Friday 29 March 2013

Happy Birthday Noli!!

March 30, 2009

Well another year has come and gone and my middlin' baby is turning four years old tomorrow!!  It is truly unbelievable how fast time goes.  Sometimes it's hard to remember what life is like without my kids or how we even got here (well...I know how we got here, obviously).  It's fun to reminisce and look back over the past few years and think about how our family has changed and how our family has changed us.

I remember before Evie was born asking my wife, "What if our baby doesn't like me?  What if I'm just no good at being a Dad?"  I was legitimately terrified - I think it was one of the first times in my life, in recent memory, when I felt completely inadequate and unprepared.

Thankfully Lex and I make a darn good team and we've both proven to be pretty good at this family thing, if I do say so myself.  We keep each other together especially when the other is about to fly apart.  The amazing thing about kids is that they love you anyway - if you're putting forth any effort at all they think the world of you because really you are their world, at least for the first few years.  

Noli - she's my little buddy and I'm a sucker for her (for all my girls really).  For some reason she really likes to hang-out with me.  Doesn't really matter where we're going, she wants to tag along.  Sometimes she asks me to take her to work with me to which I honestly reply, "Trust me, you wouldn't have fun there."

This is the first time her birthday has fallen on Easter, but it's neat and I'll tell you why.  Being a Father has given me more insight than I would have anticipated into the true essence of Love and in fact into the nature of God.  

As I was preparing for Noli's birthday, buying presents and decorating, I can't help but want to lavish her with gifts, good things and all the things she enjoys.  It's not out of obligation, guilt or a desire to give her the latest gizmos.  Rather it's a natural outpouring of my love - a tangible demonstration of how much I love her.  It doesn't matter how much my kids drive me crazy...just tonight Noli darn well drove me mad...doesn't matter, I just want her to feel special and blessed.  I want that for all my girls and hopefully not just on their birthdays - I hope they know how much I love them and how much I want  good things for them.

Sometimes I have a hard time comprehending or accepting that God feels that way about me...about us.  I'm fine...things are going well enough.  Isn't that good enough?  I don't want or need more.  But that doesn't stop God from wanting to pour out more blessings, pressed down, shaken together and running over.  Not because he has to, not because of anything I've done to deserve it.  Just because that's his nature and he loves us.  Life and life to the full (over-filling) can be ours.

Kids are wonderful - I love my girls.  I hope my little buddy has a wonderful birthday!!


Thursday 28 March 2013

Almost Good Friday

Tomorrow is Good Friday.  For those of you who may not have heard the story, it is the day Christians remember how Jesus was crucified for our sins. I have always felt a bit strange calling this holiday good, because it represents something so grisly and sad. Jesus, the perfect representation of God as man dying for our sins so that we no longer need to pay for them with blood, how sad for him. But so great for us! 


The hardest part about being a Christian today is the often inaccurate connotations that come with; ultra-conservative, homophobic, stupid, and perhaps worst of all judgemental. Of course there are Christians who have views like that, which is not in line with Biblical teaching, but so do many other people who are not Christian. We're not all Confederate flag wavers, I even vote Green Party (okay I used to vote Green party in college now I'm more of a Liberal).

Being a Christian gives me hope for life beyond this world and help and true life (life to the full) while in this world.  I become better when I attend church, do bible studies, tithe, and read my bible (although I'm not perfect at any of these I'm being refined - it's no longer I that liveth...). The Bible instructs me that my life's goal should not be to strive for things that are fleeting or unimportant, which makes it easier to pass on life's trappings (most of the time).  Philippians 4:11
 - Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learnt, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. 

Of course I have had negative experiences in the Christian community too; something I share with many people who have left the church. Looking back I see that those times really refined me and my family's beliefs and practises. Even though at the time it seemed arbitrary and pointless on the other side of pain comes great clarity and certainty.

 If there are any people reading this that are wondering what life is like being a Christian, I would encourage you to check out your local church this Friday and see for yourself if we indeed live up to our reputation. I hope you will be pleasantly surprised. 

Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.






Wednesday 27 March 2013

Olden Days

I was cruising around on Youtube when I found this gem. Its about life in the Appalachian mountains in the 1930's. I've always romanticised that part of America and this vintage video just encourages my notions about what life used to be like there. The size of the families there are really quite amazing. I especially like the idea of growing up living and staying in the community you were born in. Three generations and your whole extended family working towards a goal. I know in our society its often, and especially in my case, not attainable (Brantford Ontario doesn't need many consultants, and I sure do like Ottawa).

The video is aptly titled The Children Must Learn. They are as hopeful and concerned about their kids education as we are now.   Enjoy the video!




Saturday 23 March 2013

Happy Friday: It's Movie Night!!





Watched This is 40 tonight with my lil' woman while mowing down on some chips and cola.  Great Friday night if you ask me.  Here's what I think of the movie...

It did not meet our expectations, but I liked it none-the-less.  As a sort of sequel to Knocked Up, I think I was expecting the same sort of tone and instead it was much more toned down of a movie.  At certain points it seemed as if it was trying to be a drama of some sort.  It didn't have any real highs, no real lows, and it was a bit of a mish-mash of stories, ideas and characters.  In that sense it was very much like life.  It also did not have a real neat ending where all (or any of) the loose ends were tied up - which in my mind was a good thing.

It's tough to know what the film-makers intentions were.  Were these choices that Apatow made in order to reflect what family life is like.  It often is messy, chaotic and ambiguous.  It's full of rich, complex, dynamic relationships that are very much in progress.  Was this a case of Apatow marrying form to content?  Perhaps it was - in which case well done.

Or it might have been a case of a writer trying to fit too many things into one film without having a clear direction or through-line on which to structure his story and characters around.  It did lack a conventional story arc (not necessarily a bad thing) and I'm not sure the characters changed a whole lot from beginning to end...which again is perhaps a little like real life.

At times the film seemed a little too raw or real, and could have used some more comic relief.  There were definitely scenes where I was nodding my head thinking, yeah - that's fatherhood, and realized that I'm an old 33 years.

I enjoyed it.  Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann are fun to watch as always.  Jason Segel is great whether he is the lead in a movie or simply pitching-in as support as in This is 40.  And Megan Fox...well what you can say about her?  She did her thing and did it well.

Overall I found this one entertaining even if it was not raucously brilliant.  I enjoyed it and it made me think about myself as a husband and father and how well I'm doing in that regard.

Is this an instant comedy classic?  I don't think so but I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars as a good, solid renter.





Tuesday 19 March 2013

Grandmas Rockin' Eve


 It was my mother in laws birthday party last night so to celebrate we did the traditional family party which obviously included lots of Lego, fairy costumes, big kids in suits, moms in sweat pants, and of course a dance party to finish. Sadly because tis the season of Lent not everyone got to enjoy the brownie cake at the party, with some abstaining, some eating just a teeny bit, and some eating hurriedly in a corner (myself in the corner) so as not to make others jealous. All in all it was a very nice evening, with some good memories  made for the kiddies. Thanks Bonnie for being such a good Grandmother to my little girls, and the rest of the wee ones in our family. Happy Birthday. 
















I think the parties over now,,,


Monday 18 March 2013

I Miss March Break

Well March break just ended but I'm already sad that school is starting again. I know that's not the best attitude for a parent but because my kids, and I hope their teacher, is not going to read this I can be honest and say that school is not that much fun. Its no fun for parents either. Its the same nervous feelings the same social dynamics the same pressures for adults, as it is for kids, albeit on a much smaller scale and in the knowledge that once you graduate you can blessedly leave the school world behind, that is until you have KIDS.

Obviously there are some really cool things about school these days; my kid can now speak more french than me (not a very difficult task but still), and she does seem to get a little more grown up by going everyday. Even here in Ontario where teachers strikes are constantly looming, her school does seem to be a more positive place than what I remember school to be. And Evie's little social group is still innocent enough it its happenings that its fun to watch and hear about (maybe not so much in the teen years). I should really try to enjoy it more now because I'm pretty sure it gets a heck of a lot harder later on.

Oh well summers not that far off, so lets just getter done. Mir is ready for summer.



Sunday 17 March 2013

Top Ten Things Ireland Has Given the World



In honour of St. Patrick's Day, I have created the following subjective and by no means authoritative list of the top ten things Ireland has given the world (enjoy):


10.  Owen Nolan - an Irish hockey player?  Gotta have him on the list (even though he grew up in Ontario).








9.  U2 - Greatest Rock Band in the World.  Perhaps that's a self-given title, nevertheless from the name (like The Edge), the classics, the personalities and humanitarian efforts, their stage presence is  undeniable - and to them all the world is truly a stage.

8.  Speaking of the stage:  Daniel Day Lewis; Kenneth Branagh; Geraldine Fitzgerald; George Bernard Shaw - okay I cheated by putting a number of drama personalities...I could have put more.
       

7.  C.S. Lewis - genius, enough said.


6.  Color Photography - Changed the way we see the world.



5. Chocolate Milk - mmmmm, just ask my girls how delightful chocolate milk is.


4.  Guinness - mmmm, just ask me...



3.  Cure for Leprosy - I don't think any comment or justification is needed.

2.  Portable Defibrillator - Many lives brought back from the brink of the hereafter thanks to this.


1.  The Irish Accent - just the sound of their song like accent has been known to jump-start a few hearts through the ages.




Thursday 14 March 2013

We've Come A Long Way



Perhaps I'm a little jazzed up from being at the Aviation Museum last week but when you stop and think about how innovative and persistent we humans can be - it's down right inspiring.  Inspiring and scary when you think about what we can accomplish or destroy when we put our minds to it.  Just think about what the dreams, efforts, trials, errors and successes of early flyers have made possible.  The technology has been used to push the bounds of exploration beyond our little planet filling us with awe and hope.  They same technology is used to create and deliver weapons that allow us to kill each other en masse, from a distance, and with terrifying results.  

Imagine if those early flyers had given up or if they hadn't even tried.


The same could be said for all of us average schmos.  All of us have gifts, talents, skills and dreams and we have a choice.  To use them or not to use them.  That is the question.  But that is not the only question.  If we choose to use, then we must consider to what end.  To create or destroy?  To build up or tear down?  To inspire or deflate?  To encourage or discourage?  I could probably go on juxtaposing concepts but I think you've got the point.  
I could tie this into a discussion about Jedi Knights and Sith Lords, using Anakin/Darth Vader as a case study of the dichotomous nature of the force.  It could be an interesting analogy...but that is for another day perhaps.  





Tuesday 12 March 2013

And So It Begins...Again

How I felt during my afternoon commute home.

Today was day two of my becoming a commuter via bicycle...again.  I've never been what you would call an avid cyclist.  Any hope I had of becoming an world-class elite cyclist (even in my wildest dreams) went out the window when I opted for a Nintendo over a new bike right around grade four or five.  I don't own even one matching racing uniform or even one item made of spandex.  I do have a couple of nifty biking t-shirts that I think make me look slick, but for the most part I'm all function and very little style or pizzaz.  I'm pretty sure my cycling form leaves much to be desired...never the less on Sunday evening I pulled my bike from the shed, pumped up the tires, greased the chain and checked my alignment and brakes.  Check, check and checkity-check!!  Ready to go!

All except for my helmet which mysteriously disappeared.  I'm pretty sure the squirrel that has taken up residence in my shed has taken it someplace - probably was using it to do some sledding through the winter.  I believe in safety first and managing risks so I looked for an alternative.  Little pink helmet with yellow flowers...to small.  Ahah!!  My wife's hockey helmet.  Good enough I said and so there I was riding to work, the suave consultant that I am, wearing a hockey helmet.

To discourage me further it was raining this morning.  Do you believe in zombies?  Take public transit during morning pique times in Ottawa and you may.  Nevertheless the prospect of joining the throng of zombie-like commuters on public transit was very tempting this morning.  The hum of the bus...the slightly uncomfortable warmth reminiscent of waking-up bundled in a sleeping bag in a warm tent, while the sun glistens off the dew that still hangs in the air...the score of other commuters passively screwing up their gumption to face another day through the rat race...there's just something about it all that's alluring.  But it's not for me, not now, not until at least October.  I recall a friend once telling me that you will know how committed you are when you face your first day of less-than-nice weather.  That was in the context of running, but it fits in this instance as well.  So I steeled my eyes, calmed my mind, stepped out of the house and away from the awning, hopped on my bike and realised I forgot my wallet - so I had to go back in the nice warm house and do it all again.  Then I was off!

Ow!  Two days in and I hurt.  I didn't know if I was going to make it home today.  The lactic acid build up in my legs was burning so badly I was having flashbacks to grade nine gym class at P.J. when Mr. C had us do the wall squat to the last man standing.  It had to be the slowest ride of my life.

But I won't quit, no I won't.  I've been down this road before (literally and figuratively).  It gets easier...and then comes the plateau where it seems harder again and then it's okay.  Sure I'm older now...it has been two years since I last biked to work.  Three years since I would call myself a regular cyclist-commuter.  I'm not in bad shape...yeah, I am.  I'm definitely not in great shape right now.  But that will come back (I hope - I'm not that old).  At my age there are many a footballers (American style) preparing for one last hurrah before retirement...so I've got some gas left in the tank.

I do like cycling.  It connects you more with the seasons.  It's cheaper than busing or parking.  It's healthier.  I drove by a gym this morning, huffing and puffing with my heart beating its way through my chest, and for a second I thought to myself, "Lucky folks - they have time to work out."  Then I paused...right.  Cycling insists that you be more engaged as well.  It's pretty easy to get on the bus and zone out.  Not so easy when you're dodging this and that while struggling for air and feeling in your legs.

Confession:  I am a lazy and undisciplined person, when the situation affords me to be.  Too often I make that allowance when it comes to physical activity also known as exercise.  This is one way to remedy that.

I'm glad I'm back up on the bike (repeat 5x).

Monday 11 March 2013

The Nog

Mimi getting ready to take flight.

My wife has told me that I should start telling people that I have a nog...that is a "non-blog" since I have become such an infrequent blogger.  To tell you the truth there have been loads that I've wanted to and intended to write about, however sleep so often takes me over these days.  The Oscars would have made a good blog.  I did my undergraduate degree in Film and Drama, so I could have thought of a thing or two to say about the Oscars.  I could have even shared my Oscar acceptance speech that I have tucked away for potential future use.  Anyway, you'll have to wait until next year to hear my thoughts about the Oscars and most likely a few more years to hear my acceptance speech.

I will be writing more frequently again though, that I can say with a bit of certainty.  Why?  Because I want to and of course I'm a very busy and happening guy with tons going on that becomes fodder for writing.  Future topics will include commuting via bicycle to work, getting back into some semblance of healthy shape which I'll keep you posted how that comes along, and the usual general happenings and musings of this guy (I'm pointing at myself with my thumbs while smirking).

Noli in her "Luke Skywalker" spacesuit.

Tonight though I want to talk about our experience at the Lego competition on Friday.  That's right, my two oldest girls took part in an air/space craft building Lego competition at the Aviation Museum.  It was a blast and we had a really good time...I'm not going to regale you with the play-by-play of the day.  I want to fast forward to the end - where the judges called all the kids together to announce the prizes.

Evie was certain that she was going to win.  She had been building it up in her mind for a couple of weeks.  It's hard as a parent to know how to instill a sense of guarded optimism in a child without totally crushing their hope and ambition.

So there's Evie sitting in the crowd waiting to hear the winners.  She looks back at Lex and I and smiles a huge, toothless smile (she lost her two front teeth last week).  Her eyes are emitting hope and excitement.  It's impossible not to sense her anticipation.  The announce third prize...Cole...her cousin.  Evie claps proudly as Cole jumps up to the front to accept his prize. Evie looks backs at us and nods her head assuredly.  Second prize...some other guy...Evie claps again and again looks back at us, nods and smiles as if to say, "My turn's coming..."  The announcer looks at her papers and announces first prize...not Evie.

Evie's face and heart dropped.  She did a good job of keeping a stiff upper-lip, clapping politely, and holding herself together.  I could tell she was crushed and felt like crying.  She couldn't believe she didn't win.  Disappointment reigned supreme as she walked away from the crowd as it dispersed after all the prizes were handed out.  She looked dejected and lost.

It's hard as a parent to watch your child get disappointed and it's difficult to know what to say or how to coach your child through something like that.  I told her I was proud of her and that I thought her ship was wonderful.  She handled it well and what I like is that she has turned the disappointment into motivation to build a bigger and better ship for next year's competition that she has already started on.

I try to instill in the girls self-worth and pride that is not dependent on prizes or awards.  I want them to strive to do their best, I'd like it if they aimed to be the best and win.  But if they don't, I want them to still be able to hold their head up high, sincerely celebrate and congratulate the winner and then turn-around and work at improving upon their personal best.  I don't really care if they win...it would be nice but that's not the main thing.  Neither do I buy into the school of thought that says that they're all winners and there are no losers.  In my experience there are often winners and losers throughout life.  You will have success and failure in life; it's inevitable unless you simply don't try anything.

I tell my girls that they won't always win and that they can expect to lose sometimes.  I've also assured them that they won't always lose and it's as important to be a gracious winner as it is to be a gracious loser.  I hope their character and attitude are not affected by wins and losses and that regardless they will rest assured in the confidence of who they are, what they can do, and in knowing who loves them and is proud of them, no matter what.  If Friday was any indication, then Evie's well on her way.


Evie in space - exploring the Aviation Museum prior to the competition.

Sunday 3 March 2013

Ode to Lego



Evie's first Lego creation - the tractor!

Ah the fun continues in the Gideon household.  As the girls get older they develop interests that I too find...well, interesting.   Don't get me wrong, trains, ponies, princesses and dogs all have their appeal and will always hold a special place in my memory...even when Lex and I are bopping around on our own (which happens on the rare occasion) I still find myself spotting and pointing out any item loosely related to royalty or canines.

But now the girls have entered a whole new phase of phases...phases that equally intrigue me.  First it was football, then Star Wars and now Lego.  Let me tell you Lego has gotten way cooler since I was kid.  I was somewhat aware of this fact because my nephews are Lego fanatics - in fact you may remember some of their work as featured my A Little Weekend Inspiration blog post.  I am now fully aware and trying hard not restrain myself from spending a small fortune indulging my...I mean Evie and Noli's budding Lego phase.  

I went and picked up a starter pack for my girls last weekend and let me tell you the number of Lego sets I almost got...the Millennium Falcon was almost mine...and I might have shared it with Evie and Noli.  But I restrained myself and got the girls a good starter kit which the dove into.  Above is Evie's first Lego creation.  It was fun watching her put it together.  I think Lego, beyond an excellent way to develop the imagination, develops perseverance and a sense of delayed gratification.  I could see the wheels turning in her head, watched as she struggled to piece the little pieces together and celebrated with her when she finished and was able to enjoy the fruits of her labour.

Lego is great for encouraging creativity and developing a child's dexterity, work ethic and patience.  And let's face it, it's a ton of fun for child and Daddy alike and a great way to spend time with the kids.


Noli's space capsule and first Lego creation (top view).


Noli's space capsule (side view).



Friday 1 March 2013

We Got Dumped On

Those of us lucky enough to live in Canada and specifically Ottawa will know that a few days ago, just as the weather began to tease us with just the smallest taste of spring,,,BAM! We got some serious Canadian brag worthy snow.

There's nothing like having children to give a person a good outlook on huge amounts of heavy, need to be lifted if we are ever to leave our house, snow. While I looked in fear at the massive amounts piling up in the driveway, my children were crawling and pushing over one another to get their snowsuits on and go play outside. So while I lifted pounds and pounds of snow way from my porch and driveway I listened to the shear joy of my daughters pushing one another down a "snow mountain" that has grown out of previous snow shovelling. I think you can consider our snow mountain as a tangible fruit of my labour.








 I'm glad that we were able to spend so much time together outside, that we probably would not have had if there was not such a snow storm. So thank you God for the snow, but maybe we don't have to have too much more now.