
and now that I look at him play, worth every dime.
Still can't make a call...
Because of AT&T congestion
Spend a buck fifty a month
minutes, still not enough
I spend 3 hours on the phone with support
What I'd like to do is take AT&T to federal court.
Its one thing to spend 400 dollars for a blackberry bold,
its another after 30 min, that I'm still on hold.
Its just plain cold to treat a customer like this
my thoughts of canceling start to bring me happiness.
I can't take the hold music for one more note,
Support comes back and they finally spoke
"your On the line with tech support"
Waitng for them to finish
"...Btw they don't speak any English."
Eyes blurry my mind races
I like to punch Att in their faces.
Robbing me of my dignity
and my time...
this is nothing short of a Telecrime.
AT&T sucks.
So now my device is LittleYo's toy phone
to never be turned on again to forever remain at home
its the happiest my bold has made me in a long long time
and now that I look at him play, worth every dime.
Monday, September 21, 2009
DaddyYO rapp re-cap
...his words connect like a chain necklace knotted-
waving to the dog that is spotted,
smiling when daddyyo fart-ed.
Singing in the morning to a tune not playing thorough the speakers
while trying on daddyo sneakers
This is certain -ly is a gift,
a twist on the top of my list,
to replace a single life with pure happiness.
Playing on the floor and bangging together two cars
Replacing single dollar bills and late nights at tittty bars.
It never felt so good, teaching littleyo what is right!
keep two hands up, protect your face in a fight.
Not walking yet, but he thinks he is....this guy is already for showbiz.
Pop Quiz ...
A square has four sides minus a diamond that has three, equals mommyyo will always be the ONE for him and me.
From carry to hold to walk with me daddy.
His hair is so long,
his laugh is LOUD and the one hug he gives me before bedtime, is what makes me so proud.
To hold his little head on on my shoulder,
I wish this time was never over.
waving to the dog that is spotted,
smiling when daddyyo fart-ed.
Singing in the morning to a tune not playing thorough the speakers
while trying on daddyo sneakers
This is certain -ly is a gift,
a twist on the top of my list,
to replace a single life with pure happiness.
Playing on the floor and bangging together two cars
Replacing single dollar bills and late nights at tittty bars.
It never felt so good, teaching littleyo what is right!
keep two hands up, protect your face in a fight.
Not walking yet, but he thinks he is....this guy is already for showbiz.
Pop Quiz ...
A square has four sides minus a diamond that has three, equals mommyyo will always be the ONE for him and me.
From carry to hold to walk with me daddy.
His hair is so long,
his laugh is LOUD and the one hug he gives me before bedtime, is what makes me so proud.
To hold his little head on on my shoulder,
I wish this time was never over.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Moving at the SPEED of Time!
Talking, laughing, almost walking and two months away my LittleYO turns 1 years old. Amazing how time flies...
Time is a funny thing, now a days, weeks and years go by at the speed of light. I think as DaddyYO's we can not forgot that our LittleYO's wrist watch moves slower (relative time and space) then ours and we can not forgot to put our words into their perspective; in a way consistent with their understanding of the world. Talk like them, get on the ground and play... be 10 months again with your littleYO's! grow with them...they will tell you what they know and what we can do to help.
I admit I was always selfish, it was great! Loved every minute of it! However, I'm learning quickly that its not about us DaddyYO's, never was. Its about our kids, our family the importance of close friends and enemies. Something I knew nothing about being young and probably, on more than one occasion, reasons why many parents and littleyo's argue while growing up. We learn through life that these are things that become most important in life.
We daddyYO's can not forgot to keep things in perspective for our littleYO's. It's up to us to "keep it real" and consistent with their understanding. Nothing is more important than the present. How we choose to speak to our LittleYO's will determine the level of trust, respect and type of relationship in the later years, which for me, in light speed, is tomorrow.
Live, Laugh and Love!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Its been a while....patience.
I clearly was mistaken thinking I could blog about being a DaddyYO everyday. I will make a better attempt at a weekly blog. It would probably be more interesting than a daily blog.
LittleYO, now is 9 months. That was fast...too fast. What can I say, I enjoy every min being a DaddyYO. It has changed me, for the best. Thank god! I made a promise to LittleYO that I was going to try and give him something I never had, patience. It was only recently, since his birth, that my patience has finally developed (dare a man say blossom) to a level high enough to know and recognize that I'm not the same person I was 9 months ago. Patience, who would of thought that it made life easier...except when it comes to the NY Met's. That I still have no patience for...
I landed a job, a good one at that with a lot of promise and good people. What more could I ask for. I'm thankful - You see? I didn't talk like that 9 months ago! Anyway, my first paycheck, we went to ToysRUs and bought a swing set. The construction of this wooden mind puzzle that came in two separate boxes was nothing a single guy going out every night, getting drunk and/or laid could have constructed on his own. You know what I mean? At first, I went at it with no regard, shirt off, bare foot, no instructions, I didn't even check materials. After about 3 min of opening up the instruction manual and looking over the pictures that reminded me of the "Faces of death" video, I needed to take a breath, a long one. My reality was that I have 500 friends on facebook and at the start of this "journey" I realized I was trippin alone.
I literally walked around the block in a panic, realizing that it's very possible that I just bought some really expensive firewood. How in the world am I going to do this? I broke out into sweats, my heart was pumping and the adrenaline kicked in....Ahhhhhhh there you go!!!
I ran back from my walk excited to get started. I had a plan...buy a 12 -pack. From there, it was smooth sailing. For all you DaddyYO's and soon-to-be planning on buying a swing set for your littleyo someday, place one ear on this screen and listen:
That page that says "STOP" in the instruction booklet...LISTEN to them!!!
Separate all your hardware and materials. It takes time and patience. The entire project took a long time and I still can not believe after 15 hours, I didn't get mad, angry, curse, throw a hammer or break something totally unrelated to this project. I had two good friends stop by to lend me helping hand and for that, they will always be allowed to play on the swing set at any time.
Now, when LittleYo, standing on MommyYO's feet, "walked out" and saw the swing set for the first time, he screamed in happiness. That smile with two lower teeth poking through. That experience, that feeling I have never felt before is something no words or pictures can describe. I will never forget.
It is this moment, I understood what/why/how much my DaddyYO loved me and its moments like this that makes us men and DaddyYO's.
LittleYO, now is 9 months. That was fast...too fast. What can I say, I enjoy every min being a DaddyYO. It has changed me, for the best. Thank god! I made a promise to LittleYO that I was going to try and give him something I never had, patience. It was only recently, since his birth, that my patience has finally developed (dare a man say blossom) to a level high enough to know and recognize that I'm not the same person I was 9 months ago. Patience, who would of thought that it made life easier...except when it comes to the NY Met's. That I still have no patience for...
I landed a job, a good one at that with a lot of promise and good people. What more could I ask for. I'm thankful - You see? I didn't talk like that 9 months ago! Anyway, my first paycheck, we went to ToysRUs and bought a swing set. The construction of this wooden mind puzzle that came in two separate boxes was nothing a single guy going out every night, getting drunk and/or laid could have constructed on his own. You know what I mean? At first, I went at it with no regard, shirt off, bare foot, no instructions, I didn't even check materials. After about 3 min of opening up the instruction manual and looking over the pictures that reminded me of the "Faces of death" video, I needed to take a breath, a long one. My reality was that I have 500 friends on facebook and at the start of this "journey" I realized I was trippin alone.
I literally walked around the block in a panic, realizing that it's very possible that I just bought some really expensive firewood. How in the world am I going to do this? I broke out into sweats, my heart was pumping and the adrenaline kicked in....Ahhhhhhh there you go!!!
I ran back from my walk excited to get started. I had a plan...buy a 12 -pack. From there, it was smooth sailing. For all you DaddyYO's and soon-to-be planning on buying a swing set for your littleyo someday, place one ear on this screen and listen:
That page that says "STOP" in the instruction booklet...LISTEN to them!!!
Separate all your hardware and materials. It takes time and patience. The entire project took a long time and I still can not believe after 15 hours, I didn't get mad, angry, curse, throw a hammer or break something totally unrelated to this project. I had two good friends stop by to lend me helping hand and for that, they will always be allowed to play on the swing set at any time.
Now, when LittleYo, standing on MommyYO's feet, "walked out" and saw the swing set for the first time, he screamed in happiness. That smile with two lower teeth poking through. That experience, that feeling I have never felt before is something no words or pictures can describe. I will never forget.
It is this moment, I understood what/why/how much my DaddyYO loved me and its moments like this that makes us men and DaddyYO's.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
DaddyYO_Great 1st DaddyYO day!
8 months and counting. Getting back into the work is getting easier, because it has too. Spending QT in the evening and early morning hours. I miss LittleYO every sec. A very new, and another, feeling I have as a father that I never felt before.
My first fathers day was one I will never forget! I spent the day with the familyYO and thinking of my dad and if he experienced similar feelings that I am having now for myself. I'll never know. I just hope that LittleYO has half the love and respect I have for my daddyYO.
My first fathers day was one I will never forget! I spent the day with the familyYO and thinking of my dad and if he experienced similar feelings that I am having now for myself. I'll never know. I just hope that LittleYO has half the love and respect I have for my daddyYO.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Run 1 = 30 min - 586 calories- keep it going!
I did it. I got my fat ass to the beach and ran for 30 min. WifeyYO and LittleYO also went with me, so it turned out to be more enjoyable night than I thought. I do feel little better, but I know there are many more nights ahead of me that I will need to find the time to run.
Being able to include littleYO in the run was not something I even thought about. Like music, it pushed me. I found myself driven by just having him there, so bring your kid throw them in a sled, carry them on your shoulders, you can do it. Make it a family affair. I felt so good, we went out for seafood salada...beer was tempting but I resisted.
Drinking as much water as I can tonight and tomorrow before my run, to see if it helps.
Its in you. If you feel it and can think it you can make it happen. I'm dropping 30lbs in 3 months...so could you! Be a doer.
Being able to include littleYO in the run was not something I even thought about. Like music, it pushed me. I found myself driven by just having him there, so bring your kid throw them in a sled, carry them on your shoulders, you can do it. Make it a family affair. I felt so good, we went out for seafood salada...beer was tempting but I resisted.
Drinking as much water as I can tonight and tomorrow before my run, to see if it helps.
Its in you. If you feel it and can think it you can make it happen. I'm dropping 30lbs in 3 months...so could you! Be a doer.
DaddyYO's 3 month - training program- join me if you want.
After 2 weeks back at work, I'm trying to find my energy to begin working out again. One way or another, it will be done. Any free time I have goes to Littleyo. Its easy to forget about yourself and the last thing I want to do is use LittleYo as an excuse foe, lets face it, F-A-T. Its not a good feeling as we all know...and dont ask wifeyyo, she is lying when she says your not fat.
I invite all daddyYO's to join me on this 3 month "TRIP" - it's not easy and I know we all work hard, we all have families and any excuse as to why you can't do this, is the difference between you and me. Your choice...I'm running...with or without..
I'm gathering my itunes library at this moment. I will even make efforts to go running tonight, while the feeling is still right. I have ran marathon's before and the hardest part is getting started. I honestly never thought in a million years Id be able to run a marathon. I also never thought I weigh 210lbs. Very upsetting. First thing, I'm going to make a daily goal ( not weekly), a schedule for the next day and honestly I don't eat bad so hopefully that makes things easier.
Step One:
I. Prepare
1. Music
2. sneakers
3. start thinking about the next run before the first one is done.
4. try not to feel bad about going for a run, leavin the LittleYO at home.
5. enough talk fat ass...go run! starting 20-30 min runs...
Good luck, hope to have you join me.
Goal weight: 195lbs currently 210 - total weight loss is 15 lbs - 2- 3 months.
I invite all daddyYO's to join me on this 3 month "TRIP" - it's not easy and I know we all work hard, we all have families and any excuse as to why you can't do this, is the difference between you and me. Your choice...I'm running...with or without..
I'm gathering my itunes library at this moment. I will even make efforts to go running tonight, while the feeling is still right. I have ran marathon's before and the hardest part is getting started. I honestly never thought in a million years Id be able to run a marathon. I also never thought I weigh 210lbs. Very upsetting. First thing, I'm going to make a daily goal ( not weekly), a schedule for the next day and honestly I don't eat bad so hopefully that makes things easier.
Step One:
I. Prepare
1. Music
2. sneakers
3. start thinking about the next run before the first one is done.
4. try not to feel bad about going for a run, leavin the LittleYO at home.
5. enough talk fat ass...go run! starting 20-30 min runs...
Good luck, hope to have you join me.
Goal weight: 195lbs currently 210 - total weight loss is 15 lbs - 2- 3 months.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Week 1 - Back to the GRIND!~
So as promised, I started writing today on the train with an application on my BB call cellspin.net. However, just as I hit submit, I went into a tunnel and my well thought out post was lost in cyberspace forever. That sucks.
Week 1 has taken some adjustment from being home after 7 months. Seven months ago, two weeks after LittleYO arrived, I was laid off. At first, I was really angry and upset for the timing and the absence of corporate compassion. I know, I know....what was I thinking and expecting from a corporation. Stupid. However, having a son was an important time in my life and everyone around me knew, I wasn't even given a heads up. This experience has changed me forever....
Now back at work and 8 months later, I take with me a bag full of memories of being so present in LittleYO's first 8 months of life. An experience, as a first time dad, I had no idea was about. I'm extremely thankful for this experience that many DaddyYO's miss out on...no matter the costs of not working for 8 months there is no price or job I would of taken, if I wasn't running out of money.
Work has been an adjustment, however my focus will never stray from what is most important to me, family and happiness. Forever, its always been about my job, coming in early, leaving late and even working from home. I look back and think, when did that become the norm? Why in a million years would I compensate my free time for some company, at the end of the day, REALLY does not care about you. Trust me, your company does not care about you. I don't care if you worked for the same company for 50 years...they-don't-care. A realization that has empowered me to focus my work and everything I do on something bigger than me and life, Family. I had no idea how important family is despite my Dad's mantra "Family (...and your mind) is all you have" I come to learn that this is in fact, the truth and now exists in my world.
Gone are the days of wanting to go out after work. Darting home to spend an hour with LittleYO before he falls asleep and wifeyYO, is the highlight of my day! Nothing else matters and nothing else ever will. Prior to where I am now I was distracted, like many, from the gravitational pull of the corporation. Which we all know, wherever we get pulled, its never in the direction of our own benefit. Yet, people still work overtime and on the weekends...STOP! I would of never of seen the light should it not have been forced on me 8 months ago, when I was let go from my job. I thought it was the end of my world, it was just the beginning.
Week 1 has taken some adjustment from being home after 7 months. Seven months ago, two weeks after LittleYO arrived, I was laid off. At first, I was really angry and upset for the timing and the absence of corporate compassion. I know, I know....what was I thinking and expecting from a corporation. Stupid. However, having a son was an important time in my life and everyone around me knew, I wasn't even given a heads up. This experience has changed me forever....
Now back at work and 8 months later, I take with me a bag full of memories of being so present in LittleYO's first 8 months of life. An experience, as a first time dad, I had no idea was about. I'm extremely thankful for this experience that many DaddyYO's miss out on...no matter the costs of not working for 8 months there is no price or job I would of taken, if I wasn't running out of money.
Work has been an adjustment, however my focus will never stray from what is most important to me, family and happiness. Forever, its always been about my job, coming in early, leaving late and even working from home. I look back and think, when did that become the norm? Why in a million years would I compensate my free time for some company, at the end of the day, REALLY does not care about you. Trust me, your company does not care about you. I don't care if you worked for the same company for 50 years...they-don't-care. A realization that has empowered me to focus my work and everything I do on something bigger than me and life, Family. I had no idea how important family is despite my Dad's mantra "Family (...and your mind) is all you have" I come to learn that this is in fact, the truth and now exists in my world.
Gone are the days of wanting to go out after work. Darting home to spend an hour with LittleYO before he falls asleep and wifeyYO, is the highlight of my day! Nothing else matters and nothing else ever will. Prior to where I am now I was distracted, like many, from the gravitational pull of the corporation. Which we all know, wherever we get pulled, its never in the direction of our own benefit. Yet, people still work overtime and on the weekends...STOP! I would of never of seen the light should it not have been forced on me 8 months ago, when I was let go from my job. I thought it was the end of my world, it was just the beginning.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
DaddyYO - Back to work we GO!
Apoloigies for not posting in a while...all for good reason!
Things were getting hairy for a while with no job after 7 months. However, as of May 28th I returned to work for a really good company. Another reason for not posting is a family vacation/wedding in Aruba! The first family vacation filled with NEW experiences and learning how to travel as a daddyYO for the first time.
After being home for so long...it has been a psychological shift back to work. A whole new focus and routine none of which includes sneeking away for walks with LittleYO or hugs and mid-day 'power hour" of play time. I see these past 7 months as a godsend and grateful to be able to be there for LittleYO for his first months on this planet. I will never forget it! LittleYO now says "Da DA" all day-everyday and he's my number one fan, as I am his...
I will start blooging on mobile and keep my expereinces and thoughts flowing like a leaky faucet. I wanted to give a quick DaddyYOoooo to all my friends....
Stay tuned!
Things were getting hairy for a while with no job after 7 months. However, as of May 28th I returned to work for a really good company. Another reason for not posting is a family vacation/wedding in Aruba! The first family vacation filled with NEW experiences and learning how to travel as a daddyYO for the first time.
After being home for so long...it has been a psychological shift back to work. A whole new focus and routine none of which includes sneeking away for walks with LittleYO or hugs and mid-day 'power hour" of play time. I see these past 7 months as a godsend and grateful to be able to be there for LittleYO for his first months on this planet. I will never forget it! LittleYO now says "Da DA" all day-everyday and he's my number one fan, as I am his...
I will start blooging on mobile and keep my expereinces and thoughts flowing like a leaky faucet. I wanted to give a quick DaddyYOoooo to all my friends....
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
LittleYO "Why" question is coming...
When I was younger I asked a lot of questions mainly because I knew there were reasons behind what I was seeing. Birds flying, waves crashing, a loud dishwasher and fire sirens...all of these things simply did not happen on their own. Something happen to make the birds fly, something happen to make the waves crash and fire engines roar. I took it upon myself at the age of three to take the dishwasher apart and figure it out for myself. I still don’t get it. My mom and dad were not happy and they gave me a watch to play with instead. Shortly after I started collecting watches and taking them apart to see how they worked. There are so many pieces all working together, perfectly. Each piece, small or big, is just as important to the end result, accurate time. It’s truly amazing how it all works…
Now a DaddyYO, I know these types of questions will be asked of me from my son and I look forward to them. Like my parents, I will reinforce free thinking, wonder, ideas and the endless possibilities of what he can achieve and accomplish in his lifetime. It’s what makes youth so exciting for him and everyone around him.
However, it is through my time and my experience in life that I’ve learned words like routine, conformity and 401K match. I think it’s a fair statement to say there are more followers than leaders. Corporations love followers and reinforce conformity and words like corporate culture. We get caught up in our day-to-day routine and we forget about our innate ability to be free thinkers. We spend the little time at night with our family and our children are a product of our 9-5 schedules. A cycle that is learned and reinforced all through life, starting at the early stages of our development.
Honestly, what happen to the Michelangelo’s, Locke, Berkeley, Sartre , Aristotle’s and Galileo’s of our time? WHERE DID THESE PEOPLE GO? My guess is extinction and I miss them. No one can be a freethinker who demands conformity and we all demand it because it pays our bills. We all accept it because we have too.
How many times have you sat in a meeting and someone asked “does anyone have any questions?” and Crickets…nobody speaks up. People are afraid. It’s really sad. We need to reinforce our littleYO’s to be a free thinker’s and to not be afraid TO SPEAK UP! The future depends on it.
We all work and live under one sky. Each of us, despite our title and status, is just as important to the end result. Their is an answer and explanation to everything and I always hoped the answers came easier with age. I guess like a watch, life is sometimes more like fixing than admiring.
Now a DaddyYO, I know these types of questions will be asked of me from my son and I look forward to them. Like my parents, I will reinforce free thinking, wonder, ideas and the endless possibilities of what he can achieve and accomplish in his lifetime. It’s what makes youth so exciting for him and everyone around him.
However, it is through my time and my experience in life that I’ve learned words like routine, conformity and 401K match. I think it’s a fair statement to say there are more followers than leaders. Corporations love followers and reinforce conformity and words like corporate culture. We get caught up in our day-to-day routine and we forget about our innate ability to be free thinkers. We spend the little time at night with our family and our children are a product of our 9-5 schedules. A cycle that is learned and reinforced all through life, starting at the early stages of our development.
Honestly, what happen to the Michelangelo’s, Locke, Berkeley, Sartre , Aristotle’s and Galileo’s of our time? WHERE DID THESE PEOPLE GO? My guess is extinction and I miss them. No one can be a freethinker who demands conformity and we all demand it because it pays our bills. We all accept it because we have too.
How many times have you sat in a meeting and someone asked “does anyone have any questions?” and Crickets…nobody speaks up. People are afraid. It’s really sad. We need to reinforce our littleYO’s to be a free thinker’s and to not be afraid TO SPEAK UP! The future depends on it.
We all work and live under one sky. Each of us, despite our title and status, is just as important to the end result. Their is an answer and explanation to everything and I always hoped the answers came easier with age. I guess like a watch, life is sometimes more like fixing than admiring.
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, May 4, 2009
Mother's Day $20 Gift Idea - Dont be LAME! Be Creative.
Hey DaddyY0's, are you buggin out about a gift idea for MommyYO. Mothers day is this week! Send my any picture and I will convert it into a free sketch. Same day turn around. PayPal me $20- will send back print ready 8.5 x 11' to fit frame.
Tell MommyYO you hired Picasso to draw this....this is a legit gift. She'll dig it. Direct message me and I'll hook it up.
Example below:
Tell MommyYO you hired Picasso to draw this....this is a legit gift. She'll dig it. Direct message me and I'll hook it up.
Example below:
Monday, April 27, 2009
Internal thoughts of a DaddyYO
As a first time dad, I often question what I'm doing as a father when being a DaddyYO to littleYO. Am I being a good father? Am I doing the right things? It's my job to make his initial understanding of a place that is not so kind or forgiving a positive one. This will give LittleYO hope, hope gives rise to dreams and dreams is what life is all about.
This past weekend we went to the park, the beach and took hourly walks. When people see LittleYO they smile, wave and even sometimes stop to talk. I think this is the strangest thing in the world! Why? Because at some point in our lives we start walking by people and stop acknowledging anyone outside of work, friends and family. I'm guilty of this myself and long ago I stopped saying "hello" to anyone I didn't know, except a cute baby or old person.
Youth and old age are the ages that bookmark of our years on this planet. The years in between we spend caught up striving, hustling to make a living and providing for ourselves and families. The younger generations are caught up defining themselves, more than ever , in a world that that is much bigger and non comparable to earlier generations because of web and social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and blogs.
Than at some point again, as we get older, we stop caring about image and work and all other distracting things we spend years trying to understand. Maybe its something people can sense and its inviting and welcoming and people and are not afraid to say "hello" because their is no judgment or "threat" when speaking to a baby or someone that is old.
I only know this because I'm an observer constantly trying to make sense of everything around me, quietly in my mind. Now, I don't look like the "type" but who does? A degree in Psychology, I can not help but believe that there is always an answer for the way people are behaving and acting. The fun part is figuring out situations and why things are the way they are...right now.
This time at home has changed me forever and for the better. I look forward, more now than ever, to the present and the future; because of LittleYO.
This past weekend we went to the park, the beach and took hourly walks. When people see LittleYO they smile, wave and even sometimes stop to talk. I think this is the strangest thing in the world! Why? Because at some point in our lives we start walking by people and stop acknowledging anyone outside of work, friends and family. I'm guilty of this myself and long ago I stopped saying "hello" to anyone I didn't know, except a cute baby or old person.
Youth and old age are the ages that bookmark of our years on this planet. The years in between we spend caught up striving, hustling to make a living and providing for ourselves and families. The younger generations are caught up defining themselves, more than ever , in a world that that is much bigger and non comparable to earlier generations because of web and social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and blogs.
Than at some point again, as we get older, we stop caring about image and work and all other distracting things we spend years trying to understand. Maybe its something people can sense and its inviting and welcoming and people and are not afraid to say "hello" because their is no judgment or "threat" when speaking to a baby or someone that is old.
I only know this because I'm an observer constantly trying to make sense of everything around me, quietly in my mind. Now, I don't look like the "type" but who does? A degree in Psychology, I can not help but believe that there is always an answer for the way people are behaving and acting. The fun part is figuring out situations and why things are the way they are...right now.
This time at home has changed me forever and for the better. I look forward, more now than ever, to the present and the future; because of LittleYO.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Why? Advertisng. Why?
Ring Ring the phone sings, another head hunter. My day wouldn’t be complete until I receive ten more calls just like this one. It’s tough not to be callous and skeptical when most of these opportunities end up with me being more frustrated than where I began my day.
My current situation is a result of today’s economy. I now have to downplay my knowledge of advertising in my interviews, because of the “You’re over qualified” responses that I am receiving. This is scary and a very realistic strategy should I find a job sooner than later.
Being home, I’m not sitting around. I’m researching my advertising field, both online and offline and learning new ways to network and connect social platforms like Facebook and twitter with applications, Google and mobile. Figuring out new ways to improve media and build a stronger more streamlined process that will help advertisers. I will work again and when I do, I will be over qualified.
Advertising is something that has always made clear sense for me and I enjoy helping my clients understand this process. However, I find from my experiences that nobody likes anyone who is more knowledgeable of the advertising process and media than the people you may be working with and/or helping. These are the situations that make you question your ability, your knowledge and media process.
In this economy everyone is protecting themselves, their own positions and their corporate standing within the company. Not to say, this comes as a shock but this is the result as to why advertising media budgets have been cut and slashed by more than 50%; the inability of “higher up’s” to change with the evolution of media.
Usually “higher ups” are someone older and occupy the VP level and higher positions. Through no fault of their own, they simply can not understand media better than the younger teams they are directing and/or managing; a team that is full of youth, ideas and online media knowledge that is built into their DNA.
It’s like Michael Phelps managing a school of fish, telling them what they need to do to swim better and stronger. What might have worked in the past for these “Higher Ups” doesn’t work or apply to the younger generation they are managing/directing or their advertisers. It’s simply out-of -context managing that stunts the results of media advertising performance.
Do not question, or suggest new ideas and out-of-the box strategies, it’s a threat to all things “Higher Ups” value the most, their job. This has been my experience over the last 8 years working within many companies, some fortune 500 companies. Not until, this is dealt with will advertiser’s start to control their overall media success.
…and for those young fish in media who do play ball, and keep their ideas under “control” they will climb that corporate latter, very slowly and achieve the professional success we all strive to achieve every day by the age of 65.
Pick a team, choose a side. Are you a leader or a follower? This is one of the few decisions we, young fish, still have control over.
Good luck and God speed.
My current situation is a result of today’s economy. I now have to downplay my knowledge of advertising in my interviews, because of the “You’re over qualified” responses that I am receiving. This is scary and a very realistic strategy should I find a job sooner than later.
Being home, I’m not sitting around. I’m researching my advertising field, both online and offline and learning new ways to network and connect social platforms like Facebook and twitter with applications, Google and mobile. Figuring out new ways to improve media and build a stronger more streamlined process that will help advertisers. I will work again and when I do, I will be over qualified.
Advertising is something that has always made clear sense for me and I enjoy helping my clients understand this process. However, I find from my experiences that nobody likes anyone who is more knowledgeable of the advertising process and media than the people you may be working with and/or helping. These are the situations that make you question your ability, your knowledge and media process.
In this economy everyone is protecting themselves, their own positions and their corporate standing within the company. Not to say, this comes as a shock but this is the result as to why advertising media budgets have been cut and slashed by more than 50%; the inability of “higher up’s” to change with the evolution of media.
Usually “higher ups” are someone older and occupy the VP level and higher positions. Through no fault of their own, they simply can not understand media better than the younger teams they are directing and/or managing; a team that is full of youth, ideas and online media knowledge that is built into their DNA.
It’s like Michael Phelps managing a school of fish, telling them what they need to do to swim better and stronger. What might have worked in the past for these “Higher Ups” doesn’t work or apply to the younger generation they are managing/directing or their advertisers. It’s simply out-of -context managing that stunts the results of media advertising performance.
Do not question, or suggest new ideas and out-of-the box strategies, it’s a threat to all things “Higher Ups” value the most, their job. This has been my experience over the last 8 years working within many companies, some fortune 500 companies. Not until, this is dealt with will advertiser’s start to control their overall media success.
…and for those young fish in media who do play ball, and keep their ideas under “control” they will climb that corporate latter, very slowly and achieve the professional success we all strive to achieve every day by the age of 65.
Pick a team, choose a side. Are you a leader or a follower? This is one of the few decisions we, young fish, still have control over.
Good luck and God speed.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Parents Magazine Cover Photo Contest
Vote once per pic. Best vote is 5 STARS!
CLICK HERE: Parents Magazine Photo Contest
Please RETWEET ! Please vote !
CLICK HERE: Parents Magazine Photo Contest
Please RETWEET ! Please vote !
Monday, April 20, 2009
$500 off my HP dv7t customizable Notebook - incentive code inside #fb
Instant discounts you received:
$500.00 Coupon NB4327
Use code NB4327 to save $500 off $1399.00+ on HP notebook
I looked online for 2 hours and found this code. Hope it works for you! If not, here is a link for more current codes http://hpwebpromotions.com/
Was $1407 got it for $907 plus free S&H!
HP Pavilion Entertainment dv7t customizable Notebook PC
$500.00 Coupon NB4327
Use code NB4327 to save $500 off $1399.00+ on HP notebook
I looked online for 2 hours and found this code. Hope it works for you! If not, here is a link for more current codes http://hpwebpromotions.com/
Was $1407 got it for $907 plus free S&H!
HP Pavilion Entertainment dv7t customizable Notebook PC
- • Espresso Black
- • Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- • Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz)
- • 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- • FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- • 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 4530
- • 17.3" diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1600 x 900)
- • LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
- • Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
- • Wireless-G Card with Bluetooth
- • No TV Tuner w/remote control
- • HP Color Matching Keyboard
- • 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- • No Modem
- • Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- • Norton Internet Security(TM) 2009 - 15 Month Subscription
- • Adobe(R) PhotoShop(R) Elements 7.0
- • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
"Fixit" DaddyYO helpful or not? #fb
What I have been able to do during this economy downturn with no job is continue to spend money. However, I find there is less money for other things like landscaping ($125/week...C'mon!) and repairs around the house. I know I'm not alone when I say I don't want to look stupid and ask someone how to change an outlet box. My next step is usually to "Youtube it" and hope there is an instructional video showing me the step-by-step- process on how its done and in a way a 3-year girl could understand.
Now, after 2 hours of online research I'm usually left with no answer and have reached a new level of frustration. I start thinking about how I'm unemployed and on top of all this I don't know how to change an outlet! Swear words to follow, possibly throw something of no value against the wall followed by a shit and a smoke to calm me down. Then, I ask someone. If you have never felt like this before you're a liar and your probably ugly.
Nobody wants to look stupid or ugly. Lets face it, its inevitable for everyone when it comes to fixing new things around the house to get frustrated.. There's no more shame in my game! I need help and I'm sure I'm not alone. We all have some Fix it questions and need a place to go to in real time.
"FixIT" DaddyYO to our rescue...a father and contractor, has agreed to join the crew should there be interest, answer questions for other DaddyYO's and possibly do a video once a month for the most inquired about project on our blog. Make Sense?
We have a lot people reading our blog and should you feel, now or later, that Fixit DaddyYO could be helpful to you, let him know.
Now, after 2 hours of online research I'm usually left with no answer and have reached a new level of frustration. I start thinking about how I'm unemployed and on top of all this I don't know how to change an outlet! Swear words to follow, possibly throw something of no value against the wall followed by a shit and a smoke to calm me down. Then, I ask someone. If you have never felt like this before you're a liar and your probably ugly.
Nobody wants to look stupid or ugly. Lets face it, its inevitable for everyone when it comes to fixing new things around the house to get frustrated.. There's no more shame in my game! I need help and I'm sure I'm not alone. We all have some Fix it questions and need a place to go to in real time.
"FixIT" DaddyYO to our rescue...a father and contractor, has agreed to join the crew should there be interest, answer questions for other DaddyYO's and possibly do a video once a month for the most inquired about project on our blog. Make Sense?
We have a lot people reading our blog and should you feel, now or later, that Fixit DaddyYO could be helpful to you, let him know.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Too Many Dicks on the Dancefloor...Flight of the Concords!
Sample recording from the show last night. Good times...The quality of the recording was better than I thought. Blackberry bold is an amazing piece of equipment. Anyway, I included the video for those DaddyYO's and MommyYO's who have never see or heard of the show; which is highly unlikely. To experience the high quality sound and visuals, some call hallucinogenic, click on the youtube video.
Uploaded by www.cellspin.net
Commute into a city, they call New York. Nothing new about this place.
A Queens boy now a Burb boy...I never realized what it was like to DRIVE into the city. As bad as public transportation is, I could always catch a few winks on a ride on the subway. I think I avoided enough of accidents just today, to be fine with never driving into the city again. However, today is "Date Night" with MommyYo who bought tickets for me for Valentines Days to see Flight of the Concords at Radio City. Very Cool!
I got here a bit early and I'm sitting at Langan's bar enjoying, more celebrating, my safe arrival into a city. Stella please...
I always wondered what people were typing on their phones at a bar. Now, I'm one of "those" people. I'm better off. There is a conversation about a dog to the left of me and another conversation to the right of a women sleeping with her boss. I image the chatter and hummm of bar conversation to be the physical sound of people twittering online. This blog has become a slight addiction.
I'm off to Del Friscos with a steak with my name on...with a very hot, hot...hot chick we call MommyYO. These nights are far and few in between, how did I ever do this every night of the week!
How times have changed, all for the good. Today is a new day, a good day for DaddyYO!
I got here a bit early and I'm sitting at Langan's bar enjoying, more celebrating, my safe arrival into a city. Stella please...
I always wondered what people were typing on their phones at a bar. Now, I'm one of "those" people. I'm better off. There is a conversation about a dog to the left of me and another conversation to the right of a women sleeping with her boss. I image the chatter and hummm of bar conversation to be the physical sound of people twittering online. This blog has become a slight addiction.
I'm off to Del Friscos with a steak with my name on...with a very hot, hot...hot chick we call MommyYO. These nights are far and few in between, how did I ever do this every night of the week!
How times have changed, all for the good. Today is a new day, a good day for DaddyYO!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Father's Day Poll - ToungeNCheek!!! #fb
I completely understand how inappropriate this post is. I might even be judged by some new twitter/Facebook followers. Possibly some folks I might have interviewed with, in the last few weeks, researching my background to fill a position. I say this "I must maintain the promise I made to myself and to all other DaddyYO's who have joined me on this blog. That promise was to keep this forum true to which it was intended and to not compensate my male perspective for anything but the DaddyYO truth”
Father's day is less than two months away and lets not skirt any topics here. What does DAD WANT FOR FATHER"S DAY? Honestly, there is 1 of 4 possibilities, none of which include a tie, car wash, socks, picnic with the family and/or key chain.
Be sure to RETWEET this post. I will keep everyone updated on results. The more numbers we get, the more serious this poll with be taken by everyone. With 2 weeks to go, let's go get our Father’s Day surprise!
Father's day is less than two months away and lets not skirt any topics here. What does DAD WANT FOR FATHER"S DAY? Honestly, there is 1 of 4 possibilities, none of which include a tie, car wash, socks, picnic with the family and/or key chain.
Be sure to RETWEET this post. I will keep everyone updated on results. The more numbers we get, the more serious this poll with be taken by everyone. With 2 weeks to go, let's go get our Father’s Day surprise!
Monday, April 13, 2009
DaddyYO's Diapers.com Discounts #fb
I was on Diapers.com buying stuff! I was actually on a lot of sites trying to find the best incentives codes to apply to my purchase. I ended up on Diapers.com. I got $40 off my purchase with the following discount codes below. I was also able to personalize a code for all us DaddyYO's, which is cool.
Unique Code: DaddyY0 - This Code gets $10 off your purchase on diapers.com
Unique Code:10Percent – This gets 10% off all items, except pampers and wipes.
...and you get free shipping.
Sweet Tweet alert: This is how I saved $41+ beans:
1. Buy pampers and wipes or whatever, apply the "DaddyYO" $10 discount code.
2. Buy something expensive, I bought the Maclaren techno XT stroller. I got it for $269 - with the "10percent" code saved $29.00. You will not find this stroller any cheaper online or off!!!! MommyYO wanted this and other sites didn’t even compare at $299 and up.
3. Than I got a random $1 off on something, I don’t even know.
If you sign up for yourself, you can customize your own code and pass it on to your DaddyYO friends.
Hope this helps!
Unique Code: DaddyY0 - This Code gets $10 off your purchase on diapers.com
Unique Code:10Percent – This gets 10% off all items, except pampers and wipes.
...and you get free shipping.
Sweet Tweet alert: This is how I saved $41+ beans:
1. Buy pampers and wipes or whatever, apply the "DaddyYO" $10 discount code.
2. Buy something expensive, I bought the Maclaren techno XT stroller. I got it for $269 - with the "10percent" code saved $29.00. You will not find this stroller any cheaper online or off!!!! MommyYO wanted this and other sites didn’t even compare at $299 and up.
3. Than I got a random $1 off on something, I don’t even know.
If you sign up for yourself, you can customize your own code and pass it on to your DaddyYO friends.
Hope this helps!
Dr. Visit Part 1- "Man Bag"
..so no luck yet on the job front. My search continues and until than I enjoy every single moment I can with my son. What else could I do? However, this past week “LittleYO” got sick so it hasn't been that much fun. A sick baby is a first for me as a Dad and another first is having to take him to the Dr. It truly is amazing how much everything can happen, all at once.
Cough, cough gets worse, cough is talked about with wifey than the cough is bad enough to call the doctor. Of course, the appointment is at 11 am when MommyYO is at work. It’s an intense moment when MommyYO walks out that front door for work that morning. Suddenly, I realize the responsibility I have as a DaddyYO and looking at littleYO staring at me, I believe he also knows also knows our predicament.
Whatever can happen, will happen…spit up, poop, crying, restlessness, another poop, new stain on the couch (that really bothered me) the phone rings and it’s the Dr. Office. “Mr. DaddyYO, Can you make it in by 9am instead of 11am? I looked at my watch, I got 25 min “Sure” I said. My response was a reflex, not realizing what I said until after I hung up the phone.
Flustered, scattered I was definitely not myself. I called “it in” to MommyYO for some air support. I hung up and realized it was time for the “Man bag”, my first step in gaining control of the situation.
You never now when you have to fly out that door. Now as a DaddyYO it’s a little different from before with no kids and your mnemonic checklist of things to remember no longer applies. “Spectacles, testicles, wallet, watch, keys, ring (phone), metro card”...there is now a ton of other stuff we NEED to remember or our next trip could be a tough one!
This is part one of two of my Dr. Visit with Little YO. For all you new and old ( if you haven’t figured this part out yet) DaddyYO’s out there on twitter, Facebook and the rest of the www I say this “ get your MAN BAGS “Locked and loaded” as if your life depends on it, because it will.”
No Shame in the DaddyYO game...and YES, that is a Disco ball in my Kitchen!
Cough, cough gets worse, cough is talked about with wifey than the cough is bad enough to call the doctor. Of course, the appointment is at 11 am when MommyYO is at work. It’s an intense moment when MommyYO walks out that front door for work that morning. Suddenly, I realize the responsibility I have as a DaddyYO and looking at littleYO staring at me, I believe he also knows also knows our predicament.
Whatever can happen, will happen…spit up, poop, crying, restlessness, another poop, new stain on the couch (that really bothered me) the phone rings and it’s the Dr. Office. “Mr. DaddyYO, Can you make it in by 9am instead of 11am? I looked at my watch, I got 25 min “Sure” I said. My response was a reflex, not realizing what I said until after I hung up the phone.
Flustered, scattered I was definitely not myself. I called “it in” to MommyYO for some air support. I hung up and realized it was time for the “Man bag”, my first step in gaining control of the situation.
You never now when you have to fly out that door. Now as a DaddyYO it’s a little different from before with no kids and your mnemonic checklist of things to remember no longer applies. “Spectacles, testicles, wallet, watch, keys, ring (phone), metro card”...there is now a ton of other stuff we NEED to remember or our next trip could be a tough one!
This is part one of two of my Dr. Visit with Little YO. For all you new and old ( if you haven’t figured this part out yet) DaddyYO’s out there on twitter, Facebook and the rest of the www I say this “ get your MAN BAGS “Locked and loaded” as if your life depends on it, because it will.”
No Shame in the DaddyYO game...and YES, that is a Disco ball in my Kitchen!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I can't make this sh*t up! - Potty Train - #fb
We've been potty training my son for what seems like forever. About a year ago, he actually went #1 and #2, then totally regressed. Now he's been more open to the idea of not crapping in his diapers. So, finally, about a week ago he went in his potty. Hurrray. I got a call at work, "Daddy I went to the potty!" I was very happy an told him I was proud. That's not the end of it. My son was so happy, in fact, that he wanted to keep the turd in the potty exactly the way it was until I got home. So I could see it. Obviously, mommy was not too eager to keep smelly crap in the potty all day and was about to flush it down the toilet. But my son had a shit fit (pun intended). So after thinking about it a bit, what did mommy do? Well, she convinced my son that taking a picture and giving it to me when I got home was the next best thing. So that's what I got. A happy little boy bum rushing me, with a picture of shit in a potty, when I got home. You can't make this shit up!
"FIVESIES"- While MommyYO is at work, get your kid to sleep! #fb
I’ve been putting my kid to sleep, by myself during the day while Mom is at work. This is different for me and a solution to his crying must be figured out.
A few weeks back, I saw this blind guy with a stick, tap tapping away on streets of 5th Ave. He was about to cross the street and I asked him if he wanted a piggy back. He laughed. I said I'd lend him a hand or an eye. We got to other side of the street, safely. Before I left, I asked him about the tapping of his stick on the ground what “that” was all about. He told me he can hear objects in front of him. Basically, the echo from the tapping bounces off objects in front of him and he can hear those objects. He also has a pretty good idea of the size of the obstruction he walking up to.
Over the sirens, car horns and the other city sounds. I said “WHATTTTTTT...over all these sounds, you can hear that?” He simply said “Yes”.
What he shared with me is something I applied to putting my son to sleep. People who are blind have a heightened sense of smell and sound. People who are deaf have a heightened sense of smell and sight. The reason is the mind compensates for that loss, by heightening the other working senses. That is awesome and not much different from what our babaies are doing with us with thier crying. Everybody parent already know this...
So staring at my son crying in his crib, I say ‘What is wrong” What can I do” a tone you do not want to speak to any baby while they are lying in the crib. I’m trying so hard to understand him. Until one day, I realized he might be trying to understand me. I know when my son is crying for food. I know when my son is tired or has a dump in his diaper and needs to be changed because of the his different cries. It's his way of communicating with me and his minds way of compensationing for not being able to speak. My Kid is so friggin SMART!
So like my blind buddy on 5th Ave, I figured even if my son doesn’t understand a lick of what I’m talking about, he can understand the tone of my voice. I started concentrating on not what I was saying but how I was saying it. I changed my tone for playtime and for bedtime. Doing it often enough, he can now tell the difference and knows what’s up when I put him down in his crib. Becaus eof my tone, he’s not left hanging in a dark room, in a crib all by himself not knowing "the deal". Thinking about, I would cry too if someone I do not understand for no reason just threw me in jail.
The last thing we need to do is something only a DaddyYO can do; put him in the crib and no matter how hard they cry, wait it out for 5 min. Wating for 5 min and listening to you kid cry is not easy and not something in the MommyYO DNA. This is specific to DADDYYO's. However, if you go in before the 5 min, start the 5 min clock all over.
Now, If your buddies can respect “FIVESIES” when we get up off the couch, we DaddyYO's need to respect the 5 min our kid needs to settle down. The sooner you and your kid can establish this understanding, a much happier DaddyYO and hero to MommyYO you will be.
Watching this video, I was laughing because the music was Not playing when he was trying to get to sleep, its background music. That would have been funny.
A few weeks back, I saw this blind guy with a stick, tap tapping away on streets of 5th Ave. He was about to cross the street and I asked him if he wanted a piggy back. He laughed. I said I'd lend him a hand or an eye. We got to other side of the street, safely. Before I left, I asked him about the tapping of his stick on the ground what “that” was all about. He told me he can hear objects in front of him. Basically, the echo from the tapping bounces off objects in front of him and he can hear those objects. He also has a pretty good idea of the size of the obstruction he walking up to.
Over the sirens, car horns and the other city sounds. I said “WHATTTTTTT...over all these sounds, you can hear that?” He simply said “Yes”.
What he shared with me is something I applied to putting my son to sleep. People who are blind have a heightened sense of smell and sound. People who are deaf have a heightened sense of smell and sight. The reason is the mind compensates for that loss, by heightening the other working senses. That is awesome and not much different from what our babaies are doing with us with thier crying. Everybody parent already know this...
So staring at my son crying in his crib, I say ‘What is wrong” What can I do” a tone you do not want to speak to any baby while they are lying in the crib. I’m trying so hard to understand him. Until one day, I realized he might be trying to understand me. I know when my son is crying for food. I know when my son is tired or has a dump in his diaper and needs to be changed because of the his different cries. It's his way of communicating with me and his minds way of compensationing for not being able to speak. My Kid is so friggin SMART!
So like my blind buddy on 5th Ave, I figured even if my son doesn’t understand a lick of what I’m talking about, he can understand the tone of my voice. I started concentrating on not what I was saying but how I was saying it. I changed my tone for playtime and for bedtime. Doing it often enough, he can now tell the difference and knows what’s up when I put him down in his crib. Becaus eof my tone, he’s not left hanging in a dark room, in a crib all by himself not knowing "the deal". Thinking about, I would cry too if someone I do not understand for no reason just threw me in jail.
The last thing we need to do is something only a DaddyYO can do; put him in the crib and no matter how hard they cry, wait it out for 5 min. Wating for 5 min and listening to you kid cry is not easy and not something in the MommyYO DNA. This is specific to DADDYYO's. However, if you go in before the 5 min, start the 5 min clock all over.
Now, If your buddies can respect “FIVESIES” when we get up off the couch, we DaddyYO's need to respect the 5 min our kid needs to settle down. The sooner you and your kid can establish this understanding, a much happier DaddyYO and hero to MommyYO you will be.
Watching this video, I was laughing because the music was Not playing when he was trying to get to sleep, its background music. That would have been funny.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Father-Son Opening day!
Monday's has always been the Week’s red-headed step-child. Nobody likes Monday's. This Monday is different, it’s OPENING DAY.
This past Sunday, I went out to Citi field in Queens to check out the New METS Stadium. For the first time in 6 years, I came to terms with not being able to go to Opening Day this year. So, I went the more efficient route and went to an open practice.
No doubt the stadium is nice. I like it. It’s a deep, high fly ball from what Shea ever was and taking the time yesterday to walk around instead rushing to find my seat, made for an interesting day. As I walked around scoping out location of bathrooms and beer taps, I though of my son and how this is going to be his stadium, like Shea was mine and Ebbets was my father’s.
“They say” CITI field is reminiscent of Ebbets field and if I hear that one more time, I might puke in my mouth. Ebbets field 1952 the ticket price was A DOLLAR!!! Just ONE DOLLAR! I remember hearing stories from my dad when he was kid how he and his buddies would sneak into Ebbets field to watch the Dodger’s game. Ahh…the good ol’ days… It was a different time that allowed kids to sneak into games and the affordable price of a ticket allowed for both the working and non working fan the ability to sneak away for a “day at the park”. It’s what made baseball, America’s game. The only thing similar about that time and today is our economy and war. I tried to get an opening day ticket and it would of cost me $800 -$1200 for a Opening Day seat (1 seat, not plural).
Yesterday at Citi field, I sat in the outfield waiting for a ball to come my direction, scouting new talent and mostly making fun of Oliver Perez ½ inning performance the other day. It wasn’t a game, it was just a practice and I had a lot of fun. Sitting in the sun, smile on my face it dawned on me that this season will be different and most likely I won’t make it to many home games. The price of seats is just too expensive as the old raspy voice echoes over the loud speaker, in a tone reminiscent of 1950’s, “Bring Your kid to the Game”. It was perfect timing to my internal thoughts and I nodded in disgust, as I didn’t even start to think about what it could possibly cost to bring my son to a game next year when he is old enough. For the first time, I looked around as a father noticing other father and son’s and how much of a big deal today’s PRACTICE could of been for these kids and how likely this practice was the only “day at the park” they will see all year.
Hearing stories from my dad about Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider and Roy Campanella hitting 140 of his 242 career home runs at Ebbets and telling me “I was there!” Someday I’ll tell my son about the “The CATCH”, the 2000 National League Championship and how “I was there!” These are the moments in baseball history that generations of Father-Son conversations are built on and it’s no surprise the stories we pass on from one generation to the next has taken us from field seats to “nose bleeds”. Sitting in this new stadium, I promised myself that I will do everything I can to keep my sons memories and his future “I was there” stories alive, from inside the park.
At 1pm today, my 5 month son and I will be watching baseball’s Opening day for the first time together. A place I’ve been before and remember all too well with my dad. Despite this economy, not having a job and baseball tickets prices there is nothing that can break the father-son baseball spirit. We’ll get through this time and someday my son will look back and say “I was there, with my dad”.
This past Sunday, I went out to Citi field in Queens to check out the New METS Stadium. For the first time in 6 years, I came to terms with not being able to go to Opening Day this year. So, I went the more efficient route and went to an open practice.
No doubt the stadium is nice. I like it. It’s a deep, high fly ball from what Shea ever was and taking the time yesterday to walk around instead rushing to find my seat, made for an interesting day. As I walked around scoping out location of bathrooms and beer taps, I though of my son and how this is going to be his stadium, like Shea was mine and Ebbets was my father’s.
“They say” CITI field is reminiscent of Ebbets field and if I hear that one more time, I might puke in my mouth. Ebbets field 1952 the ticket price was A DOLLAR!!! Just ONE DOLLAR! I remember hearing stories from my dad when he was kid how he and his buddies would sneak into Ebbets field to watch the Dodger’s game. Ahh…the good ol’ days… It was a different time that allowed kids to sneak into games and the affordable price of a ticket allowed for both the working and non working fan the ability to sneak away for a “day at the park”. It’s what made baseball, America’s game. The only thing similar about that time and today is our economy and war. I tried to get an opening day ticket and it would of cost me $800 -$1200 for a Opening Day seat (1 seat, not plural).
Yesterday at Citi field, I sat in the outfield waiting for a ball to come my direction, scouting new talent and mostly making fun of Oliver Perez ½ inning performance the other day. It wasn’t a game, it was just a practice and I had a lot of fun. Sitting in the sun, smile on my face it dawned on me that this season will be different and most likely I won’t make it to many home games. The price of seats is just too expensive as the old raspy voice echoes over the loud speaker, in a tone reminiscent of 1950’s, “Bring Your kid to the Game”. It was perfect timing to my internal thoughts and I nodded in disgust, as I didn’t even start to think about what it could possibly cost to bring my son to a game next year when he is old enough. For the first time, I looked around as a father noticing other father and son’s and how much of a big deal today’s PRACTICE could of been for these kids and how likely this practice was the only “day at the park” they will see all year.
Hearing stories from my dad about Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider and Roy Campanella hitting 140 of his 242 career home runs at Ebbets and telling me “I was there!” Someday I’ll tell my son about the “The CATCH”, the 2000 National League Championship and how “I was there!” These are the moments in baseball history that generations of Father-Son conversations are built on and it’s no surprise the stories we pass on from one generation to the next has taken us from field seats to “nose bleeds”. Sitting in this new stadium, I promised myself that I will do everything I can to keep my sons memories and his future “I was there” stories alive, from inside the park.
At 1pm today, my 5 month son and I will be watching baseball’s Opening day for the first time together. A place I’ve been before and remember all too well with my dad. Despite this economy, not having a job and baseball tickets prices there is nothing that can break the father-son baseball spirit. We’ll get through this time and someday my son will look back and say “I was there, with my dad”.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Mommy is home today!
I know I promised the FIVESIES Video, but mommy is home today. We all need to take advantage of Days when Mom aka "The less fun one" is home. I will try and get the video up later today, probably Monday. Happy Hour starts in just a few hours!
Also, nothing beats going to Carters, a baby clothing store. My Son is 5 months and wearing 12 month cloths. I keep telling him Daddy does not have a job, but he just keeps growing and eating. Anyway, I rather go to the store on a weekday, where there is less of a crowd. I hate crowds! I still cant believe I'm shopping for baby cloths. Who am I!?
I'll also share with all the Daddy YO' a potential BIG diaper savings. I found it online and it gives us a legit savings on diapers, doing the math now, its like over $1000/year. I'm trying it for myself before I share with everyone. So far, so good and doesnt look like a scam. Stay Tuned!
Please be sure to click on "Follow" on the top of our blog. You're able to sign in with your gmail/AOL/Yahoo account ID. There is no need to create new credentials just for this blog.
Ideally, I like to start getting some legit PRIZES and GIVEAWAYS to make this blog more interesting to us DAD's. To do that we need more BLOG "DaddyYO" followers. Because if I go to LOWES corporate, TGIF's, DICKS Sporting goods corporate, and try to get gift certificates for Blog giveaways, it will require more DaddyYO followers. I know people are reading our blog because site traffic is through the roof- So Do it. Please!
With the weekend and Mommy being home. I'm sure I will have tons of good stuff for us on Monday.
Also for anyone interested in writing for our blog, let me know.
Also, nothing beats going to Carters, a baby clothing store. My Son is 5 months and wearing 12 month cloths. I keep telling him Daddy does not have a job, but he just keeps growing and eating. Anyway, I rather go to the store on a weekday, where there is less of a crowd. I hate crowds! I still cant believe I'm shopping for baby cloths. Who am I!?
I'll also share with all the Daddy YO' a potential BIG diaper savings. I found it online and it gives us a legit savings on diapers, doing the math now, its like over $1000/year. I'm trying it for myself before I share with everyone. So far, so good and doesnt look like a scam. Stay Tuned!
Please be sure to click on "Follow" on the top of our blog. You're able to sign in with your gmail/AOL/Yahoo account ID. There is no need to create new credentials just for this blog.
Ideally, I like to start getting some legit PRIZES and GIVEAWAYS to make this blog more interesting to us DAD's. To do that we need more BLOG "DaddyYO" followers. Because if I go to LOWES corporate, TGIF's, DICKS Sporting goods corporate, and try to get gift certificates for Blog giveaways, it will require more DaddyYO followers. I know people are reading our blog because site traffic is through the roof- So Do it. Please!
With the weekend and Mommy being home. I'm sure I will have tons of good stuff for us on Monday.
Also for anyone interested in writing for our blog, let me know.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Dads Strolling in Public
Originally from Queens, I'm still getting used to the BURBS and when it comes to walking the streets in the middle of the day while pushing a stroller two words come to mind "weird and unemployed and people think I'm gay and I'm the women role in the gay relationship that has to take the baby for a walk everyday".
I'm sure I'm being just paranoid like a lot of Daddy Yo's, who whould agree that strolling in public does feel a bit emasculating. It does take some time getting used too. After all, its not the weekend and its the middle of the day. I usually don't have a problem strolling in public on the weekends, because that's what Dads do, on the WEEKENDS; Not at 1pm on Thursday, so it's different!
I did pass some "stroller mommies" out on the same walk as team DaddyYO. We almost got roped into a conversation. For me, a conversation is anything more then two sentences of which I wish I wasn't speaking. Now when you pass a "Stroller Mommy" strolling the same street, when you pass them we remain firm and confident. We are the Jets, they are the sharks! We can still claim our manhood, without hanging our junk out. We are confident, we're unemployed we are proud to be a Daddy Yo.
It was beautiful day, I had a fantastic time chilling out with my son. I couldn't of asked for anything more and I'm thankful for the time I was able to spend with him. I'm looking forward to our next walk.
Stroll on Daddy Yo's, stroll away!
I'm sure I'm being just paranoid like a lot of Daddy Yo's, who whould agree that strolling in public does feel a bit emasculating. It does take some time getting used too. After all, its not the weekend and its the middle of the day. I usually don't have a problem strolling in public on the weekends, because that's what Dads do, on the WEEKENDS; Not at 1pm on Thursday, so it's different!
I did pass some "stroller mommies" out on the same walk as team DaddyYO. We almost got roped into a conversation. For me, a conversation is anything more then two sentences of which I wish I wasn't speaking. Now when you pass a "Stroller Mommy" strolling the same street, when you pass them we remain firm and confident. We are the Jets, they are the sharks! We can still claim our manhood, without hanging our junk out. We are confident, we're unemployed we are proud to be a Daddy Yo.
It was beautiful day, I had a fantastic time chilling out with my son. I couldn't of asked for anything more and I'm thankful for the time I was able to spend with him. I'm looking forward to our next walk.
Stroll on Daddy Yo's, stroll away!
Job Search DAY...sucks
So today, I'm spending more time looking for a job than being a good dad. I've been out of work since November, and if your a dad like me, it's an emotional roller coaster. Ive come to terms in this economy that finding a GOOD job will take some time.
Its real hard and I'm really sick and tired of talking to head hunters! Seriously, I really wish there was a law against these people "faking the funk" posting bogus job listings on Monster and HotJobs just so they can acquire your personal information attached in your resume. I'd say more than 65% of job site listing are not even real. Which makes our job search even more fun! Sure, there are other sites we can look and honestly, If we know about them, so do the head hunters and these websites have already been shazammed.
Ive been on over 75 interviews since November and I will not go work for a company I don't like OR Do I just take the job to have a job? The million dollar question. Truth is that I'm unable to do later, its not me. I'm smarter than that and the companies that are offering jobs, know people, especially dad's who were in good positions, making good money and have a history of success they (the hiring company) thinks they can now get us for 50% off our desired salary price.
I say that we don't fall for this trickery. We'll be smarter than that and figure something out. Maybe the rat race is not a race we want to be in after all. Maybe this time at home is showing us the importance of something greater and much bigger then ourselves. For the very first time in my life, I'm happier than I have ever been! I don't think I'm ready to cash in on this happiness for a job and a position I don't want.
For now, I continue to look, continue to reinvent myself and continue to be a good stay at home dad.
I'm taking my kid for a walk around the block today! Because I can...
Its real hard and I'm really sick and tired of talking to head hunters! Seriously, I really wish there was a law against these people "faking the funk" posting bogus job listings on Monster and HotJobs just so they can acquire your personal information attached in your resume. I'd say more than 65% of job site listing are not even real. Which makes our job search even more fun! Sure, there are other sites we can look and honestly, If we know about them, so do the head hunters and these websites have already been shazammed.
Ive been on over 75 interviews since November and I will not go work for a company I don't like OR Do I just take the job to have a job? The million dollar question. Truth is that I'm unable to do later, its not me. I'm smarter than that and the companies that are offering jobs, know people, especially dad's who were in good positions, making good money and have a history of success they (the hiring company) thinks they can now get us for 50% off our desired salary price.
I say that we don't fall for this trickery. We'll be smarter than that and figure something out. Maybe the rat race is not a race we want to be in after all. Maybe this time at home is showing us the importance of something greater and much bigger then ourselves. For the very first time in my life, I'm happier than I have ever been! I don't think I'm ready to cash in on this happiness for a job and a position I don't want.
For now, I continue to look, continue to reinvent myself and continue to be a good stay at home dad.
I'm taking my kid for a walk around the block today! Because I can...
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Blog 2.0 with Video
Its only been three days and Ive been talking to some dads. The Blog is cool...but the addition of video would be cooler. Right now, we have 2 dads posting blogs, myself with a 5 month year old son and another dad with a 1 year daughter and 3 year old son . We will be adding other dads to our team to add to add posts and perspective later on in the month.
Right now, the video we plan on creating will be 3 min in length and provides a Dads perspective into the different things we do has fathers; from a Dad's point of view. From changing diapers, balancing dad time with work time, how to shop and how to not lose your cool and punch some random person in the face! All the things we do now, that we thought we never be doing.
So Stay tuned...and join our crew. All you need is a gmail/aol/yahoo username and password to log in. If you like to post to this blog, let us know, and I can add you.
Right now, the video we plan on creating will be 3 min in length and provides a Dads perspective into the different things we do has fathers; from a Dad's point of view. From changing diapers, balancing dad time with work time, how to shop and how to not lose your cool and punch some random person in the face! All the things we do now, that we thought we never be doing.
So Stay tuned...and join our crew. All you need is a gmail/aol/yahoo username and password to log in. If you like to post to this blog, let us know, and I can add you.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Where do they get this stuff?
So the other day my wife calls me up and tells me that "it already started." I had no idea what she was talking about. Then she proceeded to tell me that our little boy, Stefano (who is 3.5 by the way), was embarassed to kiss her goodbye before he got on the bus to school. She said that while they were waiting for the bus in the house, he turned and said "I can give you a kiss now, but not when the bus comes." I couldn't help but laugh, because for some reason, my wife and I still think we are cool. How can we not be??? Well, here is our little 3 year old telling it like it is... "you guys are NOT cool." Have we really turned into our parents? I guess we have. Well, when I got home, I asked him if he would kiss me in front of the bus, and he basically repeated the same thing he told my wife...a big "NO!" After I picked my face up, I quickly said, "Oh yeah! Well guys don't kiss in front of the bus, we high-five!" And with that, he jumped up and said "Yes, daddy, we high-five." He hugged me and ran out of the room. That little hug and acknowledgment that high-fiving your dad was alright, made my night. See, I still am cool.
BLOG_ AUTHORS
I've never been a blogger before. I guess that something that comes with age and kids. I noticed in the blogger settings I can have up to 100 authors to our DaddysRUs blog. So I wanted to invite anyone who joins the ability to author posts for themselves. I have a feeling the site might just turn into a porn site. So be it.... Kidding, I think.
CRYING
I know every baby's temperament is different and a baby's cry can be the effect of many different things like teething, stomach or Colic. When I cry, usually it’s because of gas! I tried this little experiment that I think could be helpful to us dad's.
Dads have the role of "FUN, PLAY TIME" Guy. Our ladies even reinforce this "DADDY type cast" and I can count on one finger how many times my son has fallen asleep on me. Whatever, that's cool and fine by me. Dad's are more fun, I'll take that! However, being home and trying to get him to sleep when mommy is not there has been somewhat of a challenge. I think I got something that finally works.
Recently I started paying closer attention to the tone of my voice when talking to my son, speaking to him in different tones of voice for play and nap time. When its time for sleep I bring him to his crib and let him know what needs to be done. I speak to him like an adult, not a baby and the crazy thing is, I think he understand me better because of the different tone and seriousness in my voice. I never let him cry past 5 min, and when it comes to waiting outside his door, I think his tears effect me more than him. The little dude goes from crying LOUD to sleeping, in less than 5 min, which is something I still don't understand and don't need too because he's sleeping.
If my buddies can respect the fact that when I call "Fivisies" to save my spot on the couch, than I can respect the 5 min my son may need to chill out in his crib to fall asleep. Don't let your wife go in before "Fivesies", when she is home. It will ruin your schedule. With Baseball season coming up this "Fivesies" rule, should it work for your kid, will come in very handy catching more of the game.
If he does roll over before 5 min, it's for a reason and he's probably more comfortable in that position. This took me three weeks to figure out. I was going in and turning him over on his belly and restarting the 5 min clock. It became a game to him and I was being played by a 5 month year old. Let him fall asleep than turn him over, I get at least another 30 min of nap time out of him which translates into 3-4 inning of preseason baseball.
If anyone has anything else that may work for crying babies, because I know techniques are like trophies and trophies are always on display, let us know.
...Now back to work. Today I started an S Corp. For all you dads out there, if you don't have a family corporation in this economy, you should. I'll save this for another post should anyone have any questions or further interest.
Dads have the role of "FUN, PLAY TIME" Guy. Our ladies even reinforce this "DADDY type cast" and I can count on one finger how many times my son has fallen asleep on me. Whatever, that's cool and fine by me. Dad's are more fun, I'll take that! However, being home and trying to get him to sleep when mommy is not there has been somewhat of a challenge. I think I got something that finally works.
Recently I started paying closer attention to the tone of my voice when talking to my son, speaking to him in different tones of voice for play and nap time. When its time for sleep I bring him to his crib and let him know what needs to be done. I speak to him like an adult, not a baby and the crazy thing is, I think he understand me better because of the different tone and seriousness in my voice. I never let him cry past 5 min, and when it comes to waiting outside his door, I think his tears effect me more than him. The little dude goes from crying LOUD to sleeping, in less than 5 min, which is something I still don't understand and don't need too because he's sleeping.
If my buddies can respect the fact that when I call "Fivisies" to save my spot on the couch, than I can respect the 5 min my son may need to chill out in his crib to fall asleep. Don't let your wife go in before "Fivesies", when she is home. It will ruin your schedule. With Baseball season coming up this "Fivesies" rule, should it work for your kid, will come in very handy catching more of the game.
If he does roll over before 5 min, it's for a reason and he's probably more comfortable in that position. This took me three weeks to figure out. I was going in and turning him over on his belly and restarting the 5 min clock. It became a game to him and I was being played by a 5 month year old. Let him fall asleep than turn him over, I get at least another 30 min of nap time out of him which translates into 3-4 inning of preseason baseball.
If anyone has anything else that may work for crying babies, because I know techniques are like trophies and trophies are always on display, let us know.
...Now back to work. Today I started an S Corp. For all you dads out there, if you don't have a family corporation in this economy, you should. I'll save this for another post should anyone have any questions or further interest.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Changing Diapers
Just because I never did it before, doesn't mean I need instructions. If you can tie your shoes you can change a diaper. Men are much more efficient in their diaper change technique. I like to think of it like a Nascar pit stop. My 5 month old son knows it all business when I change him, he raises his chubby legs and even hands me the A&D ointment. Afterall, we know there is only 2 min 2 sec of commercials inbetween innings.
Stay away from the butt paste. A&D is the team captain/MVP of mybaby's ass team. Not one ass rash after 5 months. I'm pretty proud of that stat.
Stay away from the butt paste. A&D is the team captain/MVP of mybaby's ass team. Not one ass rash after 5 months. I'm pretty proud of that stat.
This is a site for DADS, Moms can watch!
I'm not rich and I lost my job 3 weeks after my son was born. I've been home EVERYDAY since November. My sons age has become a reminder of how long I've been out of work. This time has also reminded me of what I could have been missing by working for some company that cares enough to lay me off 3 weeks after my son was born.
I've never been the type of person to lay down in defeat. I've always been the type to always get up, until recently. Now-a-days its more like I've been rolling down this hill and picking up speed, hitting a few bumps on way, I somehow popped back up on my feet. Dizzy and not knowing what direction I'm walking, I'm confident and believe its in the right direction.
Life changes and having my son, I say to everyone that told me before "a child will change your life ", that I get it now. I just never understood what "it will change you life" meant or how I was going to be effected....and I'm just getting started!
Just a few years earlier, I was making really good loot, traveling, buying things I didn't need and treating friends to lunch, dinner and mostly drinks. The phrase "I got it" was something that echoed off my lips when the bill came around. I liked to treat people as it always makes me feel good to give. Now-a-days I equate everything I spend by dividing everything by $23.76, the price of Similac Advanced formula.
It's hectic and times are different. While my wife is at work, I go to the supermarket. I didn't even know where the supermarket was located. I go to to BabiesRUS and try to focus on picking up JUST diapers and not the cool electronic monitors; especially, the one with the flat screen that could work out nice in my home office. I now look at everly single bill that comes in the mail, never realzing I was paying $3.69/gallon for oil . I now pay 2.29 (Slomins) and my savings, in the past 2 months, is over $500. A few weeks ago, around 3am, I saw a infomercial for "My Baby Can Read". I bought the dvd's and I make sure I play it for him at least a couple of times a week. I'll let you know when he starts reading.
Days are busy and more satisfying and I continue to work on building a wesite for my new consulting advertising company and embellish on a company I started almost 8 years ago. At the end of the day, I'm just another guy in the same position as many other Dads; trying to make it work.
The thing is I could not find a forum online for Dads or a forum that made me feel comfortable enough to express some "Mind Fat". This foum is for Dad's, new and old. Because now that I am a dad, I realize I should have listened long ago to my own!
This is what my Blog is about.
I've never been the type of person to lay down in defeat. I've always been the type to always get up, until recently. Now-a-days its more like I've been rolling down this hill and picking up speed, hitting a few bumps on way, I somehow popped back up on my feet. Dizzy and not knowing what direction I'm walking, I'm confident and believe its in the right direction.
Life changes and having my son, I say to everyone that told me before "a child will change your life ", that I get it now. I just never understood what "it will change you life" meant or how I was going to be effected....and I'm just getting started!
Just a few years earlier, I was making really good loot, traveling, buying things I didn't need and treating friends to lunch, dinner and mostly drinks. The phrase "I got it" was something that echoed off my lips when the bill came around. I liked to treat people as it always makes me feel good to give. Now-a-days I equate everything I spend by dividing everything by $23.76, the price of Similac Advanced formula.
It's hectic and times are different. While my wife is at work, I go to the supermarket. I didn't even know where the supermarket was located. I go to to BabiesRUS and try to focus on picking up JUST diapers and not the cool electronic monitors; especially, the one with the flat screen that could work out nice in my home office. I now look at everly single bill that comes in the mail, never realzing I was paying $3.69/gallon for oil . I now pay 2.29 (Slomins) and my savings, in the past 2 months, is over $500. A few weeks ago, around 3am, I saw a infomercial for "My Baby Can Read". I bought the dvd's and I make sure I play it for him at least a couple of times a week. I'll let you know when he starts reading.
Days are busy and more satisfying and I continue to work on building a wesite for my new consulting advertising company and embellish on a company I started almost 8 years ago. At the end of the day, I'm just another guy in the same position as many other Dads; trying to make it work.
The thing is I could not find a forum online for Dads or a forum that made me feel comfortable enough to express some "Mind Fat". This foum is for Dad's, new and old. Because now that I am a dad, I realize I should have listened long ago to my own!
This is what my Blog is about.
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