MetroDad

Let's hug it out, Bitch!

I was somewhat reluctant to post about this because it feels a little like I'm using the blog to pimp for something. And when I started this site, I swore to myself that I would never do that.  However, it's for a good cause that's very close to my heart so, after considerable debate, I decided that I'm going to cross over the line.  Anyone got a problem with that, you know what you can do to yourself. 

As some of you may know, I lost one of my best friends on 9/11.  I've written about Andy before and though it's been more than 4 years since he passed away, I still think about him all the time.  To remember his spirit and honor his memory, a few of us have started a charity in his name.  The sole purpose of the charity is to provide mentoring and scholarships to numerous New York City public-school kids.  So far, the charity has proven to be a remarkable success and we've been able to help many kids extend their horizons and imagine possibilities beyond their wildest dreams.

I mention all of this now for two reasons.  One, because as the year comes to an end, many people may be looking for non-profit charities to donate to for tax purposes.  Many of you may also have companies who match charitable contributions.  If you are feeling so inclined, I ask only that you read about the Andrew Golkin Memorial Fund and consider making a donation.

Second, for any of you that are in NYC, we're holding our annual benefit cocktail party tonight at Diane von Furstenberg's private studio.  Tickets are available at the door from 7-10 pm.   We've collected some very cool items for our auction this year.  So if you're interested, come downtown tonight, get really drunk and bid on some of the following items:

• A walk-on role in an episode of HBO's "ENTOURAGE"
• Two tickets to the 2006 Grammys and private after-party.
• Front-row seats to various film premieres, fashion shows and concerts.
  
• Original artwork by Charles Gwathmey, Julie Mehretu, and Oscar de la Renta.
• Season tickets to the Jets, Giants, Rangers and Knicks.

Those are just a few of the many cool items we're auctioning off.  If you want to know what else is available, you're going to have to come down to the event! 

Thanks for your support. 

MetroDad will return to its normally scheduled programming of poop jokes, brain farts, rants and raves later this week.   This message has  been brought to you by the fine folks at Johnnie Walker. 

Giving Thanks

During the past week over at DadCentric, I’ve been writing about the bizarre history of past Thanksgivings.  I’ve also posted about how, for me, Turducken symbolizes all that is great about America. 

But as I sit here tonight in Dallas, stuffed out of my gourd and staring ay my MIL’s collection of refrigerator magnet business cards,  I'm thinking about what Thanksgiving really means to me.  In a year that has witnessed a country at war, the loss of countless American lives and several natural disasters of epic proportions, I think that this Thanksgiving stands out as a time when we should all truly think about the things for which to be thankful.  Whether large or small, there are many things in life that we all both respect and appreciate.  Here’s my 2005 short list…

MAJOR DOMO...

A happy & healthy family.  The Peanut was only 7 weeks old last Thanksgiving.  Now, she’s a beautiful and healthy 13-month-old girl who loves nothing more than to scamper around all over the place at full speed.  Not only am I thrilled to see her running and climbing, I’m thankful that everyone in her family is well enough to run and climb alongside her.  May we all continue to keep up with her as the years go by.

A dysfunctional family.  Sure, they’re all healthy but man, nobody drives me nuts like my family.  But, at the end of the day, you’re stuck with them.  And likewise, they’re stuck with you.  So…this Thanksgiving?  As we all sit around with our crazy uncles, our psychotic aunts and our senile grandparents?  Remember...you are not alone!  And as the years go by?  Who knows?  YOU might be that crazy uncle or psychotic aunt! 

My friends.  Coming from an incredibly small yet remarkably dysfunctional family, I’ve always had extremely close friendships and I’ve always subscribed to the philosophy that friends are the family that you get to choose.  I have great friends.  They’re smart, funny, interesting and caring.  And for the most part, I’ve known many of them forever.  I realize how rare that is and I’m thankful to have all of them be a part of my past, present and future. 

My wife.  Before I met the BossLady, I was becoming somewhat comfortable with the idea that I might be alone for the rest of my life.  It wasn’t that I hadn’t met any beautiful or interesting women.  It was just that I hadn’t found one with whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life.  I was living a fairly independent life and I was cherishing all the freedom.  Besides, I can be a moody, goofy, strange and eclectic motherfucker.  Maybe I was better off alone.  But then, the BossLady came into my life and turned it upside down.  Meeting my soul mate and learning what it means to commit our lives to one another is something for which I’ll always be thankful.  Sharing parenthood with her makes it even more special.

NOT TO BE DISMISSED LIGHTLY…

Role models (v. 2005).  Kudos and respect to Pat Tillman, Chuck Hagel, Sandra Day O’Connor, Lance Armstrong and George Galloway.  One day, I’ll tell my daughter stories about all of you.  I’ll explain to her that no human is perfect and how, as individuals, you all had your faults.  But I’ll also explain to her how all of you stayed true to your beliefs, always spoke your mind, never took shit from anyone and, if necessary, took your licks to remain faithful to your own ideals and principles.  I’ll tell her your stories and explain how, in Daddy’s opinion, right ultimately prevails over might. 

Hope, faith and charity.  First, there was the Asian tsunami.  Then, there was Katrina.  And right after that?  The earthquake in Pakistan.  After each and every natural disaster, Americans consistently reached into their hearts, their pockets and their souls to assist those who desperately needed our help.  As a nation, we may have a ways to go before we are able to adequately tackle society's problems, both at home and abroad.  However, as individuals, we proved once again that there are few people as selfless and generous as us.   

Only 25 months until we have a new president.  Liberal or conservative, it’s hard to imagine how anyone can be supremely enthusiastic about our current president.  I’m not talking about partisan politics or party loyalty.  I’m talking about a general dearth of leaders in this country.  Where are the leaders who will inspire us as a nation?  Who will motivate us to greater heights?  Because while I would never disrespect the office of the presidency, I eagerly look forward to the next election and hope that we can achieve some sort of paradigm shift in our selection.  From top to bottom, we deserve far better from those who seek to represent us. 

My fellow passengers on Flt. #1137.  I am so sorry that my daughter’s overtiredness caused her to be so cranky during the entire flight from NY.  I apologize profusely.  I cannot believe how incredibly patient and understanding all of you were.  While your advice was greatly appreciated, I continue to be blown away by your kindness.  Thanks for truly embracing the holiday spirit and being so amazingly cool.

MINOR BLESSINGS.  Roasted chestnuts.  The return of Fiona Apple.  TiVo. Good books read by the fireplace.  Homemade pumpkin pie.  Pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training in 3 months.  Regular bowel movements. The decreasing popularity of Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears.  Grandparents.  And new babies. 

So on this day of stuffing our faces and watching football with our weird relatives, may we all remember how lucky we truly are.  May we all remember to help those around us in need.  And may we all remember that health, love and friendship are never to be taken for granted. 

From all of us to all of you…Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

Dadcentric

I'm pleased to announce that a bunch of the boys and I have gotten together and launched a new website to write about fatherhood.  It's called DadCentric. 

Aside from myself, I'm joined by an illustrious group of fathers.  Many of them are probably familiar to you.  We've got Chris of Rude Cactus, Tony of Cheeky's Hideaway, Jason of Pet Cobra, Chag of Cynical Dad, Peter of Chocolate Makes it Better, Warren of Mr. Big Dubya, and WhiffleBoy. 

Although there are a lot of Mommy and Parenting sites, there's not a whole lot out there for the other half of the parenting equation. So several of us got together to create a site for dads. What you'll find there are tips, stories, advice, reviews, links, and blather...all related to the noble art and science of fathering (and all written with a sense of humor.)  Of course, none of us have any professional experience that qualifies us as experts on fathering.  It's more like a forum or roundtable for discussion.  But it's pretty cool and I think you'll enjoy it.  Go over and check us out. 

Most of the other dads are much more prolific than I am.  I'll mostly be posting a lot of my sporadic brain farts and random musings on fatherhood over there.  In fact, if you want to hear some of my invaluable contributions to the site so far, you're more than welcome to go over and read...

My profound thoughts on the topic of circumcision

How I learned to stop worrying and love "the bomb"

The lengths men will go to protect their daughters

So stop by for a visit, say hello to the boys and come back to tell me what you think!   

Breaking the 4th Wall

When I first started this blog, I thought it would be the web-based equivalent of talking to myself.  I thought it would be a therapeutic way for me to chronicle my transition into fatherhood.  How was I going to adjust from being a care-free guy who loved living a life of spontaneity to becoming a dependable father whose sole responsibility would be to care, nurture and love his infant daughter?  Was my entire personality and inner essence going to be inalterably transformed?  Could I really give up the velvet rope for the velvet slipper?  Was my life going to revolve around the sippy cup?

But I also started this blog to try and find a community of like-minded fathers who were bent on being great parents but who didn't take themselves too seriously.  I wasn't looking for guys who were "too cool for school" and just happened to have become fathers.  No, I was seeking out guys who were taking fatherhood as seriously as me, who always knew they wanted to be fathers and who also knew that humor and a good attitude were valuable tools of the trade.

And I found these cool dads.  I also found a bunch of cool moms.  And surprisingly, I found a bunch of cool people who are neither moms or dads.  And throughout all of this, a funny thing happened...

I fell in love. 

(Ok, maybe Love is a tad strong.  I just thought it would be a nice dramatic literary effect.  Don't worry.  I'm not the drunk party girl who swears she loves you, vomits in your living room and then passes out at your front door.  You know what I'm talking about, right?)

Anyway, in all seriousness, I really did kind of fall in love...with all the readers of this blog who comment and lead me to their own blogs.  I truly consider blogging buddies to be friends.  I'm invested in their lives.  I care what happens to them.  When shit goes bad for one of them, I find myself worrying like a mother hen.

It's funny because the BossLady doesn't read very many blogs.  She basically reads mine and Greg's.  So, in a way, it's like I've made all these friends without her.  And often, I find myself talking to her  about one of my blog friends as if they're either friends from work, friends from distant places or friends I made when I was younger...

"Did I tell you that Dutch & Wood are moving from SF to Detroit?  Dutch told me that they can get a mansion there for almost nothing!"

"Speaking of SF, I wonder if RBrown has found a place to live yet.  Do we know anyone there who could hook her up with a pad?  What do you think about setting her up with one of the SF boys?  By the way, did I tell you her tampon story?"

"I feel badly for Anne.  Her mom just passed away this past week.  Also, it's the one-year anniversary of Weigook's father-in-law passing away.  I wonder how they're both holding up."

"Remember that conversation we had about how crappy parents sometimes make the best grandparents?  MIM just wrote about that on her blog."

"Hey, honey.  What do you think about just getting an Ikea kitchen?  Stephania and her husband are installing all the cabinetry from Ikea and investing in great appliances."

"Remember I told you about Tony?  Anyway, he gave me some great networking resources to think about for potential new jobs.  I think we're going to grab a scotch together one of these days and have a little bitch session together." 

See what I'm talking about? 

Maybe I'm overthinking it all. Maybe we're all just a bunch of voyeuristic turds who are fascinated by the daily transactions of other people's lives. But I feel like it's more than that. And though I can't quite put my finger on it, I'm sure someone much smarter than me will be able to. Because I think the friendships forged over the blogosphere are real. And I'm pretty sure if I met most of my blog buddies in the "real world", we'd get along fabulously.

I bring this all up because I'm breaking through the 4th Wall for the first time and will soon be meeting up with two of my favorite blog friends, Jay and Kim.  They're two of the first people that I ever met online via blogging and I'm looking forward to meeting them.  I couldn't picture two people I'd rather lose my virginity with more.  I know everybody else meets up with blog friends all the time.  I've just never done it before.  That's all.  Will it hurt?  Just kidding.  It actually just made me think of how the internet has changed the social dynamics of society and how we interact with one another.  I mean, I knew it was good for porn and online shopping. But for making new friends?  Who would have thunk it?      

Anyway, let's turn the mic over to you. What do you think about forged friendships via blogging? How do you think blogging has changed the way we interact with one another? How do you feel about blogging in general? How do you feel about the people whose blogs you read? Throw anything out there.

Let's see if we can figure this shit out.

Brown is the new black, Kanye is the new Lennon & 37 is the new 25

So...not to make a big deal out of it or anything but, this Sunday, I'll be turning 37 years old.  I'm not entirely sure how that's possible because I could swear it was only yesterday that I was just a young man wearing leather pants and running around the city.  But I checked my passport again and, sure enough, it's not a typo.  I'm definitely turning 37. 

But do you want to know the truth?  I'm really totally cool with turning 37.  Normally, I'm fairly introspective on the eve of any birthday.  But this year, I've probably been less reflective than any other year.  Turning 37 just doesn't seem to be much of a life-defining milestone for me now. 

When I turned 18, I thought it was great. In my youthful state of naivete, I mistakenly thought being eligible for the draft signified some sort of actual entry into adulthood.  Ha!

Turning 21 was also semi-eventful but only because I could drink without getting hassled (not that big of a deal but I guess I handled it better than some people.) 

Then, of course, came 25, which had all the melodramatic Sturm und Drag of the whole "Oohh...I'm a quarter of a century."

On the eve of my 30th birthday, I actually was fairly reflective.  I spent quite a bit of time trying to take stock of my affairs and contemplating how I wanted to lead the rest of my life. 

At 35, I did a little more of the same.  But it was much different because, at 35, I was pretty comfortable with whom I had become and, most importantly, I'd already found the love of my life (Yes, that's YOU, honey!)

So now I'm turning 37.  I've got a great wife and a beautiful child.  Both make me happier than I probably deserve to be.  I know I'm a lucky guy and, if you know me at all, you also know that I don't take anything for granted.  At heart, I'll always be a strangely cynical pessimist.  But what can I say?  Even I've got to admit that life is pretty good.  I've got a roof over my head.  There are a couple of steaks in the freezer.  And when I take off my shirt, I can still see my penis without holding my gut in.   

In general, I don't really know what it means to turn 37 and I've had a tough time being able to gain any real perspective on it.  So, as usual, I thought I'd make out a few lists to try and clarify things for myself. 

Here are some other 37 year-olds who make me feel kind of young and cool

Ashley Judd
Owen Wilson
Tony Hawk
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Kyle Minogue
Naomi Watts
Halle Berry
Will Smith
Billy Zane

Here are some people that (for one reason or another) I CANNOT believe are also 37

Gary Coleman
Mary Lou Retton
Celine Dion
Toni Braxton
Carnie Wilson
Ricky Lake
Barry Sanders
Vanilla Ice
Margaret Cho
Sammy Sosa

Here are some things I did when I was 25 that I'd still like to do now (if only I weren't 37)

• Grab a beer, pack the bong & rub one out every night before the 11:00 pm SportsCenter.

• Consider the celery in my Bloody Mary to be my Saturday morning breakfast.

• Fit into the aforementioned leather pants.

• Eat dinner every night over the kitchen sink.

• Spend entire weekend days lounging in bed, drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes and doing the NYT Sunday crossword puzzle.

• Slather Tabasco sauce on everything from pizzas to french fries to salads.

• Ski the bumps, play full-court hoops, or run 10 miles without feeling like "Big Puss"  took a tire iron to my knees.    

 

That's a relatively short list.  So basically, I guess it only reconfirms the fact that I'm feeling pretty comfortable with turning 37.  I've come to accept many things about my life and I'm totally cool with them.  I know now that I'll never fulfill my dream of pitching for the Mets.  I'll never be the youngest Mayor of New York City.  I'm not going to walk on the moon.  I probably won't be getting that PhD in history.  And I think it's pretty safe to say that I'll never be the Asian Eddie Vedder (in fact, I've probably got a better chance of being the Black Neil Diamond.) 

But I can also look back on my life so far without any major regrets.  And though there's always room for self-improvement, I know I'm trying hard every day to become the best man, husband and father that I can be.  While I may not lead my life according to the principles of any organized religion, I know I'll always be faithful to The Code.

So on the eve of my 37th birthday, I leave you the wise words of my main role model, Homer Simpson...

 "I used to rock and roll all night and everyday. Then it was every other day. Now I’m lucky to find a have an hour a week in which to get funky."

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Blogging doesn't pay the bills

I seem to have noticed recently that every blogger seems to harbor dreams of becoming a full-time writer.  While I've often entertained that notion myself, I've pursued that dream in the past and it didn't work out so great for me.  In fact, it probably would have been more accurate to describe myself as a waiter rather than a writer.  Besides, I quickly realized that writing is not necessarily the world's most sought-after commodity.  It may be a poor reflection of our society but what can you do?   

Anyway, contrary to popular belief, I'm not a SAHD.  I'm actually a full-time squirrel in the working world.  That's right, my friends.  MetroDad has a full-time job.  Don't get me wrong.  There's actually nothing I'd rather do than stay home and raise my daughter full-time.  Unfortunately, I spent my entire trust fund on comic books and baseball cards so I'm forced to actually work for a living (although sometimes I feel like I'm just working for the nanny.) 

In my non-blogging life, I design and produce clothing for most of the nation's top sporting goods stores.  How I ended up in this line of work is a long story.  After stints in the Foreign Service, at a political think tank in DC, and as a tennis pro, I find myself here in the land of fashion.  Remind me to tell you all about it sometime (the short end of it is that there aren't many job opportuntities for Poli Sci/English Lit majors.) 

Anyway, there are many things I like about my job.  The primary thing is that, over the years, it's allowed me to travel to places around the world that most people would never even think about going to in their lifetime.  While on the one hand, that's certainly shaped my perspective on the world, it's also obviously less important ever since the Peanut was born.  I can't stand to be away from her for one night, much less a whole month.  But aside from the travel, I also enjoy the mix of creativity and hard-nosed business acumen that my job requires.  Also, I take great pleasure in the fact that I'm actually constructing something physical (as opposed to pushing paper, moving money or being a lawyer.)

Besides the fact that my job affords me a pretty good quality of life, the main reason I chose this profession is because I always envisioned myself as being a very involved parent.  This probably has a lot to do with the fact that my parents weren't around much when I was a kid (Psych 101, thank you.)  And although I bust my ass and work long hours, my job remains flexible enough so that when the time comes for Peanut's after-school soccer games, I'll always be able to make it.  When she has a ballet recital in the early afternoon, I'll be there.  If she's not feeling well at school and needs to be picked up in the middle of the day, it'll be no problem for me to leave and go get her.  Because although I'm a new parent and I may not really have any idea of what's truly important, I'm pretty fairly convinced that a large part of being a good parent is simply being there.  It may not work for everyone but, for me, it's a personal decision that I made a long time ago.   

The flip side to all of this is that my job is not my passion.  It's not something I envision myself doing for the rest of my life.  The stress levels are extremely high and I think it's beginning to have a deleterious effect on my mental well-being.  Ever since I started my company, I've thrived on the challenge of it all.  But after 10 years of doing this successfully, I'm looking for new challenges.  The question is whether I'll find them in my professional life or in my personal life. 

In a way, the birth of the Peanut has complicated my career decisions.  While my current profession allows me to pursue certain self-indulgent passions (like travelling, skiing, food and a steady IV drip of single-malt scotches), it also provides a cushion for the Peanut.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I'm no Rockefeller.  When the time comes for her to go to college, I don't know what the hell we're going to do.  But I do know that my two primary goals in life are to be there for her at all times and to provide her with everything she needs.  Am I looking to buy her a pony?  No.  But do I want her to take music lessons, ballet classes, go to summer camp and travel with me around the world?  Absolutely.

So I'm stuck somewhere between a rock and a hard place.  On the one hand, I've got a well-paying job.  On the other hand, there's no way I can continue doing this for another 20-30 years.  I need to find something that either provides a greater challenge or allows me to be more creative.  And though it may sound crassly materialistic, I enjoy the lifestyle I have today and I'd like to be able to maintain it.  In a way, blogging has been somewhat of a savior for me.  It allows me a creative outlet that I can do in my spare time.  And though I knew blogging would be therapeutic for me before I even started doing it a year ago, I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I've enjoyed it.   So where does this all leave me? 

As I see it, I've only got a few options:

(1) Suck it up and stop being such a whiny bitch. 
(2) Cash out of my apartment and move to Arkansas.
(3) Start playing Powerball.
(4) Get a new job. 

Anyone out there have any advice?  Anyone else feeling the same way?  Anyone got a job offer for me?  Talk to me, people.  I'm always open to sound advice or commisseration. 

Cold Fucking Turkey!

For the past few months, I've promised myself that I was going to quit smoking cigarettes.  But seeing as how I was going to be spending 8 days in France (the unofficial home of smokers worldwide), I thought it would be best to hold off on quitting until I got back home to NYC. 

Well, I'm home now and today is officially my 2nd day as a non-smoker.  No patch.  No gum.  No medication.  Just cold fucking turkey, man! 

Now, personally, the main problem with my quitting cigarettes is that I don't really want to quit.  I LOVE smoking cigarettes.  They relax the hell out of me and they go great with coffee and scotch.  Besides, I happen to look very cool smoking.  (I know.  Totally superficial.  But I'm only half kidding.  If you ever saw me smoke, you'd want to start smoking too.  I'm really good at it.) 

Even more unfortunately, I've got a freakishly abnormal cardiovascular system so smoking has never really affected my wind.  Sometimes, I'd sit in a cafe, smoke half a pack, go to the gym, play ball for a few hours, and then come out and smoke the other half pack.  Back in the day, I sometimes even carried cigarettes with me when I went out for a 5-mile run.

Now before anyone gets all holier-than-thou on me, let me just interject here and state that I've never smoked a cigarette anywhere near my little daughter.  Not even outside.  Not anyplace where she could even see me smoking.  For me, there's nothing more despicable than seeing a mother pushing a stroller with a cigarette dangling out of her mouth.  Absolutely disgusting and completely immoral. 

But it's ironic because I'm quitting smoking basically for two reasons and both involve my daughter.  The first reason is because I love spending time with her and I want to ensure that I live as long as possible so that we can continue to hang out together for many years.  Even though I still think I'm immortal, I figure it's best to play the safe odds.   

The second reason I'm quitting is because I need to get life insurance.  Now, as any man can attest, there's nothing quite like getting life insurance to make you feel as if your youth is behind you.  Sure, marriage, joint checking accounts, sore knees, a VP promotion, fatherhood and 529 planning all make a guy feel older.  But getting life insurance?  That's like getting bitch slapped by middle age.  It's more than a little disarming.  But duty and responsibility dictate that I plan for any worst-case scenario to ensure that the Peanut is not fiscally affected by my death.  It comes part and parcel with my job as the Peanut's protector. 

So back to my smoking.  It's Day 2, how am I doing?  Really, it's hard to tell.  I'm too busy shoving food in my mouth.  Seriously.  My appetite has multiplied exponentially.  It's like I've got a parasite inside me (and I think his name is Phillip Morris.)  When I'm not hungry, I go through periods where I want to take someone's head off.  Or bang my head against a wall. 

Someone suggested I try carrots but I can't figure out how to light the damn fuckers.  Oh well.  Anyone else got any other words of advice, encouragement or abuse?   

 

Home is where the Peanut is

Firstly, thanks to all of you for your concerned e-mails.  It's so amazingly cool to know that if I don't write anything for a while, there are people who are actually concerned for my well-being.  It means a lot to me.  You people rock.

Anyway, speaking of rocking, the reason that I haven't posted in awhile is because the BossLady and I have been in the south of France for a week, attending the rock-star wedding of two of our closest friends.  It was an absolutely amazing trip.  Our days were spent walking along the beaches of the Riviera, wandering from port to port, basking in the Mediterranean sun, and eating luxurious 3-hour lunches all along the coastline.  At night, we ate long dinners with friends, gambled in Monte Carlo or stayed up late into the night drinking wine. 

We stayed at a beautiful hotel in St. Jean Cap-Ferrat, possibly the most beautiful port on the entire French Riviera.  And the wedding was one of the most incredible celebrations I've ever attended.  The ceremony and the reception party were held at Villa Ephrussi, the private Riviera estate and gardens of the Rothschild family.  Guests for the wedding flew in from all over the world.  It was seriously like a U.N convention.  I think the guests who came the farthest were either from Singapore or Saudi Arabia.  But most of the guests were either from California, Europe or Hong Kong.  It was really an incredible collection of interesting people from around the world and I enjoyed not only seeing many old friends again but also making many new ones along the way.   

But as great as the trip was, I really missed my daughter.  We left her at home in the care of the nanny, my brother and my parents.  She had a great time and was spoiled rotten by all her caretakers.  Although I was a nervous wreck the first few days being away from her, I knew that she was in good hands and was having the time of her life.  She's such an easy-going girl and has always been so independent and charming.  That made leaving her at home a little easier. 

I don't regret not bringing the Peanut on this vacation.  BossLady and I needed the break.  I've been running at a pretty high stress level at work for the past few months and I needed some time to decompress and maybe start thinking about a new career.  Also, the traveling wasn't easy due to all the stopovers, time changes and multiple modes of transport.  It would have messed with the Peanut's routine too much.  But most importantly, I'm glad we didn't bring the Peanut so BossLady and I could have some much-needed time alone together sans enfant! 

But man, I missed the Peanut.  And despite the overall success of this vacation, I don't think I'll ever leave my little girl at home again.  It was just too hard being away from her.  There were times when I missed her with every fiber of my being.  In the future, I want to incorporate her into my travels and expose her to the world out there.  So from now on, no matter how tough it's going to be, I'm bringing her with me.

Because, for me, home really is where the Peanut is. 

Tripping

Here's the situation, folks...

One of our closest and oldest friends is getting married in the south of France.  The wedding was previously put on hold due to the fact that the groom's father had a triple bypass and a valve replacement.  However, the surgery went surprisingly well and the wedding is now back on.  BossLady and I were able to book some last-minute flights and we're scheduled to take off in a couple weeks.  Our whole trip will be about 6 days long.      

But our dilemna involves the Peanut.  We're seriously struggling with the decision on whether to bring her or not.  Of course, we want to bring her.  Being away from her for 6 days is going to kill us.  I have a hard enough time being away from her when I'm gone on an overnight business trip.  My wife literally starts tearing up just at the thought of being away from her for so long.   

But on the other hand, it's not going to be easy with the baby.  We don't have direct flights.  We've got a few long layovers.  And it's a safe bet that the Peanut's sleep schedule would be seriously screwed up by the whole travel ordeal.  We're afraid that by the time she finally gets adjusted to the new time zone and reverts back to her usual schedule, it's going to be time for us to pack up and leave again.  Furthermore, the hotel we're staying at doesn't have babysitters or nanny services.  So we'd have to scramble and figure out a solution for some child care help as well.

If we go to France without her, she'll be in good hands.  My parents will stay at our place and take care of her.  Furthermore, the nanny will still be around to help out.  And the Peanut can maintain her normal routine and schedule.  She'll be fine.  We're not worried about her.  It's her parents that are going to be a mess!

Do any of you have any ideas or experiences similar to this?  How did you reach a decision?  Are there any other considerations that we're missing?  Is it selfish of us to bring her even though it would be pretty disruptive for all of us?  The Peanut is in such a good groove right now that any major disruptions to her schedule tend to wreak havoc.  If the trip were longer, it would be a no-brainer.  We'd definitely bring her.  But due to the short nature of the trip and all the crazy time-zone changes, we're at a loss on how to handle the situation.  That's why, as always, I respectfully turn to all of you and your collective parenting wisdom. 

A humble newbie awaits your advice...

 

Let's hug it out, bitch!

Jason over at Pet Cobra asked me last night to do a guest entry for him. And since the guy is not only a fan of "Entourage" but also shares my strange sense of humor, I was more than happy to oblige.

In the entry, I wrote about my fascination with blogging as a new form of social interaction and I meandered into this stream-of-conciousness ramble about forming friendships with people based on reading one another's blogs. I'm not sure whether I came up with anything relevent to add to the conversation and I certainly didn't break any new ground in social theory. We'll leave the heavy lifting to guys like Malcolm Gladwell, Larry Lessig and Andrew Sullivan.

But if you're so inclined, go over and check it out and let me know what your thoughts are on the subject. You can find my guest entry here.