David Hasselhoff – True Survivor (Kung Fury OST)

So, the film Kung Fury is going to kick ass, especially if you’re a fan of Grindhouse style films, 80’s culture, or weird shit. As if that weren’t enough, though, the team behind Kung Fury enlisted David Hasselhoff to record this song for the film, and it’s…actually really good. No, seriously.

Every Thin Lizzy Guitar Solo!

Respect: Single Parents & Soldier Spouses

A few weeks ago, following my daughter’s six-month checkup at her pediatrician, the two of us went to Chick-Fil-A so I could grab some breakfast. The food is always good, and the people who work there are phenomenal. After talking hockey with the young man who took my order, we settled into our table and I started getting Bug’s bottle ready.

Another fellow working there started in with the typical 20 questions that parents of babies get from anyone who crosses their path: “How old’s your baby?” “Boy or girl?” etc. Then he asked me if it was a day off with dad. I replied that every day is a day with dad.

Quickly, I’ll explain that, when my daughter was born, I walked away from my full-time job to stay home with her and offset the cost of daycare. I haven’t regretted it one iota. I miss the social aspect of work, and I certainly miss the money; but I feel more rewarded getting to see each phase of the kid’s development as it happens. That’s not corny, new parent speak, that’s pure truth. I get to see the most amazing stuff, and she’s going to grow up respecting her father, Jesus Christ, Randy Savage and Willie Nelson – not necessarily in that order.

Back to my conversation at Chick-Fil-A; I explained my scenario to the inquisitive server. Seemingly impressed, he replied that he tried to do the same thing and made it about three months. “That’s great,” he replied, “I couldn’t do it. I got stressed out.” I noted that I can identify with that and he let us alone to enjoy our late breakfast. It was after he walked away that I realized I had already made it twice as long as he had.

The stress, for me, comes in the loneliness and the boredom. My wife travels for work, and that’s always been the deal. Before baby, I had social interaction at work, and I could essentially do whatever I wanted afterward. Most of the time that meant coming home to unwind with a beer and some television. Now, however, I have to be home at a certain hour to ensure the rugrat hits the bed on time. 99% of field trips are to the grocery or the post office. I also imposed a no alcohol rule upon myself from the very beginning that I follow strictly when my wife’s gone. There are times when I really crave that beer, but abstaining makes me feel more secure in the event of an emergency.

It’s these times when it’s just me and the baby, though, that I gain a greater appreciation for people who are raising children alone. I’m at home all day and still don’t have time to get everything accomplished. I can’t imagine having to work, pay for day care, and try to make enough time to keep up the house and interact with the baby in the manner she needs. Throw continuing education on top of that for a lot of the single parents I know, and my head really starts to spin. These folks are machines. Machines, I’m sure who crave more time with their kids, but understand their priorities.

Last night, I thought about military spouses. They’re left alone with the kids for great lengths of time, seemingly going through the same drill as single parents; but also possessing a nagging fear in the recesses of their mind regarding the well-being of their better half. You hear a lot about how the families of soldiers are heroes, too, and it’s true. These folks are remarkable.

Listen, I love my life. I have everything I’ve ever wanted. I realize how lucky I am. But, in those fleeting moments when I get stressed out, or sad, or feel alone, I’m inspired by the folks out there scratching out a living for their families on their own, and who are doing it the right way. God bless ’em.

Breakfast

Bacon wrapped jalapeno halves with bacon and avocado.

Episode 01

The Burnt Ends Podcast Episode 01: This edition of the show will set the tone for the series. Get yourself introduced to Johnny Full-Time and Adam, as they discuss barbecue, underpants etiquette, and risque pro wrestling t-shirts. There’s also an appeal to their hero, Mr. Bob Seger.