Argh

"You're so lucky that your child is so well behaved in the store."

"Wow, your child is so attentive when you talk to him. You're blessed."

Argh!

Okay, so the above comments are referring to a toddler and not a teenager. Had it been a teenager to which they were referring, I'd say that the comments might have some merit. But it wasn't and they don't! Geesh!

My wife's family was over this weekend for a birthday party and her sister-in-law made one of the above comments (# 2 to be exact). And in the past, both my wife and I have been the recipient of comment # 1. Argh!

Yes, I did state it was "her sister-in-law". While I realize that it is not the fault of my wife that the woman married her brother, it is HER brother that she married. I take no ownership in the bizarreness that is that woman. But that's for a different posting.

If you couldn't tell it by now, these comments really tick me off. Yes, our 3 year old is very well behaved (most of the time) but luck has nothing to do with it. Having "good kids" does not happen by chance. It takes work, it takes the occasional slip-up, and then it takes more work.

And another thing...my child listens to us when we speak to him for two reasons:
1) It is expected that he do so.
2) We listen to him when he talks to us.

Respect begets respect.

Now I realize that all kids are born with a certain disposition and some kids are easier to "train" into positive behavior than others, but c'mon people! It ain't luck and the powers that be did not will it to happen. And when my son does act out, we act swiftly. And more importantly, we act consistently.

Okay, I'll get of my soapbox now.

I Can Now Say…

…I have performed on stage at the Improv! Yes, it’s true. However, no, I wasn’t doing stand-up. This past Saturday, I competed at the Division E Toastmasters Evaluation Contest.

First, I do believe a bit of a back-story is in order...

In a previous post, I provided the contents of a speech that I gave at my Toastmasters’ club Humorous Speech contest. I had also won the Evaluation Contest, which is where the contestants all listen to the same speech. Then they prepare their notes for five minutes and leave the room. Then, one-by-one, each contestant is called back into the room, given their notes, and they deliver a 2 to 3 minute evaluation. Winning both events meant I was to compete at the Area contest, where the winners from 5 or 6 clubs will compete. Our Area Contest was last Wednesday. I won the Evaluation Contest and came in 2nd with my Phoenix Speech for the Humorous Speech contest. So, this past Saturday I competed in the Division Contest, which consists of 7 area winners. The audience consisted of about 100 Toastmasters and guests. So how did I do?

Technically, I tied for 2nd place. The rules state that there are to be no ties, so a secret tie-breaking judge cast their ballot putting me into 3rd place. I’m not bothered by coming in 3rd place. Especially when you consider that it was third out of all the contestants that had competed and lost in the all the area and club contests prior. Not too shabby! And the best part, it was a great experience. When public speaking is a passion, one is never sorry for the chance to appear on stage, even if they don’t come in first.

With minutes to spare

It's time to leave work and go get my son, soon to be referred to as son number one, from daycare. But having not blogged since Tuesday, my obligatory responsibilities to blog are pulling at me, or is that Hilda?

With work being crazy, still; the wife being lovelier than ever; number one son being awesomer than ever (and yes, we're making up words here) I am feeling very blessed. So with happy thoughts extended out to you, please enjoy this Friday Shuffle.

1. "Bamboleo" by Gypsy Kings
Okay so I don't have the physical energy to get into this song right now, but in my head I am tripping the light fantastic. Or am I just tripping over the lights fantastically?

2. "The Way You Look Tonight" by Tony Bennett
This song would get me so smacked....and what, I looked like dog poo last night?

3. "What Would You Say" by Dave Mathews Band
Way to rock it out, harmonica and all.

4. "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" by Led Zeppelin
This song was one of my favorites in high school and for no particular reason and the memories are flooding back.

5. "Obladi Oblada" by the Beattles
Can we say whipped?

6. "She's In Love With The Boy", by Trisha Yearwood
Eh.

7. "Looking Out My Door", by CCR
Acid anyone?

8. "Cry! Cry! Cry", by Johnny Cash
Sing it Johnny!

9. "Elvis Presley Blues", by Gillian Welch

10. "It Don't Mean A Thing", by Ella Fitzgerald
Finishing my week by finishing my shuffle with a classic. Now, daz whut I'm talkin' 'bout.

Always Time for T.V.

Work has been hectic beyond description. At home, Mrs. Pheasantly Fascinating is in her "nesting phase" what with number two being only two weeks away. And me? I am staying abreast of all my tv shows. How terrible is that? Although last night I did manage to spray down the oven with Oven-Off. And in my own defense: most nights for the last week have been spent touching up the bathroom that we just spent money to have redone. Such is life!