tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561007107772704962024-02-18T09:18:07.075-08:00Nashdaddy RocksNashdaddy Rocks is a blog. The name "Invisible Blog" was taken. I write stuff, mainly about my kids, but sometimes random stories and musings come out of my head. Feel free to tag along.Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-4813561090084525772024-02-17T21:37:00.000-08:002024-02-18T09:17:35.924-08:00The Story of Siblings<div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1l90r2v x1swvt13" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id=":rn2:" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 16px 16px; transition-property: none;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="animation-name: none; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px; transition-property: none;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; transition-property: none;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" color="var(--primary-text)" dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; word-break: break-word;"><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">As brother and sister, Nash and McKenna have always been close. And this is a story about them, “The Story of Siblings”.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">As many stories do, this particular story starts out with disappointment. On Thursday afternoon, McKenna (a high school senior) received her first outright rejection to her #1 Dream School, Claremont McKenna College… To not even be deferred. To not even be waitlisted. To not even be considered, absolutely broke my daughter. McKenna’s legs could barely hold <span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><a style="animation-name: none; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>her weight as she literally fell into my embrace.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">As her father, I had little words, only arms.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Once the tears had been wrung out of both our bodies, McKenna stood up strong like I knew she would. I asked her if she wanted to skip rehearsal tonight, but she declined. She would never let her castmates down regardless of her circumstance.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">That’s when I telephoned Nash. Nash listened intently, but was stunningly silent as I broke the bad news.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“McKenna will be fine dude. At any rate, there is nothing we can do for her right now,” I explained to him. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">But Nash wouldn’t have it…</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Nash is currently a sophomore at Whitman College and also works in the Admissions Office as an intern.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Unbeknownst to me and completely of his own accord, Nash then sought out to speak with the Head of Admissions at Whitman College. Adam, the VP of Admissions was empathetic while listening to Nash’s rendition of McKenna’s story.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“Nash, as you know, the application process for Whitman is closed. HOWEVER…”</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“Upon your personal recommendation, and if your sister is anything like you, we would be happy to make a special exception for McKenna if she would like to submit a late application to Whitman College.”</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Cut to the chase, McKenna will now be submitting a late application for Whitman in the fall!</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">But honestly, this is not the story of college. This is “The Story of Siblings”. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I am simply blown away with how much love and care Nash has shown for his little sister. After hearing of McKenna's rejection, Nash’s heart broke with McKenna’s... And while he knew he was powerless to affect the outcome, Nash wouldn’t accept defeat. There was still something he could do.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">And he did it.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">In Nash’s follow up email to Adam, he wrote this, “I’m really happy I can help my younger sister with this, because what kind of brother would I be if I didn’t look out for her?”</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">And that encapsulates the bond between Nash and McKenna. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">And that is “The Story of Siblings”.</div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div class="x1n2onr6" id=":rn3:" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-top: 250px; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; inset: calc(0% + 0px) calc(50% + 1.01px) calc(0% + 0px) calc(0% + 0px); overflow: hidden; position: absolute; transition-property: none;"><a aria-label="May be an image of 1 person and smiling" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1rg5ohu x1a2a7pz x1ey2m1c xds687c x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy x1pdlv7q" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162158123838539&set=pcb.10162158137328539&__cft__[0]=AZXiTLSSC3h7ddkT2AcjUEo7vfWkhcmtjl12LsFubHirPk7XypwvXUYwWBb4RGkEZJH7lAAg54z-vA6lHBkI6DOLMZdZnntRmpKDefOjvjtgB0GOA96Ew5wh3dPA1eohWSY&__tn__=*bH-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"><div class="xqtp20y x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 249px; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x10l6tqk x13vifvy" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; height: 330.615px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition-property: none; width: 249px;"><img alt="" class="xz74otr x1ey2m1c xds687c x5yr21d x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy xh8yej3" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/428366660_10162158123833539_2789170080749812740_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p720x720&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=ZcG1z2wGgygAX9TnG8y&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfByP8bQkwEjkrMcWHUsuGvZ1-eslHy3hLnlx966HL58oQ&oe=65D6C2E8" style="animation-name: none; border: 0px; height: 330.615px; inset: 0px; object-fit: fill; position: absolute; transition-property: none; width: 249px;" /></div></div><div class="x1nb4dca x1q0q8m5 xso031l x1exxf4d x13fuv20 x178xt8z x1ey2m1c x9f619 xds687c x47corl x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy" style="animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--media-inner-border); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: var(--media-inner-border); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-property: none;"></div></div><div class="x1ey2m1c xds687c x17qophe xg01cxk x47corl x10l6tqk x13vifvy x1ebt8du x19991ni x1dhq9h x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m" data-visualcompletion="ignore" role="none" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: inherit; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-duration: var(--fds-duration-extra-extra-short-out); transition-property: none; transition-timing-function: var(--fds-animation-fade-out);"></div></a></div><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; inset: calc(0% + 0px) calc(0% + 0px) calc(0% + 0px) calc(50% + 1.01px); overflow: hidden; position: absolute; transition-property: none;"><a aria-label="May be an image of text that says 'Once again, thank you so much. I'm really happy I can help my younger siste out with this, because what kind of brother would I be if I didn't look out for her? Reply Reply all Forward 99+'" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1rg5ohu x1a2a7pz x1ey2m1c xds687c x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy x1pdlv7q" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162158123933539&set=pcb.10162158137328539&__cft__[0]=AZXiTLSSC3h7ddkT2AcjUEo7vfWkhcmtjl12LsFubHirPk7XypwvXUYwWBb4RGkEZJH7lAAg54z-vA6lHBkI6DOLMZdZnntRmpKDefOjvjtgB0GOA96Ew5wh3dPA1eohWSY&__tn__=*bH-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"><div class="xqtp20y x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 249px; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x10l6tqk x13vifvy" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; height: 249.25px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition-property: none; width: 249px;"><img alt="" class="xz74otr x1ey2m1c xds687c x5yr21d x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy xh8yej3" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/427972011_10162158123928539_6278876739634051456_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_p960x960&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=z8cZ2_zO1XMAX8dYQBU&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAhSn5QGaKtlMQ_0yIQZKS8qUTuNRxVNao8dq9BM_mAWw&oe=65D736E0" style="animation-name: none; border: 0px; height: 249.25px; inset: 0px; object-fit: fill; position: absolute; transition-property: none; width: 249px;" /></div></div><div class="x1nb4dca x1q0q8m5 xso031l x1exxf4d x13fuv20 x178xt8z x1ey2m1c x9f619 xds687c x47corl x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy" style="animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--media-inner-border); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: var(--media-inner-border); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-property: none;"></div></div><div class="x1ey2m1c xds687c x17qophe xg01cxk x47corl x10l6tqk x13vifvy x1ebt8du x19991ni x1dhq9h x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m" data-visualcompletion="ignore" role="none" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: inherit; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-duration: var(--fds-duration-extra-extra-short-out); transition-property: none; transition-timing-function: var(--fds-animation-fade-out);"></div></a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"></div></div></div><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x168nmei x13lgxp2 x30kzoy x9jhf4c x6ikm8r x10wlt62" data-visualcompletion="ignore-dynamic" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: 0px 0px 8px 8px; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x6s0dn4 xi81zsa x78zum5 x6prxxf x13a6bvl xvq8zen xdj266r xktsk01 xat24cr x1d52u69 x889kno x4uap5 x1a8lsjc xkhd6sd xdppsyt" style="align-items: center; animation-name: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--divider); color: var(--secondary-text); display: flex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; justify-content: flex-end; line-height: 1.3333; margin: 0px 16px; padding: 10px 0px; transition-property: none;"><div class="x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1iyjqo2 x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="align-items: center; animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-grow: 1; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"><span aria-label="See who reacted to this" class="x1ja2u2z" role="toolbar" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; z-index: 0;"><span class="x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1e558r4" id=":rn5:" style="align-items: center; animation-name: none; display: flex; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><span class="x6zyg47 x1xm1mqw xpn8fn3 xtct9fg x13zp6kq x1mcfq15 xrosliz x1wb7cse x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi xamhcws xol2nv xlxy82 x19p7ews xmix8c7 x139jcc6 x1n2onr6 x1xp8n7a xhtitgo" style="animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--card-background); border-left-color: var(--card-background); border-radius: 11px; border-right-color: var(--card-background); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--card-background); border-width: 2px; font-family: inherit; height: 18px; margin-left: -4px; position: relative; transition-property: none; width: 18px; z-index: 2;"><span class="x12myldv x1udsgas xrc8dwe xxxhv2y x1rg5ohu xmix8c7 x1xp8n7a" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: 9px; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 18px; transition-property: none; width: 18px;"><span class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1h9r5lt x1jfb8zj xv2umb2 x1beo9mf xaigb6o x12ejxvf x3igimt xarpa2k xedcshv x1lytzrv x1t2pt76 x7ja8zs x1qrby5j" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; animation-name: none; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; transition-property: none; width: inherit;"><div aria-label="Like: 6 people" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n2onr6 x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x3nfvp2 x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-flex; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><img class="x16dsc37" height="18" role="presentation" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg fill='none' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 16 16'%3E%3Cpath d='M16.0001 7.9996c0 4.418-3.5815 7.9996-7.9995 7.9996S.001 12.4176.001 7.9996 3.5825 0 8.0006 0C12.4186 0 16 3.5815 16 7.9996Z' fill='url(%23paint0_linear_15251_63610)'/%3E%3Cpath d='M16.0001 7.9996c0 4.418-3.5815 7.9996-7.9995 7.9996S.001 12.4176.001 7.9996 3.5825 0 8.0006 0C12.4186 0 16 3.5815 16 7.9996Z' fill='url(%23paint1_radial_15251_63610)'/%3E%3Cpath d='M16.0001 7.9996c0 4.418-3.5815 7.9996-7.9995 7.9996S.001 12.4176.001 7.9996 3.5825 0 8.0006 0C12.4186 0 16 3.5815 16 7.9996Z' fill='url(%23paint2_radial_15251_63610)' fill-opacity='.5'/%3E%3Cpath d='M7.3014 3.8662a.6974.6974 0 0 1 .6974-.6977c.6742 0 1.2207.5465 1.2207 1.2206v1.7464a.101.101 0 0 0 .101.101h1.7953c.992 0 1.7232.9273 1.4917 1.892l-.4572 1.9047a2.301 2.301 0 0 1-2.2374 1.764H6.9185a.5752.5752 0 0 1-.5752-.5752V7.7384c0-.4168.097-.8278.2834-1.2005l.2856-.5712a3.6878 3.6878 0 0 0 .3893-1.6509l-.0002-.4496ZM4.367 7a.767.767 0 0 0-.7669.767v3.2598a.767.767 0 0 0 .767.767h.767a.3835.3835 0 0 0 .3835-.3835V7.3835A.3835.3835 0 0 0 5.134 7h-.767Z' fill='%23fff'/%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3CradialGradient id='paint1_radial_15251_63610' cx='0' cy='0' r='1' gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse' gradientTransform='rotate(90 .0005 8) scale(7.99958)'%3E%3Cstop offset='.5618' stop-color='%230866FF' stop-opacity='0'/%3E%3Cstop offset='1' stop-color='%230866FF' stop-opacity='.1'/%3E%3C/radialGradient%3E%3CradialGradient id='paint2_radial_15251_63610' cx='0' cy='0' r='1' gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse' gradientTransform='rotate(45 -4.5257 10.9237) scale(10.1818)'%3E%3Cstop offset='.3143' stop-color='%2302ADFC'/%3E%3Cstop offset='1' stop-color='%2302ADFC' stop-opacity='0'/%3E%3C/radialGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id='paint0_linear_15251_63610' x1='2.3989' y1='2.3999' x2='13.5983' y2='13.5993' gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3E%3Cstop stop-color='%2302ADFC'/%3E%3Cstop offset='.5' stop-color='%230866FF'/%3E%3Cstop offset='1' stop-color='%232B7EFF'/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3C/defs%3E%3C/svg%3E" style="animation-name: none; border: 0px; transition-property: none; vertical-align: top;" width="18" /></div></span></span></span><span class="x6zyg47 x1xm1mqw xpn8fn3 xtct9fg x13zp6kq x1mcfq15 xrosliz x1wb7cse x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi xamhcws xol2nv xlxy82 x19p7ews xmix8c7 x139jcc6 x1n2onr6 x1xp8n7a x1vjfegm" style="animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--card-background); border-left-color: var(--card-background); border-radius: 11px; border-right-color: var(--card-background); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--card-background); border-width: 2px; font-family: inherit; height: 18px; margin-left: -4px; position: relative; transition-property: none; width: 18px; z-index: 1;"><span class="x12myldv x1udsgas xrc8dwe xxxhv2y x1rg5ohu xmix8c7 x1xp8n7a" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: 9px; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 18px; transition-property: none; width: 18px;"><span class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1h9r5lt x1jfb8zj xv2umb2 x1beo9mf xaigb6o x12ejxvf x3igimt xarpa2k xedcshv x1lytzrv x1t2pt76 x7ja8zs x1qrby5j" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; animation-name: none; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; transition-property: none; width: inherit;"><div aria-label="Love: 2 people" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n2onr6 x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x3nfvp2 x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-flex; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><img class="x16dsc37" height="18" role="presentation" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg fill='none' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 16 16'%3E%3Cg clip-path='url(%23clip0_15251_63610)'%3E%3Cpath d='M15.9963 8c0 4.4179-3.5811 7.9993-7.9986 7.9993-4.4176 0-7.9987-3.5814-7.9987-7.9992 0-4.4179 3.5811-7.9992 7.9987-7.9992 4.4175 0 7.9986 3.5813 7.9986 7.9992Z' fill='url(%23paint0_linear_15251_63610)'/%3E%3Cpath d='M15.9973 7.9992c0 4.4178-3.5811 7.9992-7.9987 7.9992C3.5811 15.9984 0 12.417 0 7.9992S3.5811 0 7.9986 0c4.4176 0 7.9987 3.5814 7.9987 7.9992Z' fill='url(%23paint1_radial_15251_63610)'/%3E%3Cpath d='M7.9996 5.9081c-.3528-.8845-1.1936-1.507-2.1748-1.507-1.4323 0-2.4254 1.328-2.4254 2.6797 0 2.2718 2.3938 4.0094 4.0816 5.1589.3168.2157.7205.2157 1.0373 0 1.6878-1.1495 4.0815-2.8871 4.0815-5.159 0-1.3517-.993-2.6796-2.4254-2.6796-.9811 0-1.822.6225-2.1748 1.507Z' fill='%23fff'/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3CradialGradient id='paint1_radial_15251_63610' cx='0' cy='0' r='1' gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse' gradientTransform='matrix(0 7.9992 -7.99863 0 7.9986 7.9992)'%3E%3Cstop offset='.5637' stop-color='%23E11731' stop-opacity='0'/%3E%3Cstop offset='1' stop-color='%23E11731' stop-opacity='.1'/%3E%3C/radialGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id='paint0_linear_15251_63610' x1='2.3986' y1='2.4007' x2='13.5975' y2='13.5993' gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3E%3Cstop stop-color='%23FF74AE'/%3E%3Cstop offset='.5001' stop-color='%23FA2E3E'/%3E%3Cstop offset='1' stop-color='%23FF5758'/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3CclipPath id='clip0_15251_63610'%3E%3Cpath fill='%23fff' d='M-.001.0009h15.9992v15.9984H-.001z'/%3E%3C/clipPath%3E%3C/defs%3E%3C/svg%3E" style="animation-name: none; border: 0px; transition-property: none; vertical-align: top;" width="18" /></div></span></span></span></span></span><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1h9r5lt x1jfb8zj xv2umb2 x1beo9mf xaigb6o x12ejxvf x3igimt xarpa2k xedcshv x1lytzrv x1t2pt76 x7ja8zs x1qrby5j" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; animation-name: none; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; transition-property: none; width: inherit;"><div class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n xd10rxx x1sy0etr x17r0tee x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x1n2onr6 x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz x1heor9g xnl1qt8 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1vjfegm x1lliihq" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-radius: inherit; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 1.3333em; outline: none; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 1;" tabindex="0"><div class="x9f619 x1ja2u2z xzpqnlu x1hyvwdk xjm9jq1 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk x1i1rx1s" style="animation-name: none; box-sizing: border-box; clip-path: inset(50%); clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); font-family: inherit; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; transition-property: none; width: 1px; z-index: 0;">All reactions:</div><span aria-hidden="true" class="xrbpyxo x6ikm8r x10wlt62 xlyipyv x1exxlbk" style="animation-name: none; float: left; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; transition-property: none; width: 100px;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="xt0b8zv x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;">8</span></span></span><span class="xt0b8zv x2bj2ny xrbpyxo xl423tq" style="animation-name: none; background-color: var(--surface-background); float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-left: -100px; transition-property: none;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;">Tri Le, Laura Aguilar-Rogers and 6 others</span></span></span><div><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></span></div></div></span></div></div><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x78zum5 x2lah0s x1qughib x1qjc9v5 xozqiw3 x1q0g3np xykv574 xbmpl8g x4cne27 xifccgj" style="align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-flow: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; justify-content: space-between; margin: -6px; position: relative; transition-property: none; z-index: 0;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-35143153351217559782024-02-01T09:53:00.000-08:002024-02-01T09:56:24.104-08:00IKEA and The Nest<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuCn1hWNP2dTAzZfwvK5EBvZWZSo-ibC25hqBHcrBH8Guwxm_DV3PeD1Y2OxPAaXQGdNZloThSi282I4j4ZdeoeVburHRN9s1_DRrJS7vsL9bwfjF3lXlwWwpZblzIGpEXK6OZM9-FrahYXw5YTaiP9YEB06hq5pxqk6YQfZYY4jgWvLoY2HHusG6hT4P/s3648/PXL_20240131_191613762.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuCn1hWNP2dTAzZfwvK5EBvZWZSo-ibC25hqBHcrBH8Guwxm_DV3PeD1Y2OxPAaXQGdNZloThSi282I4j4ZdeoeVburHRN9s1_DRrJS7vsL9bwfjF3lXlwWwpZblzIGpEXK6OZM9-FrahYXw5YTaiP9YEB06hq5pxqk6YQfZYY4jgWvLoY2HHusG6hT4P/s320/PXL_20240131_191613762.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a lot of my mind today. And as I typically do, I grab my Onewheel and head to the top of a mountain...</div><p></p><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="88lni-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="88lni-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="88lni-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">On this particular mountain top, there is a concrete pad I affectionately call “The Nest”. I often ride up here, plop down, and contemplate life until I sort it out or let it go.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="8lusg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8lusg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="8lusg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="1o88e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1o88e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="1o88e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">But today, a random mountain biker ambles up to my pristine perch and says “Life is horrible today isn't it?” I laugh and reply, “Yup and the view from here sucks too!” 🤪</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="efjiu-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="efjiu-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="efjiu-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="cdiq4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cdiq4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="cdiq4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">He introduces himself as “Edo” and sits directly in front of me criss cross applesauce. I'm guessing this guy wants to talk! 😁</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="5mg4a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5mg4a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="5mg4a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="70cdf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="70cdf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="70cdf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Edo and his wife have 2 adult sons that live with them. He tells me about a time when he heard some rustling noise coming from one of the son's bedrooms. Edo smartly ascertains what's going on and waits for the rustling to stop before knocking on the door… The son comes out and Edo pulls him aside, “Son, have some common decency. If you're going to do that with your girlfriend, at least take her privately to the pool house!”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="24nt5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="24nt5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="24nt5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="68ok2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="68ok2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="68ok2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“But Dad, the pool house doesn't have curtains!”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="3k1o2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3k1o2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="3k1o2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="7j6e2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7j6e2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="7j6e2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">So, the very next day Edo goes to IKEA, buy curtains, and installs them into the pool house! The son sees the new curtains, and immediately says “Thank you Dad! And thank you IKEA!" 🤪😂</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="a5m3b-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a5m3b-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="a5m3b-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="128vf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="128vf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="128vf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Before he leaves, Edo drops this on me, “Kyle, the best thing you can give to your kids is your time… Love is great too. But if you make time for your kids now, later on in life, they will make time for you… “</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3freb" data-offset-key="fkl5a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fkl5a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="fkl5a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Edo and I hug and shake hands as kindred souls. A Onewheeler and a Mountain Biker who once met on a mountain top. It's all good. “The Nest” easily has room for two…</span> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSC1pUtZGDIDUSNLH2twLYefMlxLsNDC9nYcq-oTDATWATIJwWIqguljg9X8j_pEB_dRiZlgzlmMo2_xASO30fcM5Al3e_PTkBvELc0YZ_ngwLDZac8BZzN0ZpbMunc4TdR6IkCQ7ZZfo6rdHW7MR0VqvLZUIz8ldj327XPGxJyFFrkhX8tlalu89rNQSZ/s4080/PXL_20240131_191806313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSC1pUtZGDIDUSNLH2twLYefMlxLsNDC9nYcq-oTDATWATIJwWIqguljg9X8j_pEB_dRiZlgzlmMo2_xASO30fcM5Al3e_PTkBvELc0YZ_ngwLDZac8BZzN0ZpbMunc4TdR6IkCQ7ZZfo6rdHW7MR0VqvLZUIz8ldj327XPGxJyFFrkhX8tlalu89rNQSZ/s320/PXL_20240131_191806313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-67658910699330923722024-01-17T10:54:00.000-08:002024-01-17T10:54:42.629-08:0040+ONEWHEEL Rider Profile - "Bart Miller"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBQ7Qm-xMi1bU0EVMjQII1WHOuKAfTe7jf_9ZlAEsVcZe3EtP0HDfD9GU990sUvUWB9mu76uVyR0CJuNk3_AyC6eCJ1sJrAbVkLBpTxzSzw6HSA_lE1KEbGbEfSOygIXtFwQrzqZH15jzkCANQD_gnC4vd1gkA1eLBkQckx5nTyB-oi_ZltnlRKyf6o7s/s1920/InShot_20240117_092716689~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBQ7Qm-xMi1bU0EVMjQII1WHOuKAfTe7jf_9ZlAEsVcZe3EtP0HDfD9GU990sUvUWB9mu76uVyR0CJuNk3_AyC6eCJ1sJrAbVkLBpTxzSzw6HSA_lE1KEbGbEfSOygIXtFwQrzqZH15jzkCANQD_gnC4vd1gkA1eLBkQckx5nTyB-oi_ZltnlRKyf6o7s/s320/InShot_20240117_092716689~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr">40+ONEWHEEL Rider Spotlight - "Bart Miller"</p>
<p dir="ltr">One of my favorite people in the Onewheel Community is unequivocally Bart Miller.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Everyone knows Bart Miller. Even if you think you don’t know Bart Miller, you actually do. Simply search for “Bart Miller Onewheel” on YouTube, and you will be taken to the most viewed Onewheel video clip of all time!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I remember my first interaction with Bart in 2020. I had just started riding, and like many of us, began to film my progression. I was so proud of my first video, but I wouldn't dare post it to any of the Onewheel Facebook Groups! I was a nobody beginner rider. There was nothing “stokeworthy” about my clip. It was just me riding around with a stupid grin on my face.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But one day, I posted it anyway… I fully expected to be mocked or ignored by the internet, but that’s not what happened. The very first person that showed up to acknowledge me was, of course, Bart Miller. In my video description, I remember making self-deprecating statements like, “I don’t know who’s gonna watch this thing, but here it is.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">But that’s when Bart chimed in saying, “Kyle, I loved your video. Keep making them. And even if no one else watches them, I WILL WATCH THEM!”</p>
<p dir="ltr">And that was my very first interaction with my friend Bart Miller.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Honestly, I’ve always wanted to author more “Rider Spotlights” delving more into the lives of riders. But I also knew that the first profile I ever wrote would be on Bart Miller and what he means to the Onewheel Community. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I could write about Bart’s fun-loving nonsensical approach to life or how he's known for riding with an ever present Bud Light in his hand, but I won't... I'd much rather highlight another side of Bart that you might not be aware of.</p>
<p dir="ltr">January 7th was my birthday. And while many people wrote “HB2U” on my Facebook page, Bart chose to reach out to me directly. There sparked a discussion between the two of us. In that conversation, I asked Bart if he ever gets tired of being a raging ball of energy at all the Onewheel Events he attends. I took a screenshot of his answer:</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Thank you Kyle. I take a tremendous amount of stress from the events and the people that are there. I create an environment for them to laugh and feel welcomed and loved. They walk away from me with a big smile on their face and a fresh hug to go along with it. <br />
They then take that and share it with the next person they see. A few people doing this nonstop will change the entire dynamic of an event and can potentially make all the difference to quite a lot of people who came for exactly that ‘feeling’. How could I not give you all I have?”</p>
<p dir="ltr">When I read his text, it solidified for me that, “Bart Miller is my dude.” We think similarly and make life decisions for many of the same reasons, albeit Bart does it with much more flamboyance and flair than I ever will. 😁</p>
<p dir="ltr">It is often said that the best part of Onewheel is the community behind it. Bart Miller personifies that community. With so many people attending events chasing their own stoke and happiness, how many people are out there like Bart? Whose first concern is making sure every rider, regardless of skill level, feels welcomed and embraced by the community?</p>
<p dir="ltr">“We have to be good shepherds for the flock because the wolves are out there and there's a hell of a lot more em out there than there are us. I live my life one hug at a time. I truly enjoy the people I meet. I am grateful there are others like yourself who project and protect this beautiful way of living. Thank you 🙏” </p>
<p dir="ltr">For full transparency, I have NEVER actually met Bart in person. We have never talked face to face or ridden together side by side. I have yet to receive one of his famous “hugs of eternal friendship.” But that just speaks to how large Bart’s legend is, and the kind of presence he brings every day to the Onewheel Community. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Onewheel could and should be a One-Love Community where all of us can come together and experience a life-changing stoke in a safe and welcoming environment.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I believe that Bart Miller is destined to lead that epic charge heading into Onewheel’s future. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And my plan is to simply follow along… as long as I don’t nosedive first. 🤪 <span style="background-color: #0866ff;">#onewheel #futuremotion #deftpunx</span></p>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-26049270431160964042023-12-20T16:30:00.000-08:002023-12-20T16:30:55.913-08:00102<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="7cllm-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7cllm-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEIUViz3uzOXf_fQln8Ly0dcG4_3I-2ZO-jE6GtrtQ4ppZygOdUFqdOaWI26H6CO_ozSwiYM71LEn0EFACjS-TKb5lRlML2XCrfKIoWiV9hZSmpz2PtQk84CNdEeYeMm1WDT3Q1dmilf6Xxho4dBXEY-0V9adLpTNN8WKhJcGJVYRxvemctpPuNSQuski/s3648/PXL_20231219_223042888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEIUViz3uzOXf_fQln8Ly0dcG4_3I-2ZO-jE6GtrtQ4ppZygOdUFqdOaWI26H6CO_ozSwiYM71LEn0EFACjS-TKb5lRlML2XCrfKIoWiV9hZSmpz2PtQk84CNdEeYeMm1WDT3Q1dmilf6Xxho4dBXEY-0V9adLpTNN8WKhJcGJVYRxvemctpPuNSQuski/s320/PXL_20231219_223042888.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />This</span><span data-offset-key="7cllm-1-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"> is Jenny. Jenny has been my tailor for over a decade. In this pic, we're all smiles and Jenny is jokingly letting me know how she feels about me with her little sign over her head! :) But just last week, the air between us wasn't that friendly. And much of that is on me. I need to be better. And I will be. Here's the story:</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="10f84-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="10f84-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="10f84-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="2kvb4-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2kvb4-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="2kvb4-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Last week, I went to see Jenny to have some pants altered. Total cost? 102 dollars... I distinctly remember placing a 100 dollar bill on the counter and retrieving another 2 bucks from my car to complete the transaction. However, as you might have guessed, upon my return for pick-up, Jenny was fairly adamant that I hadn't paid and the receipt she showed me also indicated that I had not yet paid.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="1vc38-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1vc38-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="1vc38-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="e2gd7-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e2gd7-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="e2gd7-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">But I know I did.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="e8qi8-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e8qi8-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="e8qi8-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="80c31-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="80c31-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="80c31-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Here's where things go south for me and where I don't like how I handled things… From there, I proceeded to plead my case assuring Jenny that I did indeed pay. Without going too far into the details, Jenny accepted my explanation and let me go with the pants in hand. However, I couldn’t shake the uncertainty in the air and in her eyes.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="fm3bf-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fm3bf-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="fm3bf-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="c3tq3-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c3tq3-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="c3tq3-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">In my life, I live by a couple of principles. Here's 2 of them:</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="376ss-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="376ss-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="376ss-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="5m6gv-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5m6gv-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="5m6gv-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">*Being right is overrated. What matters is how you make the other person feel</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="dq6v5-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dq6v5-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="dq6v5-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="2dojd-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2dojd-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="2dojd-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">*Never let money get in the way of doing the right thing</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="2uku9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2uku9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="2uku9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="e1e1v-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e1e1v-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="e1e1v-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Even though I was convinced in my mind that I was “right”, I don’t like that my priority during the initial exchange was “vindication” and not “grace”. All my efforts that day were geared towards being right without truly considering how Jenny felt.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="f464o-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f464o-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="f464o-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="42o0q-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="42o0q-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="42o0q-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">As for the money… 102 dollars to me, means very little. That amount of cash will not affect my life in any significant way. However, to a seamstress who owns her little shop on the corner, 100 bucks means a lot. And I lost sight of that.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="7p03p-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7p03p-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="7p03p-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="e9s2h-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e9s2h-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="e9s2h-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">I remember calling my son Nash for advice. And together, we both agreed upon a course of action. So yesterday, I walked into Jenny’s Tailoring with an envelope in hand. Jenny and I immediately recapped our last transaction and how that all went down. I am now 100% sure that I paid in full from the beginning, with Jenny agreeing with me. But regardless of fault, I apologized for how I acted. Then I handed Jenny an envelope wishing her a Merry Christmas and exactly 102 dollars…</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="4na5b-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4na5b-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="4na5b-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="540hh-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="540hh-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="540hh-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">If you’re keeping score, this is an extra 102 dollars than I needed to pay. But that’s not what’s important here. I want Jenny to feel seen, heard, valued, and given the benefit of the doubt. I didn’t do that the first time, but I’m rectifying that now.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="3psd4-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3psd4-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="3psd4-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="de5c9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="de5c9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="de5c9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Jenny and I are back on good terms as evidenced by the picture. 102 dollars reinstated my good standing in the relationship. 102 dollars earned me a smile from Jenny and assured her that her word is as good as mine regardless of who’s right. 102 dollars solidified years of continued service with a smile. And a measly 102 dollars brought me a little self realization; that as a human, I’m still growing and need to keep my eyes towards improving every day.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="60maf-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="60maf-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="60maf-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="dhs9u-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dhs9u-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="dhs9u-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Today is a good day.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="b62ik-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b62ik-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="b62ik-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="arbn7" data-offset-key="d03k9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d03k9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="d03k9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">And my pants fit spectacularly…</span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-85156121178884440202023-09-03T11:23:00.004-07:002023-09-03T17:47:21.490-07:0066<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrUXCTw4qPmIxq6qxMt2CoRWHu_CeqNtnSXk35spgjp8mxnZm-vAAMG8KWvdYooOA7D8_dwf3sT10wmzUGShfQa-VDrcPpe1FJuddnG8YKwpBllDYbPMHGtSD3SRTxuwAxBGOg4SWQ0aheqtPpkDpotuYqmw1b22UpdE_nRaLOGIV_aS-ULO0jSt90dsL/s3648/original_dbfda927-f942-4f09-90e5-d61cd16a9a76_PXL_20230902_222021318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrUXCTw4qPmIxq6qxMt2CoRWHu_CeqNtnSXk35spgjp8mxnZm-vAAMG8KWvdYooOA7D8_dwf3sT10wmzUGShfQa-VDrcPpe1FJuddnG8YKwpBllDYbPMHGtSD3SRTxuwAxBGOg4SWQ0aheqtPpkDpotuYqmw1b22UpdE_nRaLOGIV_aS-ULO0jSt90dsL/s320/original_dbfda927-f942-4f09-90e5-d61cd16a9a76_PXL_20230902_222021318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="1dccl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1dccl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">For</span><span data-offset-key="1dccl-1-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"> today, let me share with you this one pic and the quick story of "66".</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="2mfre-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2mfre-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="2mfre-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="bfcr6-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bfcr6-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="bfcr6-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Yesterday, Lily and I were graciously offered a pair of tickets to the USC Football game vs Nevada, of which we happily accepted!</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="15ubt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="15ubt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="15ubt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="a3fa8-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a3fa8-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="a3fa8-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Getting to the Coliseum is always an adventure. So, we took my friend's advice and parked further away, then taking the Metro the rest of the way into the stadium.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="9c264-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c264-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="9c264-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="e3ra9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e3ra9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="e3ra9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Once parked, Lily and I were walking to the metro station when I saw Lily bend down and pick something off the ground. She immediately turns to me and says "Did you drop your money?"</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="3rk92-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3rk92-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="3rk92-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="kv1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="kv1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="kv1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I say "No".</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="7rf5a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7rf5a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="7rf5a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="cqrs7-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqrs7-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="cqrs7-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Then she gets paranoid and checks to see that it's not her money that fell out of her purse. It wasn't...</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="8dq1e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8dq1e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="8dq1e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="8hrir-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8hrir-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="8hrir-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Realizing that this was "found money", we just stood there for a few minutes waiting for the previous owner to show. But no one ever did.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="fgn67-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fgn67-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="fgn67-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="8nsqt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8nsqt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="8nsqt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">As the clock ticked nearer towards game time, we had no choice but to leave.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="dcp1v-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dcp1v-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dcp1v-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="44k9u-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="44k9u-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="44k9u-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">And I guess this is the difference between Lily and I: I would have definitely counted the money right then and there! But she interestingly never did. I guess I'm way more Chinese than she is... 🤪</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="6326t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6326t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="6326t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="98fm5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="98fm5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="98fm5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">We arrive to the stadium on time to watch the Trojans secure a convincing victory. But like so many jaded Angelenos, we left midway into the 4th quarter to beat the traffic, totally unaware of the final score.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="243q5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="243q5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="243q5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="57gan-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="57gan-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="57gan-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Once home, I flipped on Sportscenter to catch the highlights and final score of the game.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="4upqe-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4upqe-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="4upqe-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="b9tpb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b9tpb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="b9tpb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">USC 66 Nevada 14</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="19amn-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="19amn-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="19amn-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="f4t7c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f4t7c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="f4t7c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Then I ask Lily, "Hey, did you count the money yet?" And she says "Oh yeah, I forgot!" So she pulls it out the wad from her back pocket. And in an excruciatingly slow manner, she counts the money, and then counts it again.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="80t6g-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="80t6g-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="80t6g-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="8n10l-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8n10l-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="8n10l-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"66 dollars" she exclaims.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="94jpj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="94jpj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="94jpj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="b5f7f-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b5f7f-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="b5f7f-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I immediately hit the floor!!! 66 bucks is already a large number, but now I'm "roll on the floor" laughing!!! </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="9dhnb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9dhnb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="9dhnb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="c3m11-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c3m11-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="c3m11-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"What is so funny?" Lily asks.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="9gjjj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9gjjj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="9gjjj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="95k5r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="95k5r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="95k5r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"Do you know how many points USC scored today?"</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="ajael-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ajael-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="ajael-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="8vo05-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8vo05-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="8vo05-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">She indicated that she didn't.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="ei617-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ei617-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="ei617-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="b1sbb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b1sbb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="b1sbb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"USC scored exactly 66 points in the game today! Just like the exact amount (66 dollars) you picked up on the way to the game!!! Is that not crazy?" 💵🤯</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="880b9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="880b9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="880b9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="1ki0u" data-offset-key="ffq8l-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ffq8l-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="ffq8l-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">And that's my story... #66</span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-2893401246138070242023-06-18T14:03:00.011-07:002023-06-19T21:55:33.762-07:00Prom Date<div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="nscc-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="nscc-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="nscc-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggcPEP55VA0Hi8wERwU8LvcudUsYPKgEM039PLBQWOVIlzBY2ipJhYeoJ5xZ2Eopupz0sE_W-uIMwb8izVCtIWxU3YjuAb89-k-EQomOuJgTuBtta5VIqPo0o6EmsJ0rEsu1_GTY8EoHlNGmZW_3pm5nQtuDqbRfXyEVOl39TsUjy2jqGggL_GNz9ew/s3648/PXL_20230514_063418584.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggcPEP55VA0Hi8wERwU8LvcudUsYPKgEM039PLBQWOVIlzBY2ipJhYeoJ5xZ2Eopupz0sE_W-uIMwb8izVCtIWxU3YjuAb89-k-EQomOuJgTuBtta5VIqPo0o6EmsJ0rEsu1_GTY8EoHlNGmZW_3pm5nQtuDqbRfXyEVOl39TsUjy2jqGggL_GNz9ew/s320/PXL_20230514_063418584.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />As most of you know, I try to tell stories about my life as best I can, but I'm so so behind. So, let me shoot you a quick story from last month before the memory fades...</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="c655u-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c655u-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="c655u-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="qh7t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="qh7t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="qh7t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">It's prom season. And Facebook is suddenly littered with pictures of high schoolers in tuxedos and pretty dresses. I could post the same. I have the standard group prom shots in my camera roll. But I'm weird. And I'm choosing to share this one lone picture. Here's the story:</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="f6n34-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f6n34-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="f6n34-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="5cddh-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5cddh-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="5cddh-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">This year, McKenna's prom was located in Anaheim, directly across the street from Downtown Disney. On the drive down, I casually mentioned to the girls that Downtown Disney was literally across the street, and that it might be fun for them to walk over in full Prom Regalia. McKenna immediately latches onto the idea saying, "Yup. Great idea! We'll probably do that!"</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="bvji4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bvji4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="bvji4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="840pg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="840pg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="840pg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">So, in my mind, if the prom ends at 11, and the girls enjoy an hour or so of Disney Magic, I can now expect to get a text for pick-up around midnight. But that's not what happens...</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="dpmln-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dpmln-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dpmln-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="82lm1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="82lm1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="82lm1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">It's 10:30 PM when my phone buzzes. It's McKenna. "Pick me up" she says. "I want to beat the rush outta here."</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="6i22i-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6i22i-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="6i22i-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="dk25m-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dk25m-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dk25m-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">This is not a good sign. She wants to leave prom early.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="dq6ou-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dq6ou-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dq6ou-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="dh8nr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dh8nr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dh8nr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"You're not going over to Downtown Disney with friends?" I ask gently.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="a8id9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a8id9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="a8id9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="8b15f-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8b15f-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="8b15f-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"Yeah, we are!"</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="f6o6j-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f6o6j-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="f6o6j-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="augot-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="augot-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="augot-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I am now confused, "OK. I anticipated picking you up at midnight after y'all were done Disney-ing."</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="amrun-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="amrun-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="amrun-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="d6727-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d6727-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="d6727-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"WHY??? Are you not coming with us???" McKenna exclaimed over text.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="9vesf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9vesf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="9vesf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="2215m-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2215m-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="2215m-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Silence from the confused dad.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="30r8r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="30r8r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="30r8r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="15hrs-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="15hrs-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="15hrs-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"Well? Are you coming???" McKenna pressed.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="blqpf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="blqpf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="blqpf-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="728jd-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="728jd-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="728jd-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"Yup, I'm on the way. Be right there." I stuttered without truly realizing what was happening...</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="6atsg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6atsg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="6atsg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="41js-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="41js-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="41js-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Let me better explain the situation: Once I mentioned the idea of Downtown Disney, McKenna automatically assumed that I would be accompanying them. That I would of course be included in tonight's activity. As if walking around Downtown Disney with your dad on Prom Night was completely normal teenage daughter behavior.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="1dimg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1dimg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="1dimg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="5k7jq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5k7jq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="5k7jq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I mean... This was McKenna's first high school prom experience. And on a night to make lifetime memories, my daughter CHOSE to spend her evening walking the promenade in a glittering prom dress next to dear old dad in a random t-shirt? My mind simply boggles...</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="df46q-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="df46q-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="df46q-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="ema1v" data-offset-key="cgc7c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cgc7c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="cgc7c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I guess today is Father's Day. And I didn't mean this post to be a Father's Day post really. But as I reflect on my kids and McKenna specifically, my Father's Day Gift has already been received. For McKenna to see me equally as a friend, as well as a father, is absolutely enough for me. I actually never went to prom back in high school, and I never had any memories of my own to look back upon. But now, thanks to my daughter, I have enduring magical memories of prom... Thank You McKenna. 🥰</span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-51781285019390404772023-04-08T21:39:00.001-07:002023-04-08T21:59:46.251-07:00McKenna In Paris<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2lclOsuNXuclH7W9yzq9ePEt7uwnb44G4Iq49ou5oZWsnYq28TgQhZvVzWKDdGvENY3_eKWdIr28ybaeAtt-3QbqEphNHIUqfWzRaukqsodv41HHbiZTb4xMclOUdvyxKrfr9JMmM_ndQxx9wajNdboCK-whznR_mh-ZqRdL9wFbqvtBrcw9OAtDVw/s1544/IMG_20230408_151219_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1165" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2lclOsuNXuclH7W9yzq9ePEt7uwnb44G4Iq49ou5oZWsnYq28TgQhZvVzWKDdGvENY3_eKWdIr28ybaeAtt-3QbqEphNHIUqfWzRaukqsodv41HHbiZTb4xMclOUdvyxKrfr9JMmM_ndQxx9wajNdboCK-whznR_mh-ZqRdL9wFbqvtBrcw9OAtDVw/s320/IMG_20230408_151219_2.jpg" width="241" /></a> </p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we speak, McKenna is in Paris... Yeah, I know. I hate her too. 😁</span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">For this year's spring break, McKenna is on a trip with her high school choir to perform a series of vocal concerts throughout Paris and surrounding areas. But as of a few months ago, McKenna had not really traveled alone, much less owned a passport or traveled internationally.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Did we consider jetting off to Paris to accompany our daughter???</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Of <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>course we did! But upon taking a step back, we really wanted this trip to be an opportunity for McKenna to stretch out and live life without “Helicopter Parents."</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The first morning arrived in France with a hummingbird gently tapping at McKenna’s hotel window. It’s a beautiful day out, but I receive a text from McKenna saying that she’s “kinda lonely right now.” Then my phone rings. It's McKenna... We chat for a few minutes, but I end our pep talk with this little bit of advice, “McKenna. Today and throughout this trip. Be adventurous. Engage those around you. Look for opportunities. And when an opportunity presents itself, TAKE IT! If you do this, you will indeed have the Best Trip Ever!!!”</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">In response, I got the patented teenage daughter response, “Okay Dad.”</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Hours later, Lily and I receive this text, “R U guys up? I had a fun day. I want to tell you!”</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">McKenna proceeded to tell us multiple stories about her “fun day”, but the one story that really struck me was this one:</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">After spending the morning touring Chateau De Fontainebleau, the choir kids were given permission to explore the local Farmer’s Market. While all the other students split off into their respective friend groups in search of souvenirs, trinkets, and snacky foods, McKenna and her friend Alex quietly slipped away. As they strolled the cobblestoned streets together, they stumbled across a local group of tiny children doing some sort of craft activity on the street corner.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Alex was oblivious and walked right on by, but McKenna wasn't having it! That's when she clutched his arm with a gleam in her eye and said, “Alex, I have a great idea! Let’s join the group of tiny children and make awesome crafts!” </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“Are you serious?” Alex exclaimed. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“Yup! Let’s go!” </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And so they did…</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Saying “Hello” and meeting the teacher’s eyes as they approached the table, McKenna grabbed a crafting sheet and pointed to herself in hopes that the teacher would understand that they would like to join in on the fun! The teacher smiled and beckoned the two high school juniors to join the group of tiny children. As McKenna began crafting away on her bona fide masterpiece, she befriends a 5 year old girl sitting next to her. The little girl knows no English, and McKenna knows no French. But through energetic pantomiming, they become fast friends…</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">After McKenna and Alex were finished with their masterpieces, they stood up to leave when the little girl grabbed McKenna's hand. The little girl then placed a brightly colored chocolate egg into her hand, presumably because tomorrow is Easter! At first, McKenna was unsure if the 5 year old was giving or just showing her the candy egg. But through more energetic pantomiming, McKenna finally came to understand that this chocolate egg was the little girl’s parting gift to her newfound friend…</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlj70ys3gan6k_kixixgYSb02vq1P5MxPhWSyOV8cszTqc0PQQMfGuzX3aYjy4amomfIMwtYfNXY7V3dhOKPM3ydj3g0SJFnPGZMtQBjS-PwF8NgXYdtNuQN34fh8oC6Q8nrzhmbcmZpR-QFY0UJsFRHP1dQNcILtIDtbz50IQt-GDgLpuQob7avS4Rw/s2048/IMG_20230408_151212_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlj70ys3gan6k_kixixgYSb02vq1P5MxPhWSyOV8cszTqc0PQQMfGuzX3aYjy4amomfIMwtYfNXY7V3dhOKPM3ydj3g0SJFnPGZMtQBjS-PwF8NgXYdtNuQN34fh8oC6Q8nrzhmbcmZpR-QFY0UJsFRHP1dQNcILtIDtbz50IQt-GDgLpuQob7avS4Rw/s320/IMG_20230408_151212_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">These are the kinds of priceless stories you get from traveling abroad and letting your kids fly on their own. And I didn’t even tell you the story of how McKenna and Alex walked into a florist shop solely to pet two cute dogs, but walked out with bouquets of flowers to give to their teacher and tour guides in appreciation for their efforts.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Today was an Epic Day One on this episode of "McKenna In Paris." And I can only imagine what will happen on Day 2!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-32783881366262922212023-03-01T12:52:00.014-08:002023-03-01T12:53:54.628-08:00Tales from Walla Walla #3<div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="9rsg1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9rsg1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><br /><span data-offset-key="9rsg1-1-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8-FJE5WnDLU8gzQ5DZGJydLlp_q9IUYAfXvfgPux_9qpfNjyAHOATuYVQqa5ni3ThSfdv3iITMPxI4GBoNthaf2dmgHF5S8lK346rKT9u5bcKo72VWRIWbYI3pt-amKx3T7X6XR6OAgOX8sr42yap0aga0j3RTCMmeegl6fnU8TMyQS8GGrFw_s9vA/s4032/original_8fef5115-0f54-4d1e-8299-aedb5e565d56_PXL_20220824_023525604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8-FJE5WnDLU8gzQ5DZGJydLlp_q9IUYAfXvfgPux_9qpfNjyAHOATuYVQqa5ni3ThSfdv3iITMPxI4GBoNthaf2dmgHF5S8lK346rKT9u5bcKo72VWRIWbYI3pt-amKx3T7X6XR6OAgOX8sr42yap0aga0j3RTCMmeegl6fnU8TMyQS8GGrFw_s9vA/s320/original_8fef5115-0f54-4d1e-8299-aedb5e565d56_PXL_20220824_023525604.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="a093a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a093a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In previous installments of “Tales from Walla Walla”, we got to meet the friendly waitress who gave me handwritten restaurant recommendations, the kindly gentleman who gifted us two bags of coffee, and now here’s the story of the “Gracious Nurse”.</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="1mq6v-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1mq6v-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, my son Nash had been having issues with pain in his right eye. Eventually, the pain got severe enough that he needed to head to Urgent Care. The nearest Urgent Care is about 5 miles away from the Whitman campus; a walk-able distance, but still challenging with only one good working eye.</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="b71ta-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b71ta-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In somewhat of an ordeal of public trolleys and getting disoriented, Nash was able to bring himself to Urgent Care by 2 PM. There, he met Anna, the front desk nurse who checked him in. Anna was friendly, but then regrettably informed Nash that the doctors on duty would not be able to see him till sometime after 5 PM.</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="d1l6m-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d1l6m-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nash just shrugged… as he so often does.</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="9im5c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9im5c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By the time Nash was done with his doctor’s visit, it was after 6 PM, dark out, and the trolleys were no longer running... Realizing the situation he was in, and seeing - with his one good eye - that it was indeed “dark out”,</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="6euav-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6euav-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nash just shrugged… as he so often does.</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="636dl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="636dl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s when Anna called out to him, “Hey, how’d it go? But more importantly, how are you getting back to your dorm?”</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="becc5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="becc5-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nash quickly turned back and answered “Well, there’s not much the doctor said other than I need to rest my eyes as much as I can. And as for getting back, I’m just gonna have to walk in the dark I guess. It’s OK. I have one good eye after all!”</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="7glt2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7glt2-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“No, that won’t do… Is it alright if I give you a lift back to the dorms? My shift is over now, and you’re on the way home.”</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="bugk7-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bugk7-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Really???" Nash replied in astonishment. “You’d give me, a complete stranger, a ride home?”</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="534ir-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="534ir-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Ha! You’re not a stranger Nash. Strange maybe… But not a stranger!”</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="9pbdb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9pbdb-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And on those terms, Nash gratefully accepted Anna’s graciousness in giving him a ride home. Clearly, Anna saw the situation. A freshman in college who wasn’t from around here, walking home in the dark with apparent eye issues. As this student’s parent, I can’t thank Anna enough for stepping up and being the type of human I’ve come to expect from Walla Walla residents.</span></div></div><div class="x1e56ztr" data-block="true" data-editor="ebqe1" data-offset-key="8kun1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8kun1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Nash, the ride home was incredibly quick by car. And I guess that’s true in comparison to his ordeal in getting there in the first place. By the time they rolled up to Lyman House, Nash thanked Anna profusely and told her that my dad will probably write a blog post about this encounter… And that prediction has come true. 🙂</span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-30124747119523937782023-02-13T13:51:00.007-08:002023-02-13T14:07:02.894-08:00First Man<div data-block="true" data-editor="cl3gm" data-offset-key="2gf8a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk5EAw2zxg24KI7IpqbToaXQjBQEuMqAuIWUCrM_SMg_Cb1RCaeodYr24ySaCMiAEvLyzFgldosgTVPl_kVr1bnsrScaHUm3tpSw7t-sbBci9rpfJ7jNMZWf8Zge-sXenwTa48sPO-IvF81NnB4iFDcWPFAIBP1r7Rkc8v-UxOcEkOMB_LWSSePpPCg/s3563/PXL_20230211_041746683.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3563" data-original-width="2680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk5EAw2zxg24KI7IpqbToaXQjBQEuMqAuIWUCrM_SMg_Cb1RCaeodYr24ySaCMiAEvLyzFgldosgTVPl_kVr1bnsrScaHUm3tpSw7t-sbBci9rpfJ7jNMZWf8Zge-sXenwTa48sPO-IvF81NnB4iFDcWPFAIBP1r7Rkc8v-UxOcEkOMB_LWSSePpPCg/s320/PXL_20230211_041746683.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2gf8a-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, what I have for you today is this video of my daughter McKenna singing "First Man" by Camila Cabello at last night's choir concert.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="cl3gm" data-offset-key="3tdem-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3tdem-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="3tdem-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="cl3gm" data-offset-key="6q8lk-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6q8lk-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="6q8lk-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Most of you know that I'm usually a man of many many words. But today, I have none...</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="cl3gm" data-offset-key="3hmqq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3hmqq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="3hmqq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="cl3gm" data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; transition-property: none;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">But for an event like this to render me speechless is rare. And I will cherish this rare gift from my daughter for the rest of my life... ❤️✌️</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55HtaRVdm94v0IBfuLG4ulA-53E00wsk8tVJeHKy6uXgLrSL1-qE9qCx-Dtzcz1P2EvEcjWHF51rsynaf5zXLTX6qL0zye6w5z0hrRFdnnFIbxXqcFULM37sVdECQ1itTys1EsvLPwXFGtPeOZUM8auG6aZqp4W7uhIwU-obcoe76Ou403IAAFzP5xQ/s3513/PXL_20230211_042313493_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3513" data-original-width="2645" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55HtaRVdm94v0IBfuLG4ulA-53E00wsk8tVJeHKy6uXgLrSL1-qE9qCx-Dtzcz1P2EvEcjWHF51rsynaf5zXLTX6qL0zye6w5z0hrRFdnnFIbxXqcFULM37sVdECQ1itTys1EsvLPwXFGtPeOZUM8auG6aZqp4W7uhIwU-obcoe76Ou403IAAFzP5xQ/s320/PXL_20230211_042313493_2.jpg" width="241" /></a></div></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use this link to watch the video!</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6itl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><a href="https://youtu.be/XjnsOFP0oy8" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/XjnsOFP0oy8</a><br /></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-85932934639875834352023-01-25T16:56:00.009-08:002023-01-25T17:41:25.443-08:00Slightly Off-Center<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhMgJeQxOk_6_tbLNEyXvZ-gSSQr-kkSV_uiyc6AUMT-Jhk_UzzGM1iKPvgZqGTvvxElTcRrJBH9XJybfXvLyucsIdH7OXP0ZcnxXXEdUIDdap1Z4Vzodju9vuEfpAQFgUWDg-7TCoMjDaL0GuZwSmimMihgJ1Dq77BM5gCehgEztoTghw-4cUX9FYw/s2832/image%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="2124" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhMgJeQxOk_6_tbLNEyXvZ-gSSQr-kkSV_uiyc6AUMT-Jhk_UzzGM1iKPvgZqGTvvxElTcRrJBH9XJybfXvLyucsIdH7OXP0ZcnxXXEdUIDdap1Z4Vzodju9vuEfpAQFgUWDg-7TCoMjDaL0GuZwSmimMihgJ1Dq77BM5gCehgEztoTghw-4cUX9FYw/s320/image%20(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not sure when McKenna and I started taking selfies together. I used to hate selfies. But over the years, these little selfie moments would become part of the “glue” that helped cement our Father/Daughter relationship.</span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">McKenna and I might try to take a selfie when we’re out somewhere fun or exciting. Or we might snap a pic on special occasions like a birthday. But my uber-favorite selfie opportunities happen whenever we’re planning to go out someplace, and we randomly end up wearing the same color! Or our outfits match! I love it when that happens!!!</span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvHtnvTTHifPspka7HxccW1k45Hb8oU3o_njOxmj__chl-Op9J31Y06DDWRQwKRukbFlb_H1qTrLsW_oGuiYli6ZILffd3zA7JQwfAfZIFC83gDPX7RGrXDEE4-54_SksGnc5lE9FAkKl2_Yf9GmY_cww9LZoQnNYWYJ1vCXPgoAMLsyxcMHRaoSjSg/s2955/image%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2955" data-original-width="2216" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvHtnvTTHifPspka7HxccW1k45Hb8oU3o_njOxmj__chl-Op9J31Y06DDWRQwKRukbFlb_H1qTrLsW_oGuiYli6ZILffd3zA7JQwfAfZIFC83gDPX7RGrXDEE4-54_SksGnc5lE9FAkKl2_Yf9GmY_cww9LZoQnNYWYJ1vCXPgoAMLsyxcMHRaoSjSg/s320/image%20(3).jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>But truth be told, those opportunities are not as random as they seem. Because I’m the dorkiest dad in the world, I’ll sometimes wait to see what McKenna has on for the day, and then choose my outfit accordingly. 😁 Attempting to match your daughter’s style is indeed super dorky, but I am “That Dad” and I enjoy it. Oftentimes, my wife Lily will see that both McKenna and I are wearing matching outfits for our Brunch Date. And then she will let out a big “sigh”, go back into the bedroom, and come out “matching” by the time we leave! 😀</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">McKenna isn’t Nash. And she certainly isn’t Evan. McKenna has her own unique interests and personality. And because of those differences, I find that I often relate to McKenna in a much different way than I do with my other two boys.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I tend to “talk a lot” with my boys… We talk about life, struggles, and stuff we wanna do in the future. But not so much with McKenna. McKenna is an independent, strong-willed rock star. That girl is more than capable of handling most things on her own. And she rarely seeks my advice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">But as a father, her “independence” doesn’t absolve me of my responsibility to make connections and build bridges with my daughter. Just because we don’t sit down to “talk”, doesn’t mean that we can’t have a close relationship. I’m always paying attention to McKenna. I’m paying attention to her likes, dislikes, and things that light her up. All of these individual pieces can work as “connections” between us. Over the years, I’ve loved and watched over this girl. And in that same time span, I’ve figured out the best ways I can love her, in the ways she wants to be loved…</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2QpSRWhN4HA1VUYOrQa5uE5J6BhkS_hmeCOtNe7zeoRhhfZNjjRrj9emTVv365ZV9T2s03dhxSXKfVQpdYsrKZdDKTq_084s6dPOj2QWuLX1dw3x0kxgOVNrm8_H1Ecy1gob7KW6JZOIqXMwTxKJOpeFKSwddRhSi9w-wDJLyg2rqaNvkUZ2GRtavw/s3264/image%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2QpSRWhN4HA1VUYOrQa5uE5J6BhkS_hmeCOtNe7zeoRhhfZNjjRrj9emTVv365ZV9T2s03dhxSXKfVQpdYsrKZdDKTq_084s6dPOj2QWuLX1dw3x0kxgOVNrm8_H1Ecy1gob7KW6JZOIqXMwTxKJOpeFKSwddRhSi9w-wDJLyg2rqaNvkUZ2GRtavw/s320/image%20(5).jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>Here’s a few examples of the found connections I have with my daughter:</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d82f28a8-7fff-e280-f6cf-c1fe58d0c9b2" style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Selfies</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matching outfits</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PASTA! And our never ending search to find the Best Spaghetti Bolognese in Los Angeles</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watching “Singles Inferno” together, both Season 1 and 2</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watching our favorite Anime (Haikyu, Bofuri, etc)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sugar! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bearology</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anything that tastes like Strawberry! - yogurt drinks, ice cream, desserts</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being McKenna’s personal shopper - I love helping her pick out outfits, bringing her different sizes in the dressing room, providing my expertise, and my credit card. ;)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Play time with our cat Tess</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cute Cat Videos</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CHIPOTLE!!! McKenna can eat at Chipotle every day if you let her!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our shared love for musical theatre and seeing Broadway Shows!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trying to learn K-Pop Dance Routines with her while failing badly</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tokidoki</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chelsea Cutler concerts</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anything “kawaii”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disneyland and other theme parks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Playing the “I wonder what mood McKenna is in?” is always a fun game!</span></p><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This list can easily grow double the size, but this list is good enough to represent McKenna’s “love language”. The items listed, is how she knows that we love her. And how we as parents, can best meet her needs.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U4tz_0i_TLctGcFFmQoGqqzScG_w2rnXkh8aw20YT77a10-BAxtXtX8jDrf0CY2-dILX_XutFhqwn7eWJHWvoNUXEpB1Gh-cxf-GuEW_7So5JeDz5ZdPS35DXRrE8783Am-IZ-UbpVam-oJLVoNp5iMzPObfv3kXPTWID5SJlIptg9cvsYUi1U153A/s2901/image%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2901" data-original-width="2085" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U4tz_0i_TLctGcFFmQoGqqzScG_w2rnXkh8aw20YT77a10-BAxtXtX8jDrf0CY2-dILX_XutFhqwn7eWJHWvoNUXEpB1Gh-cxf-GuEW_7So5JeDz5ZdPS35DXRrE8783Am-IZ-UbpVam-oJLVoNp5iMzPObfv3kXPTWID5SJlIptg9cvsYUi1U153A/s320/image%20(4).jpg" width="230" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>McKenna and I were having a brief conversation about “hairstyles” this morning as we drove to school. I told her that I had the crazy notion to part my hair on the opposite side this morning! I then asked her if she ever considered changing the part in her hair. She said, “No, my hairline is where it is… Slightly Off-Center”. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I just had to laugh!!! “That’s a perfect metaphor for life McKenna! YOU AND I are both Wongs! And together, we will forever be… Slightly Off-Center. 🙂</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></p>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-80277869262929788202023-01-06T17:27:00.005-08:002023-01-06T23:25:23.701-08:00Birds and the Bees<div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="1g6qu-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1g6qu-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSjPSEp7yFXR6PF3MsiKn1NFFTaB0fNO7Elk85nQPUmjkVv_VrJlbHrU6LPyV9a7lU7gWPW44Ls7fXfAM3ceQmRP1b2jn7KFLVenCEk8p_lVP4ak6t3NcSaCAq9Yoq2SzURcYtZJEj_zFvoh-kiy7vAlrWVjjSFOb5CYfQ9H1HYzCWcUeP9Wmavl_cQ/s4032/PXL_20221226_231401183.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSjPSEp7yFXR6PF3MsiKn1NFFTaB0fNO7Elk85nQPUmjkVv_VrJlbHrU6LPyV9a7lU7gWPW44Ls7fXfAM3ceQmRP1b2jn7KFLVenCEk8p_lVP4ak6t3NcSaCAq9Yoq2SzURcYtZJEj_zFvoh-kiy7vAlrWVjjSFOb5CYfQ9H1HYzCWcUeP9Wmavl_cQ/s320/PXL_20221226_231401183.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1g6qu-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Yesterday, in an unexpected turn of events, I found myself giving the "birds and the bees" talk for the third time in my life.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="e4gi1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e4gi1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="e4gi1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="77kf1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="77kf1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="77kf1-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Here's the story: A friend of mine (a single divorced mom) called me up to see if I could help her out. I said "Sure! What's up?" And then she tells me her dilemma...</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="d3c7e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d3c7e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="d3c7e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="35pn3-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="35pn3-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="35pn3-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">The mom felt like she needed to have the "birds and bees" talk with her son, but the son's father is absent at best and totally unreliable at worst. Mom is willing to do the talk, but the son is only open to having this conversation with a guy. And fortunately, I fit that bill!!! 😁✌️</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="c0usq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c0usq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="c0usq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="9gk9e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9gk9e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="9gk9e-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">The day comes, and Mom drops off her son with me at the park. I re-introduce myself, and he and I walk laps around the park to talk. I start pontificating about the finer points in life when the clouds form and a light drizzle begins to fall. Then the rain starts to come down in full blown sheets! It is a virtual waterfall by the time we finish!!! As we run back to the car, he and I are dripping wet from head to toe! But we're also laughing and smiling from our sorry soggy state. During our 90 minute stroll, we talked about life, we talked about school, we talked about friends, we talked about sex, and we talked about the best ways to seize his future... I did the majority of the talking as expected, but he was as engaged a pre-teen boy could have been in this circumstance. Imagine as a teen boy being forced to have a sex talk with a adult you don't even know!!! The kid did so great. He was respectful, asked questions, and listened to all my nonsense with zero attitude.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="b0b0t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b0b0t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="b0b0t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="428ga-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="428ga-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="428ga-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I am grateful for the opportunity and honored to be a part of such a pivotal moment in a young man's development. This fine young man is going to be really somethin' when he grows up. This I'm sure of.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="7bkh3-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7bkh3-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="7bkh3-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="bljrp-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bljrp-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="bljrp-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">God places you in odd positions sometimes. And you can't always predict what will come your way. Hopefully, my oddball experiences will be able to help shape this young man's life and experiences going forward. That's the goal anyways...</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="2cvlp-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2cvlp-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="2cvlp-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="d1njg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d1njg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="d1njg-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">So, I just got off the phone with the mom about an hour ago. And now, she's wondering if I can meet with her son every few months or so. I said "Sure, but only if that's what your son really wants. You better ask him." She replied, "I did ask him! He said he'd like that!!!" 🤯</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="1dk6d-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1dk6d-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="1dk6d-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="28hr9" data-offset-key="9u9ag-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9u9ag-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="9u9ag-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Wow!!! Who knew??? I guess sometimes pre-teen boys can surprise you! And that's the end of my story. 😁✌️</span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-12633244869944147462022-12-01T02:09:00.012-08:002022-12-01T21:44:08.146-08:00Nash Stories Volume #48<div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="74s72-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="74s72-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOKgKIyjGdwpifk12p6PmxkN4pG7IH3oVoH0hCQ4GaehlfSaxaFdISRzBWcNviIPmSi0Q9bNRwMXtsMgejwZA54vZg4z214kaKHjlcv0YXqQ0cQB6nLh494CKPydPwNlQTt1AySBt0OhPoCe4DzbVt-BOI6rxi8U7KntaiZe7iBozv5P19PJff0FcHg/s3264/PXL_20221112_172034825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOKgKIyjGdwpifk12p6PmxkN4pG7IH3oVoH0hCQ4GaehlfSaxaFdISRzBWcNviIPmSi0Q9bNRwMXtsMgejwZA54vZg4z214kaKHjlcv0YXqQ0cQB6nLh494CKPydPwNlQTt1AySBt0OhPoCe4DzbVt-BOI6rxi8U7KntaiZe7iBozv5P19PJff0FcHg/s320/PXL_20221112_172034825.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="r9ij-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="r9ij-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="r9ij-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="cjiqv-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cjiqv-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="cjiqv-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">As an Asian Parent, I’m not sure if I should be admitting this… But, I could honestly care less if any of my kids become Doctors, Lawyers, or whatever prestigious profession you can name.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="aqrju-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aqrju-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="aqrju-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="2kudc-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2kudc-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="2kudc-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">My only goal ever as a parent was to raise good human beings. Humans who are kind, respectful, and conscious of the world and community that surrounds them. So, when I receive a text like the one I received today, it gives me reassurance that my oldest kid is well on his way towards that goal.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="bk9vo-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bk9vo-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="bk9vo-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="dgv6c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dgv6c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dgv6c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">So, here’s the story: </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="8bnap-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8bnap-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="8bnap-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="es13n-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="es13n-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="es13n-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Earlier today, I got a text from a mom of one of Nash’s friends and fellow classmates. The text read,</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="31tgq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="31tgq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="31tgq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="25t35-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="25t35-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="25t35-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“Kyle and Lily, you have raised an amazing human. Thank You! My daughter Samantha is sick and Nash brought her chicken soup tonight!”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="dsrgd-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dsrgd-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dsrgd-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="22dud-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="22dud-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="22dud-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I had no idea that Nash had done this, so I called him up to find out the details.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="3kgo7-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3kgo7-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="3kgo7-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="c9f35-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c9f35-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="c9f35-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“So, Samantha is sick?” I asked.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="678kl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="678kl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="678kl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="14ikv-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="14ikv-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="14ikv-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“Yeah, she’s feeling pretty terrible. We have a project due tomorrow, but she called to tell me that she has a bad cold and won’t be in class. Then I saw the chicken soup we bought at Walmart and thought, when you have a cold, you eat chicken soup!”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="dhnvt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dhnvt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dhnvt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="fd6qq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fd6qq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="fd6qq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“Ha! Exactly Nash! Chicken Soup is good for the soul. And for the common cold!” I replied. </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="4bsk4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4bsk4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="4bsk4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="crg9s-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="crg9s-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="crg9s-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“So, did you just give her the soup in the container?” I asked.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="dmqmk-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dmqmk-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dmqmk-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="72qn4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="72qn4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="72qn4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“No, I went over to her dorm building, heated up the soup in the kitchen, and brought it up to her room nice and hot! Oh, and I gave her Skittles too... Cuz if you're gonna be kooked up in your room for a long time, you need Skittles!” </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="5vuib-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5vuib-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="5vuib-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="67a86-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="67a86-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="67a86-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"Ha! I can’t argue that kind of logic! I mean, what sickness can withstand the mighty healing effects of Chicken Soup and Skittles??? I’m proud of you today Nash. Good job!”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="d52vj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d52vj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="d52vj-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="ajdl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ajdl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="ajdl-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“Thanks Dad”. </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="c8hlm-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c8hlm-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="c8hlm-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="coju8-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="coju8-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="coju8-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Thus ending our little story…</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="813lh-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="813lh-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="813lh-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="e8ojr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e8ojr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="e8ojr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Look, I know this is a silly little nothing story of small kindness. But, it is my belief that more often than not, your true character is revealed through your smallest actions, not your biggest. "Who you are as a person" is better determined by the humble kindnesses of your heart, and not the grand</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> gestures from your hands.</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="b6t0r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b6t0r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="b6t0r-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="arrip-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="arrip-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="arrip-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Nash is currently a freshman at Whitman College. And he currently has no idea what he wants to do in life or what his major might be. But here’s what I do know:</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="k9to-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="k9to-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="k9to-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="bv61c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bv61c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="bv61c-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">That dorky kid I sent off to college did well today. He paid attention. He was intentional. He not only saw others, he met their needs with the meager resources he had. He was kind. He was thoughtful. He brought Skittles. </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="bd8sq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bd8sq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="bd8sq-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2q5hj" data-offset-key="4b9ta-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4b9ta-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="4b9ta-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Today, Nash proved that he just might be a good human (in training anyway). 😁✌️</span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-13436292293840089932022-10-27T16:59:00.006-07:002022-12-01T08:47:46.850-08:00Nash Stories Volume #47<div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="446nt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="446nt-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWUxuqO22N3y_tg6uY_ahvj4RwoyYA4jeCKPYJQhGjRwbamuJ5R4vQyfVBBzUhyoWfq9OYEATw6VgjCfT-ua8OCfGCmLhiofaUlnurfIBJtNOROIb3DRyXthXPYqr5GqKqQRR44u2fOmL4GV2QaHd9xzgZyhVt4rvp_TTan_yrh1GGYgaFwQy-2cFXQ/s3264/image%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWUxuqO22N3y_tg6uY_ahvj4RwoyYA4jeCKPYJQhGjRwbamuJ5R4vQyfVBBzUhyoWfq9OYEATw6VgjCfT-ua8OCfGCmLhiofaUlnurfIBJtNOROIb3DRyXthXPYqr5GqKqQRR44u2fOmL4GV2QaHd9xzgZyhVt4rvp_TTan_yrh1GGYgaFwQy-2cFXQ/s320/image%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="bif6b-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bif6b-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a doting parent, it’s always a good day whenever your kid calls home from college. So, today, Nash calls me up and says “Dad, I ended up in a situation today, and I wanted to ask your opinion to see if I handled it the right way.” I say “Sure Nash. Shoot…”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="s1cr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="s1cr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="s1cr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="ttco-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ttco-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="ttco-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Nash goes on to tell me that he was having a conversation with a friend (let’s just call him Billy), when Billy breaks down and starts sobbing inconsolably. Billy then describes to Nash the situation and why he’s crying… </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="cio7t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cio7t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="cio7t-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="eeeai-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eeeai-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="eeeai-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">And this is the reason for the phone call and Nash’s explanation to me, “Dad, at first, I didn’t know what to do. Didn’t know what to say. I had no answers. No advice to give… Then, I remembered this from our talks. You’ve always told me to ‘Just Listen. Just Be There.' So that’s what I did.” </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="cumm9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cumm9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="cumm9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="dfv8j-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dfv8j-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dfv8j-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Nash continues explaining, “I didn’t tell him that ‘I understand’ or offer some made up advice. And I didn’t tell him a similar story that I had experienced one time... I just sat there and listened to him talk. I told him that I am there for him. And will continue to be there for him if he wants to talk further.”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="d5eif-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5eif-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="d5eif-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="dki5d-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dki5d-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="dki5d-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“So Dad. Did I do OK? Maybe I should have done more.”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="1vjg0-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1vjg0-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="1vjg0-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="7f2if-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7f2if-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="7f2if-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">At this point, I couldn’t be prouder of my son... I said “Nash, you get an A+. There is no more that you could have reasonably done. In fact, you handled it better than 90 percent of full grown adults would have. Most adults would have started pontificating with lame advice or relate a similar story that shifts the focus onto them and not the person in need. But you played it perfectly. You quickly realized that you could not fix their situation, and that the best thing you could do for them is to “Just Listen. Just Be There. And Be A Friend” </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="at389-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="at389-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="at389-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="35kp9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="35kp9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="35kp9-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">“Dude. A+... You were right there for a friend in need. And that person is the better for it. I could have done No Better than what you did today. Well done Nash. Well done...”</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="brhl4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="brhl4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="brhl4-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3n9sd" data-offset-key="28ikr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="28ikr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><span data-offset-key="28ikr-0-0" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Nash is currently 2 months into his freshman year at Whitman College. And from the looks of it, he seems to be doing just fine…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-65041087597154136682022-09-07T22:27:00.005-07:002022-09-07T22:27:45.596-07:00Brand New Friend<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="dgcc1-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dgcc1-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="dgcc1-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">As some of you know, I love making new friends. This is my new friend Geidy. It's pronounced "Heidi," but it's actually spelled G-E-I-D-Y. 👍</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dgcc1-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="dgcc1-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dgcc1-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8weqTpkJA8-gUq3KNI2ebjwcT5YWmm4CIVDhcsH58nCSwHnU-fIUN8LJx6gS2mX8lbRDhakN_0cuF-FLas2BzMhwNremmDVqtx9Cwjg7PVU2Ho_LFKQxDCXYKl1pEhv9xHYplUlTG4YAMKI-FV-zzZK1zJKgEW5BC78MHw3Fw99HCNXWU2ednMmUBw/s2598/PXL_20220907_185218439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2598" data-original-width="1949" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8weqTpkJA8-gUq3KNI2ebjwcT5YWmm4CIVDhcsH58nCSwHnU-fIUN8LJx6gS2mX8lbRDhakN_0cuF-FLas2BzMhwNremmDVqtx9Cwjg7PVU2Ho_LFKQxDCXYKl1pEhv9xHYplUlTG4YAMKI-FV-zzZK1zJKgEW5BC78MHw3Fw99HCNXWU2ednMmUBw/s320/PXL_20220907_185218439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dgcc1-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Here's the story: I'm currently chilling in the park waiting for my car to be serviced. There are 3 picnic tables to choose where I'm at, but Geidy plops right down at my table with me! 😁</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="4frdk-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4frdk-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="4frdk-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="a93jb-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a93jb-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="a93jb-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">There is no doubt in my mind that Geidy wants to chat. So, I lob in a remark about the weather and off to the races we go!!! 🤣 Geidy tells me that she walks her grandson Joshua to and from school every day, even when it's a 100+ degrees like it is today! Geidy is 73! I tell her that she looks happy and healthy. And she goes on to tell me how many broken bones she's had in both arms, leg and lower back. She's had her pancreas and spleen removed, she has osteoporosis and other diagnoses she could only explain in Spanish, as I nod emphatically while pretending I understand what she's saying! 😆</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="c2ehi-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c2ehi-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="c2ehi-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="4q0vu-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4q0vu-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="4q0vu-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Geidy says, "Do you know San Marino?" I say "Of course! I live there!" She goes on to tell me that she has been babysitting San Marino kids for 35 years as her job. I absolutely bet that I know some of the kids that went through Geidy's caring hands. Geidy tells me that she loves kids. But she needn't say a word. That much was apparent within the first 5 seconds of our conversation.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="frgbq-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="frgbq-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="frgbq-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="619td-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="619td-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="619td-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Geidy has a smile that warms any room, house, or playground. I felt at ease immediately. Geidy talked a lot... But she also listened and cared about what I had to say too.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="64tsn-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="64tsn-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="64tsn-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="8k37t-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8k37t-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="8k37t-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Geidy comes to this park every day. And this park is well within Onewheel range. I think I'll have another date with my friend Geidy soon. I want to hear about her 3 other grandchildren from Murietta and Sarasota Florida.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="4e1pl-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4e1pl-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="4e1pl-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="5evsj-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5evsj-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="5evsj-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">This is not a Kyle story. This is a "Geidy Story" because Geidy took the time out of her day to greet ME, and not the other way around. To have a stranger walk up and greet ME, blesses my heart and makes me feel seen.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="523oq-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="523oq-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="523oq-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="duhsd" data-offset-key="2babk-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2babk-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="2babk-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">"Thank You Geidy!" I hope to see your smile again soon... ❤️</span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-1232214433679062352022-08-10T16:12:00.023-07:002022-08-11T19:06:38.438-07:00Anybody Else?<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFgwFwWH4YHOQFsMCmpx_uilYHTQA1SqNs7jXUu0lE57SSTkGdPXlI0c_KJxg7IFbKhfkZjPm6-pqFUZNQEdGjoMw3t9Bwt6l_ANTklxXeGy8BUNjR1LdD71RVbAvIrU-z8AnlxY_LlN__Ly-Kapa2_M9mMLaykw8gKgBsZiDBkXSJExb5dlPTiyYqA/s1032/IMG_20220712_224954_849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1032" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFgwFwWH4YHOQFsMCmpx_uilYHTQA1SqNs7jXUu0lE57SSTkGdPXlI0c_KJxg7IFbKhfkZjPm6-pqFUZNQEdGjoMw3t9Bwt6l_ANTklxXeGy8BUNjR1LdD71RVbAvIrU-z8AnlxY_LlN__Ly-Kapa2_M9mMLaykw8gKgBsZiDBkXSJExb5dlPTiyYqA/s320/IMG_20220712_224954_849.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Is this anybody else?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the last 2 years or so, I feel like I’ve lost myself a little bit. Oh, I’m still ME, but this current version of ME is… Not as happy. Not as focused. Not as passionate. Not as gracious. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s no question that Covid-19 has changed our world as we all huddled into corners to save ourselves. But there’s also no question that in that same span of 2 years, WE ourselves have significantly changed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t quite realize it at first. I mistook my struggles for malaise or “the blahs”. I lived out my “Gray-ish World” where food didn’t taste quite as tasty. Where thrills weren’t quite as thrilling. And vanilla tasted like. Well, Vanilla… In addition, I rarely dressed up in my finer clothes. What reason was there for me to do that??? And to add further insult, I had picked up the dreaded "Quarantine 15” pounds that so many of us did during Covid. To put it simply, the Kyle staring back at me in the mirror, was still ME, but lacking in most every way…</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which brings me to today. Today, I’m on the road to recovery, but also self discovery. I’m actively on the lookout for my next adventure and mountain to climb. The spirit of complacency has worn out its welcome. The Quarantine 15 has now left the building and won’t be returning anytime soon. Going forward, I have a new health and workout plan to keep me on track. I have friends and a good support system that encourages me daily towards brighter days.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wherever you find yourself, there is never a time that is deemed “too late”. Never a point in your journey that is too far to come back from. The answers to life are always much simpler than we make them out to be. If you don’t like where you’re at, simply “Stop what you’re doing. Breathe. And take stock.” Figure out where you are. Where you want to be. And what matters to you most. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Start there. With any luck, some amount of clarity will eventually find you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you find yourself feeling “stuck” or don’t recognize the person staring back at you, please feel free to DM me if you would like to chat. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m here for it. I’m here for anyone looking to make a change and move in a positive direction. Life is better in community y’all. And like Dear Evan Hansen said, “We are not alone…”</span></p><p><br /></p>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-71600987786202984822021-02-09T08:40:00.014-08:002021-02-11T22:53:44.860-08:00Making A Choice<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcYf4YlMuKJxU0Q3AHnkFQZwgS2TIv2mJZzIi9mPyi68CLErLObd3gJpr20nmNY2Y_ifS7wfWna-dNspeqmIVu0WNzxu786t2w9L6EXcZs6YjM0lJX_MfBJfMjJUFzmPGgSLlTCjtnoNu/s1080/Screenshot_20210208-172432_3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcYf4YlMuKJxU0Q3AHnkFQZwgS2TIv2mJZzIi9mPyi68CLErLObd3gJpr20nmNY2Y_ifS7wfWna-dNspeqmIVu0WNzxu786t2w9L6EXcZs6YjM0lJX_MfBJfMjJUFzmPGgSLlTCjtnoNu/s320/Screenshot_20210208-172432_3.png" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my experience, I’ve learned that happiness and gratefulness is very often a choice you can make. Should you of course, Make That Choice… But I’m not here to convince you of that, I’m just here to tell stories. So, this is the story of my day today, where everything that could go wrong, seemingly does... But by the end of the story, I find myself feeling a semblance of Happy. I find myself Grateful for my current circumstance. But as usual, I’m getting ahead of myself. If you care to read a long meandering story about my day today, Here ya go!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today is Monday, the 8th of February. This morning, my alarm went off and I woke up to a gorgeous day waiting for me outside! My snowboards and other associated gear were all packed up last night for an early morning departure. The Destination? Mountain High Ski Resort in Wrightwood! Because of Covid Restrictions, I have barely snowboarded at all the last 2 seasons. *sad face emoji* So when the rare opportunity presented itself for me to ride today, I was i</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ncredibly eager to head to the mountain! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Mountain High Resort is about 1 hour+ from my home in San Marino. I had already driven an hour in my 2006 Honda Odyssey, and was about to head up the windy mountain roads when my car started to slow down on its own… Perplexed, I kept applying the gas pedal, but my efforts were only rewarded with “revving noises” and ZERO acceleration... Ugh! I pretty much knew what I was in for. I had been warned by my mechanic that my transmission might be on its last legs… But lucky for me, I was able to pull over to the side of the road safely, with more than enough room to park the car out of the way of oncoming traffic. I shudder to think about what would have happened if my car had died just 5 minutes later when I would have been on a windy narrow road with cross traffic on one side and a steep cliff on the other!!! *Gratefulness #1 logged: Safety</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once I determined that the car was indeed immobile, instead of cursing my circumstances, I made the active and conscious decision that despite this little setback, I was going to have a good day today. And that I would and could, enjoy my day going forward… With that decision firmly made in my mind, I called AAA to have my car towed. After a brief time on hold, Laura at AAA Dispatch, got on the line to help me. “Hi, My name is Kyle Wong. I drive a very old Honda Odyssey. I’m stranded in the desert. I think I need a tow. Can you help me?” Laura chuckled. “Sure, I can help you. Where are you?” “I kinda have no idea to be honest. I see cactus, tumbleweeds, and an Old Wagon Wheel?” But Thank God for modern conveniences and being in cell service range, Google was able to inform me that I was on Hwy 138 by Ralston Rd.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Kyle, I know you’re having a bad day, but I’m about to make it worse...” </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Ugh! Go ahead. Hit me with it,” I reply. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Because of current Covid Protocols, we can definitely tow your car, but not YOU. Do you have anyone that can give you a ride?” I’m literally standing in the middle of a desert as vultures circle overhead as she asks this. Then Laura pauses and says, “I’m so sorry…” </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But I stand resolved. Today’s events will not steal my joy. So, I buck up and say “No problem Laura. I totally get it. It’s not your fault. I’ll find a way home. Somehow. Don’t worry about me. I’m tougher than I look!” Laura laughs and says, “Thank You for your response. I’ve had nothing but Super Negative Reactions to that information all day and a lady just cursed me out on my last call because of this policy!” Laura went on to tell me a story about another customer who was so pissed off about the excessive charge to tow her car, that she deliberately went to the bank to get 40 dollars in coins to pay her bill!!! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Laura and I were finishing up our chat when she says to me, “Thanks for making me laugh. I needed that today.” I reply “Well, I’m gonna make you laugh a bit more in a minute. Can you also tell the Tow Truck Driver that I’m technically not wearing any pants?” Laura says “What???” And I explain to her that I was headed to the Mountain High to snowboard, but on the car ride up, I was only wearing “long johns” with the clear intent on changing into actual snowboard pants when I got to the mountain! Laura laughs again and says “I will tell the driver to be on the lookout for a 2006 Honda Odyssey and a guy with no pants. Is that correct?” I reply “Yup” and we both have a good laugh… Laura and I finish up our call with her telling me that I made her day today. And I feel good… *Gratefulness #2 logged: Making Laura’s Day</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enter James, the tow truck driver… James drives up in a flat-bed truck, and is very good natured from the start. I explain what’s wrong with the car. And then he quickly asks, “Where do you want it towed?” I tell him “Pasadena.” He stops mid-sentence and says, “You know that will be a 600 dollar tow ride right?” I exclaim “I know! But what am I going to do??? I’m in the middle of a desert and I don’t know a mechanic out here I can trust!” Then James says, “Well, I know a good mechanic not too far from here if you’ll trust me” Again, I’m in the desert and my options are limited. James seems like a good guy to me, so I say “OK. Take my car to your mechanic and we’ll go from there.” But that only solves half of my predicament. Because of the AAA Covid Protocol, I know I can’t ride in the truck with him to the repair shop. I’m now stuck in this desert alone. *sigh* But James takes one look at me standing amongst the tumbleweeds in my long johns and says “Come on man. Jump in. I’ll take both YOU and your car to the shop. It’s not far. We’ll both wear masks, it will be fine.” My heart leaps in gratitude! “Thank You James! I super appreciate it! Who knows how long I would have had to stand there if you didn’t give me a ride!" *Gratefulness #3 logged: Mercy Received</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the way there, I call my mechanic in Pasadena to try to get a price range on what a re-built transmission would cost. My mechanic tells me over the phone "About 3-5 Grand." Ugh!!! Well, it is what it is... Back to the story, James and I arrive at Pinon Hills Transmission pretty quick. I know for a fact we’ve driven farther than the 7 mile “Free Tow Range” per AAA’s policy, but James refuses payment. I thank him profusely and tell him to say “Hi” to his 2 kids for me. And I slyly hand him a very nice tip into his hand. He smiles and bids me farewell. *Gratefulness #4 logged: Kindness Received</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enter Ramon, the transmission specialist… Ramon knows transmissions. That much is certain from the minute he starts explaining what is going on with my car. “It needs to be re-built” he explains. Then the moment comes where he's gonna me what it'll cost. I prepare myself by thinking about that one Hallmark Movie where a stranded visitor gets hit with a GINORMOUS REPAIR BILL that leaves the visitor stuck in a small town for weeks! But that shocking moment never comes... Ramon says, “I can do it all for $2,200.” I AM RELIEVED. This quote is well below what I expected to pay. And Ramon also assures me that the repair work will be covered by a warranty as well! Ramon is solid. I feel good about this. “DO IT” I tell him. *Gratefulness #5 logged: Unexpected Positive Outcomes</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now I need a ride home… I call my wife, but she’s at work in Beverly Hills. I phone a friend and that comes up empty too. I consider a very expensive Uber, when my wife Lily calls to remind me that my brother doesn’t work on Mondays! I call him up and BINGO! He’s totally free and willing to drive more than an hour away to come get me! I am saved!!! *Gratefulness #6 logged: Family Coming Through in a Pinch</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today’s events could very well be described as the "Worst Monday Ever." I didn’t get to go snowboarding. My car died. I could have very possibly spent 600 dollars to tow my car to Pasadena. Because of Covid Protocols, I could have been stranded in a desert for hours. The cost to fix my old minivan is still 2,200 dollars which is a lot of money in anyone’s book. I had to severely inconvenience a family member to come save me. And, I won’t have a car to drive for a week or more…</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But then again, maybe I DO have a car!!! Long story short, I’ve been searching for a new car for months now. I had zeroed in on a Kia Telluride but could not find the exact model and color I was looking for. And I kind of had given up on the whole thing. But last weekend while I was randomly cruising CarGurus, a listing showed up for a Used Kia Telluride in the EXACT color and model I was looking for! And by Sunday afternoon the next day, I was driving away in that same car for thousands less than a Brand New Car! And could the timing of this purchase be any better??? *Gratefulness #7 logged: Serendipity</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I began this post by stating that I believe that Happiness is a Choice. And I still believe that... And I also believe that by not letting the “little things” bog me down today, it led me to a series of Fortunate Events instead of “A Series of Misfortunate Events” as told by Lemony Snicket.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Life and Happiness is what you make it sometimes. Yes, there is a time and an occasion for sorrow. But for 90% of circumstances in my life, I CHOOSE to be Happy. I CHOOSE to make Lemonade. Am I a fool to think so naively? I may well be… But honestly, I’m OK with folly and foolishness. To my mind, “Folly” is way better than “Reality” anyways...</span></p>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-69285746412820844142020-12-14T18:16:00.000-08:002020-12-14T18:16:22.749-08:00Meeting Kyle (A Onewheel Story)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjn_9CYUIhmaLkCElm2oRQueucQmZC_6_MC2VRvhmE51nwxjiNYtcy-Yb3GTPZMlbqi8iyiZ8k0uh04-UBXHgJvCyMPdu1ESs2DeoBu7Nc1XUK2ug08hgG68DkCZUnLJukfpApZ4gMOrJ/s3512/PXL_20201214_035302985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3512" data-original-width="2655" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjn_9CYUIhmaLkCElm2oRQueucQmZC_6_MC2VRvhmE51nwxjiNYtcy-Yb3GTPZMlbqi8iyiZ8k0uh04-UBXHgJvCyMPdu1ESs2DeoBu7Nc1XUK2ug08hgG68DkCZUnLJukfpApZ4gMOrJ/s320/PXL_20201214_035302985.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Riding</span><span data-offset-key="5fb7p-1-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a Onewheel at night is just a different experience where you never really know what you're gonna get... </span></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4vq8e" data-offset-key="2rli9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2rli9-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tonight I was out riding in my local neighborhood when I run across this guy huddled into a doorstep. It's cold out tonight. I know cuz I'm rocking all kinds of snowboard gear to keep warm... I don't always stop to help the homeless. But today, I certainly had the means and the opportunity being that I live mere blocks from where this dude was sleeping. I ride past the guy at first, but immediately head home to find a warm blanket. I also grab a little cash and head back out to find him. He's in the same exact spot so I roll up and execute the smoothest heel lift stop you've ever seen... 😁 I call out to him saying "It's cold out tonight buddy. I have a blanket for you and some cash to get you by." He wakes up says "Thanks" but doesn't say much more than that. Feeling awkward, I bid him a good night, but left feeling dissatisfied. Surely I could do more...</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4vq8e" data-offset-key="2ml83-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2ml83-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="2ml83-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4vq8e" data-offset-key="ee8b-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ee8b-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="ee8b-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">I ride back home with thoughts of making him a warm meal, but then I spy a batch of fresh baked brownies my daughter recently made just sitting on the counter. With her permission, I grab the "still warm" brownies and once again head back out into the night. He's sitting up now as I roll up with a plate of baked treats in hand. But this time, he smiles when he sees me, and we immediately get to talking. I ask him his name and he says ironically, "My name is Kyle" and I just laugh out loud!!! "My name is Kyle too!" I explain. We talk for a bit, he explains his circumstance, and I just listen and help out where I can... After our chat, I once again bid him a good night, but this time I feel better. I feel satisfied... </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4vq8e" data-offset-key="361n6-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="361n6-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="361n6-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br data-text="true" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4vq8e" data-offset-key="6ao8a-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6ao8a-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none !important;"><span data-offset-key="6ao8a-0-0" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">I feel satisfied, not just because of the brownies, but because in our second exchange, I didn't just provide him charity. This time, I was able to give him his humanity. This time, we were able to meet and engage each other as people. It was the humanity I think he needed in that moment. But more importantly, it was the humanity I think I needed FOR ME in that same moment...</span></div></div>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-40158953394995569482019-07-29T16:18:00.000-07:002019-08-01T08:55:43.640-07:00Living Spaces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_MGTX3AkU9Uq5CEMMVCTzlccTvuerJ-Hv54PtI2pCFxjM9sMkAyHCB_O8bfRcZKpzPZpPHPe-JxdbYCJiM7jbx2OYy93IAU0el_dJ_mNP3Ak80kcysnGkLa5si3S0pDPAYfpO6SGiKG_/s1600/Resized952019072895134836_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="699" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_MGTX3AkU9Uq5CEMMVCTzlccTvuerJ-Hv54PtI2pCFxjM9sMkAyHCB_O8bfRcZKpzPZpPHPe-JxdbYCJiM7jbx2OYy93IAU0el_dJ_mNP3Ak80kcysnGkLa5si3S0pDPAYfpO6SGiKG_/s320/Resized952019072895134836_2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Every once and a while, your kids will do something or act in a way that is so clearly YOU... At the moment, The Wong House is in complete upheaval with various projects. And also right now, I am in Full Re-Decorating Mode.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPAXNUU8_PjZdjrjLxCwYek9GKdiIwt77xzX7h418I5Z2KSd36KaKhhyrKQLHfRojCMwYrK7LJfHrncfGbx7EsuvES2lP3o_dYUQKkKJJGLPgRli-wKgI_zPuVzKWP6euVOlXCxt2ZK1C/s1600/Resized952019072895135057_2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="984" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPAXNUU8_PjZdjrjLxCwYek9GKdiIwt77xzX7h418I5Z2KSd36KaKhhyrKQLHfRojCMwYrK7LJfHrncfGbx7EsuvES2lP3o_dYUQKkKJJGLPgRli-wKgI_zPuVzKWP6euVOlXCxt2ZK1C/s320/Resized952019072895135057_2+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTfnZtcvVZ_hcVZVgw96uvfcnUv2RnoikOD8Yiau88Ip638QCrPK9iaNV4QHPgciM0VEM1vC6KtXY8VME1oWpu8A_-7Ep2fyBGT8JKCHQe1opa8katwEr2lAO11kNM3mJwVcPdfJOOMiC/s1600/Resized952019072895135202_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTfnZtcvVZ_hcVZVgw96uvfcnUv2RnoikOD8Yiau88Ip638QCrPK9iaNV4QHPgciM0VEM1vC6KtXY8VME1oWpu8A_-7Ep2fyBGT8JKCHQe1opa8katwEr2lAO11kNM3mJwVcPdfJOOMiC/s320/Resized952019072895135202_2.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So today, I dragged my kids to Living Spaces to look for Living Room accessories. Clearly, my kids would rather be doing something else in the waning days of Summer. And even though this side trip was clearly for DAD, my kids CHOSE to make the </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">BEST of the situation, and took it upon themselves to MAKE their own FUN!!! Nash and McKenna had an absolute BLAST today walking around the store looking for that PERFECT SHOT.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> That kind of silly nonsense is EXACTLY something that I would do! I personally LOVE Cellphone Photography. And have been making my kids pose for me since they were tiny... However, THIS is the first time my kids have struck out on their own to create their own MAGIC. It makes me smile to view these pics and see how much fun they're having in Living Spaces of all places! And I gotta say, these shots ain't half bad!!! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPNn1dLcYCH5g8KZcrAqZDIX0ihwwarfwDVpL_fDwDXDr8sWj-jVS30c5U9O1-LSAJ38FztxuiVcvHKxj4Cp6del9NPqQIzeZRE0gL4jHOgBrcKbqmwS7qrpv2_MpRTbNqmtsj2hU4k7h/s1600/Resized952019072895135444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPNn1dLcYCH5g8KZcrAqZDIX0ihwwarfwDVpL_fDwDXDr8sWj-jVS30c5U9O1-LSAJ38FztxuiVcvHKxj4Cp6del9NPqQIzeZRE0gL4jHOgBrcKbqmwS7qrpv2_MpRTbNqmtsj2hU4k7h/s320/Resized952019072895135444.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">On a sidenote: My kids are very new to cellphones and cameras in general. In fact, I've only just bought phones for Evan and McKenna 2 weeks ago! And Nash for only a year. They are 14 and 16 respectively. On a sidenote to the sidenote: I'm very glad I waited this long to trust them with cellphones, but that is another blog for another day...</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vabzpAKjYBdhkuIFfoB-3GO1uwd8klBegdjumYSrNLKRwTJL8-2JKztYVK-21H31gwmgSNWvrWWmx9vZJWrkRXiuzL0omU8twMmG5_NcFssmnDNgrZFafEp_zEaslFlRXADsWLUBSStz/s1600/Resized952019072895135641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vabzpAKjYBdhkuIFfoB-3GO1uwd8klBegdjumYSrNLKRwTJL8-2JKztYVK-21H31gwmgSNWvrWWmx9vZJWrkRXiuzL0omU8twMmG5_NcFssmnDNgrZFafEp_zEaslFlRXADsWLUBSStz/s320/Resized952019072895135641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4psJIrK2daTAReIvNM8g2n-6ut8prvt6aeMmMXx6pslnQMpe7F-QY2PW7vzDmRVMpZ2gr_ITn_TgJatzKeZ1srroLcHJVmXrzGpCZn9XwYYVD4cG5f32TEjERB5i5uG7pHTUs7DRik7AM/s1600/Resized952019072895140000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4psJIrK2daTAReIvNM8g2n-6ut8prvt6aeMmMXx6pslnQMpe7F-QY2PW7vzDmRVMpZ2gr_ITn_TgJatzKeZ1srroLcHJVmXrzGpCZn9XwYYVD4cG5f32TEjERB5i5uG7pHTUs7DRik7AM/s320/Resized952019072895140000.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> In conclusion, I love that my kids CHOSE to MAKE their own FUN, instead of choosing to complain or grouse... ALSO, I love that they CHOSE to be SILLY. Because SILLY is AWESOME. And lastly, I love that my kids at least experimented with something that their Father also loves to do... That is the ultimate joy isn't it? When your kids love the same things that you do??? </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">On a sidenote to the sidenote to the sidenote: The whole Wong Family went to the Ahmanson Theater last night as another Family Activity we ALL LOVE to do... Parents, keep introducing your kids to STUFF you love. It may work. It may not. But if you're lucky... YOUR THANG could very well turn into OUR THANG...</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiOO3CMWSyiJK_XAyDCWCaR6AgsJRpp6zRrM-kYmnn1Aa8haGc3M1QRhltTN_3RCybhlHT6UVNhoTpB9-MxynibuQj6mF7I1txbkIk0lhjNmiQjFpMVqZtjKEzBYNlgwR9hbDRat7aP6d/s1600/Resized952019072895140502_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="1592" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiOO3CMWSyiJK_XAyDCWCaR6AgsJRpp6zRrM-kYmnn1Aa8haGc3M1QRhltTN_3RCybhlHT6UVNhoTpB9-MxynibuQj6mF7I1txbkIk0lhjNmiQjFpMVqZtjKEzBYNlgwR9hbDRat7aP6d/s320/Resized952019072895140502_2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-70604632156875396182019-06-03T13:06:00.004-07:002022-08-11T14:05:30.286-07:00Bitter Taste of Success<div data-block="true" data-editor="arpbl" data-offset-key="24pi7-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Up0PqMucAkliNwyCajhC8ooyuGvh1dHBReyCs340LFU4aubnwdTqyGoZquUuLS5qbwAxv4z7ZqYgCRhLkWJ3i6UJf_tdHCb_BoqmphKegzU0m0SFMajIRg9LAkfaCIYM6yNo5svOEAcU/s1600/00100sPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20180107121950773_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Up0PqMucAkliNwyCajhC8ooyuGvh1dHBReyCs340LFU4aubnwdTqyGoZquUuLS5qbwAxv4z7ZqYgCRhLkWJ3i6UJf_tdHCb_BoqmphKegzU0m0SFMajIRg9LAkfaCIYM6yNo5svOEAcU/s400/00100sPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20180107121950773_COVER.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Tucked away into the deep recesses of my life, I hide a Chamber of Secrets… And in this chamber, resides a trove of “Stories I Never Tell”.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">But as I continue to write. As I continue to open myself up. As I continue to share my life. The more and more I feel compelled to unlock this chamber. And release its contents into the world. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="24pi7-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My hope is that by bringing these stories to light, that someone, somehow, in some way... Will find answers. Will find solace. Will find peace...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, here’s the story</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By now... Most of you who know me or have read this blog in the past, know of my crazy “weight loss” story and my ensuing journey to health. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But did you know that I was “successful” in losing a significant amount of weight one other time before this?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The year was 1989. My last year in college... It was a tough year for me in a lot of different ways, but if memory serves, I think I was reasonably happy overall during that time??? But that happiness quickly eroded as one particular area of my life started to take over. That area was my weight and physical appearance… Throughout my college years, I had steadily and continuously put on weight. Each pound an anchor around my neck. Until eventually, I had reached my heaviest weight at the time of 215 pounds... </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In that same year, I remember needing to take a new picture for my Driver’s License. I smiled as I stood in front of the camera that day, but when I finally received my license in the mail, I was no longer smiling. No longer happy… The person in the photo wasn’t me. This person was a stranger. And more importantly, the person in the picture was not who I wanted to be going forward.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So as anyone would do, I started to diet. With the goal of losing weight…quickly.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast forward to 6 months later… I was SUCCESSFUL! I was able to lose 50 pounds total, going from 215 down to a normal weight of 165!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YAY!!! HIGH FIVE!!! GOOD JOB!!!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Right?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But do you know how I did it? Do you know how I achieved my Stunning Success?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bulimia...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My memory is a little bit hazy, but I was probably Bulimic all the way from 1988 to sometime in 1993.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">For people who don’t know anything about Bulimia. Let me break down what that term specifically means for me: </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For almost every meal I ate during that time period… Within 30 minutes after ingesting my meal, I would find an excuse. I would find a hiding place. And force myself to throw up the contents of my stomach fully and completely until I was satisfied…</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yeah… I understand what you might be asking yourself right now, “Kyle... WHY? Why would you do such a thing?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The only answer I can really give you is that... I was tired. I was so beat up and battered from all the constant self loathing that my only thoughts were, “I WANT IT TO STOP.” “I JUST NEED IT TO STOP.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you ever have a chance to talk to any addict of any substance, they will often tell you the same thing. That they don’t drink alcohol or do drugs to chase a specific “High”. They self medicate to “Make it stop... Make the pain go away. If just for a moment.” Such was my life too...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next question being, “Why Bulimia? Why not other methods or even other eating disorders?”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The short answer is... Bulimia worked.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, Bulimia offered me one benefit that the other eating disorders could not… Bulimia offered me “The Appearance of Normalcy”.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For when you are doing something in the shadows. You are always on your guard and have to be constantly vigilant for fear of being caught. Trust me. I tried good old fashioned starvation… But when you don’t eat. When you push away your plate at the dinner table... The questions come. The disapproving frowns and the “Holier than thou” judgments come… But with Bulimia, I could safely maintain the appearance of eating “normally” with friends and family. And I could present to the world that “I’m fine. There’s nothing to see here.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But I wasn’t fine.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Soon after sitting down to enjoy our “nice meal together,” I would smile to your face, pull away, then retreat to my own personal slice of Hell... Always handling my business in the shadows. You were none the wiser. It’s probably better if you don’t know anyways...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My life became a “dangerous game”. Every meal eaten had to have a well thought out game plan and exit strategy. Every meal was accompanied with a convenient lie to excuse myself for 10 minutes as I puked my guts out. Over the years, I have thrown up in toilets, trash cans, yards, streets, and flower beds. I even kept a stash of plastic bags in my car for the specific purpose of throwing up “on the go.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I could easily take you down into the mind of a Bulimic. And explain to you the sheer amount of effort involved in outsmarting everyone you love. But, if I can share one insight with you, it isn’t really about the food. And maybe, it’s not even about your feelings of inadequacy or the lack of self worth, though that’s certainly a part of it. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The realization that I came to is... It’s really all about the guilt.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I threw up. I wasn’t throwing up food. I was throwing up all the guilt and shame I felt for eating food in the first place... Every bite was shameful. Every bite an indictment on my flagging and nonexistent willpower. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After every meal, the guilt would come for me. And I needed to get rid of that guilt as fast as I could. In the only way I know how...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bulimia like any addiction, becomes a cycle of shame, dragging you further and deeper than you could ever imagine. To think that I told lies to everyone close to me every day for a period of 3-4 years is unthinkable to me now. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not to mention Bulimia’s other costs… Bulimia essentially destroyed my health for years to come. My metabolism wrecked. My esophagus shredded by the constant bile and acid it had to endure. The enamel on my teeth stripped away. The four front teeth I have? FAKE… All of them crowns. I had damaged my teeth so severely that they became pitted and rotten.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking back, I really can’t say what pulled me out of that pit of despair... If I had pearls of wisdom to drop on you, I would certainly drop them here.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But I got nothing… </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I got nothing but LOVE, COMPASSION, and EMPATHY for anyone who has gone through what I have. All I can offer from here, is a HEART, an EAR, a SHOULDER for anyone trapped in a similar cage. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I tell this tale not for me… I tell it for anyone out there, who is currently dwelling in that bitter place.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If this resonates with you at all… Just know that I have walked in these shoes. I know this place. And I know it well...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you see my hand? It is outstretched to you… Reach out and take it. For you are worthy. You are loved so much more than you think you are. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know right now that you only see 4 walls and no doors. But if I can find a way out of that Escape Room. You can too… </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: normal;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FIND ME. And hopefully. We can find our way together...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#bulimia #eatingdisorder #health</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-06de4b96-7fff-4c7e-6739-4728b81f80aa">
</span></div>
</div>
Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-90521291800265286592019-05-08T00:24:00.001-07:002019-05-10T21:48:51.576-07:00Giving Value<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXVK5_GWjGyQV4m1HcbavtZ6al0YqvGvSCubZJqmmJLgy1Oilji7QKWzoALuYtyyCCEymWJbMF3HdnxWJ1lh6k-agha3DCJHoDuA-Doe6gQKDwsLWiovh8_2YLseYbiRLarzNzw1g-8Wq/s1600/IMG_20190507_121125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXVK5_GWjGyQV4m1HcbavtZ6al0YqvGvSCubZJqmmJLgy1Oilji7QKWzoALuYtyyCCEymWJbMF3HdnxWJ1lh6k-agha3DCJHoDuA-Doe6gQKDwsLWiovh8_2YLseYbiRLarzNzw1g-8Wq/s320/IMG_20190507_121125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
So, I may be a weirdo… But I have these little credos and concepts, that I try to live out in my daily life.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
These credos may change or evolve over time, but for the last decade or so, ONE little concept has grown into a Core Principle for me. And it has truly become a foundation for “How I am to live my life” and “How I am supposed to walk this Earth...”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The concept I’m referring to is what I like to call, “Giving Value”. I stole the phrasing from the business concept, “The Creation of Value”. But what the phrase, “Giving Value” basically means for me is this: For EVERYONE that I happen to meet, whether it’s a Barista or a Bestie… In some small way, I am tasked to offer that person, a sense of value or being valued…</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I can flesh out this concept in more detail in a future post, but one of the smaller credos sitting under the Foundational Umbrella of “Giving Value” is such that: Whenever I happen to see someone, who is doing a good job. Or is going above what is asked for. Or is showing kindness beyond what is required. Or simply a person who is conducting him or herself the right way... I make it a point to recognize that person. And affirm them. Usually, right there on the spot...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Which brings me to this picture of Me and my new friend Jesse… Jesse is a tow truck driver in the Pasadena area.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Can you guess how this story begins? Yeah… My car wouldn't start this morning. Engine refused to turn over. My car just sat there. Making clicking noises at me. Mocking me...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Once I embraced the futility of turning the key 20+ times with zero results, I finally call AAA in disgust.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Very soon after, Jesse pulls up in a flatbed tow truck usually reserved for much fancier vehicles than my 2006 Honda Odyssey. As soon as he got out of his Ginormous truck, I was already in appreciation of this man’s style. Jesse met me with a winning smile and a firm handshake. And he called me by name right off the bat...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Jesse and I got along famously from the jump. And on the car ride up to the shop, we get straight to talking…</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Right away, I tell Jesse that I really appreciated his friendliness and courtesy toward his customers... I look over to see his face. And Jesse is beaming...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Jesse immediately begins to tell me that unlike many of the other drivers, he treats EVERY customer like HE himself would like to be treated. He tells me that he always take pride in his work. He tells me that he takes the time to look clean cut and presentable so that customers (especially women) would feel comfortable, not intimidated.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I then ask him about “unruly customers”. Jesse nods and says that he runs into that all the time. But he doesn’t take their abuse personally. That he understands that sometimes customers have been forced to wait for an hour or more… “So how do you deal when you get a customer like that?” I ask.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Jesse smiles… “Over the years, I’ve learned how to calm customers down, and how to help them to Feel Safe.” Now Jesse is talking my language… Jesse goes on to tell me how he keeps a cooler of chilled water bottles that he provides on his own dime. And often, just the act of offering a cold water bottle to an irate customer can turn the tide. Add a little chit-chat, and magically, the WORST customer can turn into your BEST friend by the end of the ride...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I tell Jesse that “YOU are my kinda dude!”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
We finally get up to the shop, and Jesse goes above and beyond positioning my car into the perfect spot. With his job now complete, Jesse and I shake hands warmly, and I slip him a Twenty… “Go and have a nice lunch” I tell him. But Jesse being Jesse, he tells me that instead, he is going to take this money and buy something special for his 13 yr old daughter…</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
And because I can’t help myself from prying into people’s lives, I start to ask more questions about his family... I find out that Jesse’s wife, Diane passed away a year ago. And with her gone, he now finds himself a Single Father of FOUR kids on ONE tow truck driver’s salary… I’m not sure why Jesse singled out his 13 yr old daughter Monica for that Twenty Dollar Splurge, but suddenly, I wish I had given him more… But I know that Jesse works for Dickson Towing, so I know where to find him if I want to drop off a little "sumthin sumthin" for him and his family in the near future…</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I always say that EVERYONE you meet has something to teach you regardless of their station in life… Today, Jesse taught me how to treat people with love and respect, while still respecting yourself… I started off with the intention of blessing Jesse the tow truck driver. But in the end, this man leaves me with so much more. Through his story, Jesse showed me a glimpse into a life of love, integrity, and hospitality toward others.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
As Jesse started to walk away, he suddenly turns back to me and asks if I would like a ride back to my house. “Free of charge” he says with a chuckle. I laugh too, but decline his kind offer, as a good friend was already on her way to get me. “Next time” I say to Jesse. And I mean it... There definitely will be a next time.</div>
Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-19152769770606906272019-01-14T13:59:00.001-08:002019-02-28T22:44:05.830-08:00A Simple Return<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="brrbs" data-offset-key="btj4i-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9A5Wb3KrCIUrlp1Qd2fAnEyfvL3kldDiqicpeB7JuUKGlMhgTrs29KboAljr24h8-8zR7XPEWV44md5zbqzivz1ysRE_cFL0O3aJAaxw1HyJi4T4Y99QlsZmmzvLnfPoQSc2ZdAeGwfn/s1600/00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20190113160730296_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9A5Wb3KrCIUrlp1Qd2fAnEyfvL3kldDiqicpeB7JuUKGlMhgTrs29KboAljr24h8-8zR7XPEWV44md5zbqzivz1ysRE_cFL0O3aJAaxw1HyJi4T4Y99QlsZmmzvLnfPoQSc2ZdAeGwfn/s320/00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20190113160730296_COVER.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="btj4i-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="btj4i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">As I am want to do, I will often share stories from my daily life. These so called “stories” are nothing more than an account of things that happen to me sometimes. But today was an especially good day. And this is what happened...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Earlier today, I ran into a friend that I haven’t seen in a very long time. I refer to her as a “friend”, but honestly, we’ve never really hung out socially. It’s just that whenever I run into this person, she will generally seek me out for conversation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On this particular day, my “friend” who we will just call “Katie” for anonymity, spotted me from afar and waved emphatically to grab my attention. For context, whenever Katie and I talk, our conversations are almost always pretty heavy. The girl has her struggles. Psychologically. Emotionally. Spiritually. And even Practically... But, I will always hear her out. I never judge. And I just plain feel for the girl. Because I too, have walked more than a few miles in those same shoes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The main focus of our conversations typically revolves around Anxiety. We will often discuss how crippling Anxiety can be. And how those spiraling, self-defeating thoughts can drag you into that deep abyss very quickly. But as we talk, Katie’s breath starts to settle. And she beings to relax... We are finishing up our discussion on how best to cope, when I abruptly redirect the conversation and throw out, “Hey. Can I ask you a question completely out of left field?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She says, “Sure you can”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I then ask her, “How are you financially?”</span><br />
That’s when her face falls to the floor… Visibly defeated, she goes on to say how tough it’s been. How her dad is on disability. How she can’t even afford the medications that her doctor prescribed for her current ailments. And how she is currently looking for a second job just to make ends meet.<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I nod in understanding and say, “Well, I guess I better return this back to you then...” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">“Return back to me?” she exclaimed. “What do you mean by RETURN TO ME?” Then I told her this story:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I met Katie over a year ago. I’ve always enjoyed our conversations, but my heart always went out to Katie, for her financial struggles as well as struggles in other areas in her life. Around that same time, I remember coming into a little bit of money. It wasn’t a lot, maybe a couple hundred dollars. Standing in my bedroom with that money in hand, I thought to myself that I have no need of this money. That I already have everything that I need.</span><br />
And right at that moment, Katie’s face just popped into my head. So, without even taking a second to consider it. I took that money. Put it in an envelope. And wrote Katie’s name on it…<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For 5 straight weeks after that day, I carried that envelope with me, in hopes that I would run into Katie again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I never did. For a whole year. Until today...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I told her about the envelope, Katie begins to cry… But then I apologize saying, “I’m so sorry Katie! I had no idea I would see you today. And I don’t have the envelope with me.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She smiles and says, “It’s OK. It’s the thought that counts.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And while that might be good enough for some, if you know me at all, you know that ain't good enough for me... So I turn to her and say, “Here’s what I’m gonna do. All the money that’s currently in my wallet is yours. I have no idea how much it is, but if it’s in there, what’s mine is yours…”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And thank goodness for small favors, I take a quick peek into my wallet and it’s a pretty decent amount. I fold it up and hand it to her quietly as to not embarrass her. As she takes the cash from my hand, tears on both sides are pooling up like oceans. She says, “Kyle, I can’t take your money!” But then I remind her...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“That money is yours. That day. One year ago. When I wrote your name on that envelope. That money became yours and yours alone... Katie, I’ve been holding this money for you. Until such day when I would see you again. So take the money. It’s not a big deal. I’m only returning to you what was already yours...”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">#kindness #simplekindness #payitforward</span></div>
</div>
Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-82923899161331230632019-01-04T11:56:00.000-08:002019-01-04T14:33:47.496-08:00HERO<span id="docs-internal-guid-073f8a9a-7fff-8f49-200c-ccefd262efdb"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2018 is officially behind us. And as I look back on the year, certain stories stay with me even today. But the funny thing is…These are not my stories. I am not the protagonist. I am not the conquering hero in ANY of these movies. Not even close...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-2fb896d9-7fff-d471-eb09-93d6e16de1d6"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each of these stories are unique unto themselves. Different places. Different times. Different circumstances. But there is ONE common thread running through all of them. In each story, the central figure is the same. The person who saves the day is the same. The person who de-fuses the bomb is the same. The daring, swashbuckling, sword wielding “Hero” who rides in at the end of the movie, is the same…</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-9fd4843d-7fff-12a2-e38c-016b6b91d50b"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In ALL of these stories, that HERO... is a SINGLE MOM.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-6759b394-7fff-915b-575d-b5395f01eca4"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m not sure why in particular I’ve been privy to Single Moms telling me their stories this year. Maybe it’s because I always have a ready ear. Or maybe it’s because I actually took the time to ask… But whatever the case may be, I am honored to know such valiant heroes. I am chastened by their acts of bravery, love, and perseverance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-9bbefdf5-7fff-eb54-1692-5ffc173a073b"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hear their stories. Listen to their trials. But then I just get to sit back... As I watch them OVERCOME.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-36376384-7fff-2fd1-3930-14f3a2abf6ff"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not saying that all Single Moms are perfect. Nobody is perfect. Everyone trips on the sidewalk from time to time. Heck, I’ve tripped on the friendly neighborhood sidewalk before too. And I have a crushed cell phone and a cell phone sized bruise on my left thigh to prove it! :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-9fa8f22b-7fff-6d4b-2d44-1b4e085266bf"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But the ability to LOVE and CARE for your family does not require perfection. Standing up for your family can be done on just ONE good leg. The Single Moms I know don’t make excuses. They make solutions…</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-159c4e36-7fff-b0e9-4536-e4b661017193"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In comparison, my life is easy. I can call for a “pinch hitter” to sub in for me whenever I want. All the tasks and responsibilities of running a family have been halved with me. God willing, I will never have to bear the weight of being the sole “breadwinner” alone. I am the luckiest dude in town, and I know it...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-1cb6689c-7fff-edf5-a0de-6b36a2aeb2d3"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But every life is different. And we all must play the cards we’ve been dealt. So, as I play my hand to the best of my ability, I take a moment to honor those HEROES that push me. That raise the bar. That rise above their circumstances. That show me what TRUE PARENTING really looks like...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-761ab88b-7fff-2ba5-650b-19a41c36e019"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To all the Single Moms I know and have yet to meet,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-cd9b5fcc-7fff-63fc-672a-4daea81b5e8a"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your stories. Your trials. Your hard fought victories. Have not gone unnoticed. They have made me a better parent to my kids. They compel me to be a better citizen of the world…</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ba1a58e7-7fff-9dbc-ec75-a08aaa29a353"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, for this and so much more… THANK YOU.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#singlemom #hero #parenting </span>Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-82658340121756372382018-11-08T15:27:00.003-08:002019-05-10T11:48:24.591-07:00Nothing To See Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyuc8jTLg4dU741lKSOFviMVNQ2Pl9iyavzZtKmExyazZf75XoDOvZAA3gTMe3PV1HQslx0c5cYUFa6A5AxNEwPEcI1oTueCGbzHEb9375XdTSOi9i3KhAh1UBkwosbPupzz0zKlH1lAD/s1600/00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20180813072827891_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyuc8jTLg4dU741lKSOFviMVNQ2Pl9iyavzZtKmExyazZf75XoDOvZAA3gTMe3PV1HQslx0c5cYUFa6A5AxNEwPEcI1oTueCGbzHEb9375XdTSOi9i3KhAh1UBkwosbPupzz0zKlH1lAD/s320/00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20180813072827891_COVER.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This morning before dropping the kids off at school, I had a 3-minute, run-of-the-mill, seemingly innocuous conversation with my son Nash. During our brief interaction. Not an eyebrow was raised. Voices stayed even-keeled. Heart rate remained in its “pre-coffee” un-stressed state.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Honestly, I didn’t think anything of our interaction… Until about a few hours later.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Today started like any other day at The Wong House. Wake up the kids. Get breakfast ready. Glance longingly at the coffee maker, weighing the benefits of a nice warm cup vs getting the kids to school on time…</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
At this point, Nash calls out from his bedroom, “Dad! I need you to sign something!”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“OK. What?”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“My Report Card. It’s sitting on the kitchen counter!”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Without hesitation, and frankly without much thought at all, I locate the report card. Grab a pen. Sign it. And just go back to wondering if I can crank out a quick cup in the 4 minutes I have left.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash then emerges from the bedroom, grabs the newly signed report card, and shouts, “Did you look at it?” And I reply calmly, “Nope…”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash doesn’t flinch and continues loading up his backpack. Then a second later, he casually throws out the question, “Why not?”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“Because Nash, I don’t need to…” Nash looks up quizzically, hoping that I might expand on that a little bit.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I explain my position.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“Nash… I already see how hard you work. I see how many times you are up past midnight doing homework and completing projects. I ALREADY KNOW YOU ARE DOING YOUR BEST. So what is this card going to tell me that I don’t already know?”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash just shrugs... And that is the end of our conversation. Nash doesn’t think anything of it. And neither do I.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
For all of their lives, I’ve preached to my kids that I really could care less about the grades they bring home.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
As their father, All I've wanted for them is to KNOW, UNDERSTAND, and LIVE OUT the concept of “Doing Your Best In All Things." That they should take pride and full ownership of ANY project or paper they put their name on. That if they truly DO THEIR BEST on any given project. They can rest easy and feel good about the work that they put in. And lastly, “Doing Your Best” can and should FREE YOU UP from the anxiety that can easily come from misfortunate results or the curse of un-met expectations.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“Guys. Just do your best. Do what you can do. I have to believe that it will always be good enough. And even if it’s not. Just know that it will always be good enough for me…”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Trust me. As a kid growing up, I very well remember the anxiety, the fear, the trepidation of REPORT CARD DAY. I well remember the soul crushing weight sitting atop my shoulders. I well remember the desperate thoughts of “Will my parents still love me after I show them this.” Oh, I remember those times all too well...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash, Evan, and McKenna have been entrusted to my care. And I never want them to think that my love or acceptance of them, is hinged upon a silly piece of paper. I simply refuse to assign any value to what a report card really is… A piece of sheet.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
Will Nash ever realize the significance of this day? Probably not. But through both of our actions, we proved that REPORT CARD DAY is just like any other day... In that, I feel like a traffic cop that shouts “Move along! There is nothing to see here!” And indeed, there is nothing to see here. Today is like any other day. Even if it is, REPORT CARD DAY... #parenting #reportcard #teachingmoment #school #learning #kids #father #fatherhood #highschool #teach</div>
Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-48023811763301009002018-11-03T16:07:00.001-07:002018-11-04T13:54:24.551-08:00Nash's Terrible Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEP9Z1zmN2COFWnU0LSXABBYkMY0XOOeG6ZDc95CIrFqCCymJ5gq2LfppWpzEEHvKAzINczI-CLI4aC9uZhhBbOnRJUiz2zjyneXQKetycaHszETN0u0vdkERMk6PnFuIK8v3laBHma5O/s1600/00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20180923134143841_COVER_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEP9Z1zmN2COFWnU0LSXABBYkMY0XOOeG6ZDc95CIrFqCCymJ5gq2LfppWpzEEHvKAzINczI-CLI4aC9uZhhBbOnRJUiz2zjyneXQKetycaHszETN0u0vdkERMk6PnFuIK8v3laBHma5O/s320/00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20180923134143841_COVER_3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Parenting Stories Ep #274 (Or the Blog Post when Nash and I see the same situation completely different)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash is now a freshman at San Marino High School. And on most days, he will walk about a mile home from school. But on this day, Nash walks through the back door a little later than usual. The kid looks ragged and bedraggled…His eyes glazed over. His hair, an unkempt mess that seems only suitable for a bird looking to make a nest.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Speaking as a parent with 15 years of hard earned experience, it is painfully obvious to me, that in this situation, my wisest course of action would be to give the boy some space and refrain from “Poking The Bear.” But... As a parent who is sometimes relentlessly upbeat. And also a parent who just might be a sadistic glutton for punishment, I of course ask the question NO TEEN ever wants to hear, “Hey Nash, how was school today?”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The reaction I received from the Zombie-like Creature was exactly what one could reasonably expect.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash utters NOT ONE WORD. He doesn’t even look at me. But as he sets his backpack down in the slowest motion that only sloths could admire, the kid finally turns toward my side of the room. And graces me with the most PIERCING DEATH STARE that would make even Satan jealous.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
It takes a little time... But slowly my kid starts to return back from the Land of the Undead. And we begin to talk.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“What happened?” I ask. He then tells me that at the end of the school day, he got dragged into an uncomfortable situation not of his own making. “It was just so awkward Dad!” he exclaimed, but even still, he goes on with the story…</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash leads with the following statement, “Well, I can’t tell you ALL of the details because I promised that I wouldn’t.” And of course, I reply that I totally respect that.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
For brevity's sake, I will now give you a “Cliff’s Note” recap of the situation as relayed to me:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
One day last week, a student who is a friend of Nash’s, got sent to the Principal’s office for a reason that Nash promised not to disclose. Randomly, this student’s mother arrives to the high school, apparently phoned by the school office. The mom knows Nash by sight, and calls out to him from the parking lot. She asks Nash for directions to the Principal’s office. Nash then walks the mother to the office. There, she is told to wait for the student because the principal is finishing up with their meeting. At that point, Nash waits with the mother, trying to calm her down. The student eventually comes out from the meeting. Nash stays. The student goes on to explain the situation to both Mom and Nash. By this time, it is well after the Final Bell. The mother then offers to drive Nash home, at which he accepts. In the “Car Ride From Hell” as Nash describes it, the student and Mom get into a shouting match. Being tugged in both directions, Nash does his best to intercede and smooth things over. It’s a short drive, but with tensions still running high, Nash exits the feud and the car. He then walks through the back door of our house with that “bedraggled” look I mentioned earlier. And now we're back to the beginning...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“Dad, it was a TERRIBLE DAY!!!” he exclaimed. “WORST DAY EVER!” he tells me.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But I just sit there… with a smile on my face as wide as Kansas.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“What are you smiling about???” Nash asks in exasperation.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“OK dude. You told me your story and how you view it. Now, let me tell you what I see…”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash, let me walk you through every decision you made in this situation:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
1. I LOVE that you honored your friend’s request to keep the reason for being sent to the Principal’s office a secret. That’s what friends do. And I admire your loyalty to that person.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
2. When the mom asked you for directions to the office, you had a choice. You could have just given her directions OR “Walk with her” to the office yourself. You chose the latter.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
3. When both of you arrived at the office and were forced to wait. You again made the decision to stay with the mom.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
4. While the two of you were waiting, you talked with the mom. Tried to calm her down. In that very conversation, you eased a parent’s nerves while at the same time advocated on your friend’s behalf. Both intentions are admirable.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
5. When your friend came out to explain the situation, you again stayed when you didn’t have to. Add to the fact that your friend explained the details of a bad situation in front of both YOU and the mom. That just speaks highly of the trust your friend places in you.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
6. When the mom offers to drive you home, you surely could have declined the offer and safely made your escape, but once again, you chose to stay.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
7. And on this particular “Car Ride From Hell.” You intercede. You mediate. You walk that fine and narrow line of trying to smooth things over between the two, without officially taking sides. This is surely a difficult task for any adult, much less a 15 year old teenager.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“So Nash, from my point of view: Today, at every turn, you made EXACTLY THE RIGHT DECISION. When things got truly uncomfortable, you had several opportunities to walk away and excuse yourself, but you didn’t...”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“I understand that today was incredibly awkward and uncomfortable for you. HOWEVER, in many situations you will have yet to face, ‘Doing The Right Thing’ will oftentimes be VERY uncomfortable. Yet, regardless of the outcome, of which had little to do with you in the first place, YOU PLAYED EVERY DECISION PERFECTLY. And I couldn’t be prouder of you than I am right now…”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
So Nash, I’m gonna have to disagree with your assessment of the day. IMO, this was not a TERRIBLE DAY. It was an AWESOME DAY. A day in which my son came of age. A day when my son stepped up and PLAYED THE RIGHT WAY regardless of the outcome.”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
And if I can just tell you one more time... I am so freakin’ proud of you right now…”</div>
Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-756100710777270496.post-51728814062864603862018-07-02T21:01:00.002-07:002018-07-03T10:45:13.991-07:00Say Hello<div class="h_z13nmgk_p j_z13nmn1l- clearfix" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: -1px; zoom: 1;">
<div class="clearfix j_z13nmgj9c" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -6px; zoom: 1;">
<div class="clearfix _42ef" style="font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; zoom: 1;">
<div class="s_z13nmgj97" style="font-family: inherit; padding-bottom: 6px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvWCl-VhkA6wUQSrbQRpf-uGhSnAQDc90sxFYnawqvYQOb9WnFv7j6pn6hozR-aXYYwnyO34B5iWzqcAk4BejKG5mFOLZBhirAvlfZrCwOcytjb6qJPIkXhWCPM3VDQFZ76J7LAFRuSzA/s1600/MVIMG_20180702_093644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvWCl-VhkA6wUQSrbQRpf-uGhSnAQDc90sxFYnawqvYQOb9WnFv7j6pn6hozR-aXYYwnyO34B5iWzqcAk4BejKG5mFOLZBhirAvlfZrCwOcytjb6qJPIkXhWCPM3VDQFZ76J7LAFRuSzA/s320/MVIMG_20180702_093644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div class="_6a _5u5j" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; width: 428px;">
<div class="_6a _5u5j _6b" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: middle; width: 428px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">“Say Hello” to Maddie…</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
No, Maddie is not a new addition to our family if that’s what you’re thinking. However, it's probably a good bet that we'll see a little bit more of Maddie in our future. Here’s the quick story if ya care to read it.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Sometimes in the mornings, I’ll see “Maddie” and her owner walking around the neighborhood. I’ve never met Maddie, nor have I ever said one word to her owner. In fact, I don’t think it ever crossed my mind to even “Say Hello.”</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But on this fine Monday morning, I just happen to be outside in the front yard. I’d like to say I was communing with nature, but I was actually just jabbering on the phone with my brother. He and I were engaged in a lively discussion in which we were surely solving all of the world’s ills. But right as I was about to make an excellent and profound counterpoint to my brother’s lame argument, a lady wearing a big floppy sun hat comes frantically running up to me, trying to attract my attention. I instantly recognize her as the “dog walking lady” I see around town.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
She immediately blurts out in broken-English, “My dog! My dog is hurt! Can you call the police?” At that point, I take the keen pleasure in rudely hanging up on my brother, and address the situation. “What’s wrong?” I simply ask. She excitedly points across the street where her dog is tied up, “Maddie has hurt her leg. She can’t walk. We’re too far from home. She’s too heavy for me to carry. I forgot to bring my cellphone. I usually bring my cellphone. Can you call the police? I forgot my cell phone. Did I say that already? I need to take Maddie to the Vet right away!”</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Yeah… All those short, stilted, little sentences came firing out all at once, pelting me in a whirlwind of words.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
From my vantage point, I could see that Maddie was agitated, but otherwise fine in my expert opinion (yeah, not an expert). I make a quick decision and tell the owner, whose name I later learned is May, that she doesn’t need the police. I could drive May and Maddie home right now in my car… She excitedly agrees and rushes to be by her dog’s side.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Running back to the house, I throw the front door open, take the deepest breath possible, and bellow at the top of my lungs, “NASH!!! LET’S GO!!!”</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash comes dashing out of his bedroom sporting a very impressive “bedhead”, yelling “What? Where? What? Huh???”</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I shout again, “Come on Nash! We gotta go!!!”</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“To where?” he reasonably asks. “To Rescue A Dog!!!” I resolutely reply.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
And with that OBVIOUS explanation in hand, like that sort of thing happens every day here at the Wong House, Nash just shrugs, slaps on his Crocs, and jumps into the car in record time. No other explanation was needed or given...</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
We pull the car up, and we see immediately that Maddie is favoring her front right paw and that she can bear no weight on it. I try lifting Maddie up, but Maddie doesn’t know me, and keeps pulling out of my grasp. Then, Nash gives it a go, doing the smart thing of getting down to the dogs level, and letting her sniff his hand first in order to introduce himself and “Say Hello” to the dog.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nash is successful! And lifts Maddie into our car! We drive only a few blocks to their house, which seems like a short distance in a car, but certainly a country mile if have you an injured dog on your hands... There, we were able to safely transfer Maddie from our minivan into May’s car. Our job now complete...</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
With that, Nash and I walk away, secretly smiling at each other signifying a job well done.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But at the last minute, May gets out of her car… With glistening eyes, she meekly asks to know both of our names. Speaking our newly learned names out loud, she personally thanks us both, with a warm handshake and a grateful heart...</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Now, I understand that this is barely even a story. That this is just plain old neighborhood stuff that should happen naturally in any neighborhood, anywhere in the country. But that’s kind of my point. "Neighborhoods” like the ones we all knew growing up, are sadly disappearing. And these kind of everyday, one on one interactions that we have with our neighbors, are now so rare, that they are now Facebook worthy stories instead of just part of normal life living in community.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I personally miss hanging out with the "kids on our street” during the hot days of summer. I miss block parties. I miss knocking on your neighbor’s door when you’re out of sugar. Or need a ladder... I miss just asking, “Can Johnny come out and play?” without texting or emailing first. I miss going to the Cool Family's house on the 4th of July, because THAT family's dad always bought the “BIG BOX O' FIREWORKS” that YOUR parents were too cheap to buy.<br />
<br />
But as they say, life is what you make it... And it starts with ME. So, here's my first steps toward Community:<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Tonight. I'm gonna go out for a walk after dinner. Without wearing headphones... I'm gonna walk with my wife. We'll download our respective days. And Talk. And heaven forbid, if a person starts heading our way on the same sidewalk (Gasp!), I will surely make it a point to SMILE, and “Say Hello.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Will it make a difference? Who knows, but I know that for May and Maddie it did... And for me, that's more than good enough.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="display: inline; font-family: inherit; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6dFsZy60jbfEAdtaNmav-9ehebQKk4K_cPiEBD7CrBJ7lXzRJ4JcMoTxPxM8sgEKDAvGb9A33liTTXWO0EeozN-l0Wnl3sUvP_vwVT-Wbcgb05KrYeZnl07q7L7l5hyphenhyphenLWvnFPD28XbVy/s1600/IMG_20180702_093620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6dFsZy60jbfEAdtaNmav-9ehebQKk4K_cPiEBD7CrBJ7lXzRJ4JcMoTxPxM8sgEKDAvGb9A33liTTXWO0EeozN-l0Wnl3sUvP_vwVT-Wbcgb05KrYeZnl07q7L7l5hyphenhyphenLWvnFPD28XbVy/s320/IMG_20180702_093620.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="display: inline; font-family: inherit; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Nashdaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504823162968825672noreply@blogger.com0