Thoughts

It’s November 30th and the temperature in Toronto is a balmy 15C, or like 45F. Can you say “global warming”.

I want to run for Provincial Politics one day? Or do I? Maybe I should start municipally? I have started up a residents organization for 5500 residents, I have fundraiser for our City councilor, and I have always wanted to yell, “you can’t handle the truth”. Oops… Different dream. Problem is… City councilors make around $95K a year, while MPP’s make like $80K. Who can live on $80K??? Geez.

My Toronto Raptors are 5-10 on the season but are still 1 game out of first place… Love it!

News yesterday indicated that wrestling star, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has cancer. My thoughts are with you!

My friend, and Uber-talented Jazz musician, Dr. Andrew Jacob Scott (go buy his CD’s!!!), is playing a gig this week that will see him rubbing shoulders with Hockey legends Steve Yzerman, Igor Larionov and Paul Coffey to name a few. He asked me to find some hockey cards to get signed. I found them today… I have well over a million cards and need to find a buyer for the commons and lesser none players not in sets. Problem is… The industry sucks and when collecting sets as a kid, I never imagined that I would have 2 boys to pass them along to. Good thing I have 2 Gretzky rookie cards, eh?

Today my boy looked at the cover of the Hockey News magazine and after a little prompting said, “Modano, Sakic” for the 2 players on the cover. Ahhhh. Brought tears to my eyes.

Look Ma, I’ve got Spam. Now I’m special!

I got a spam email today from the “World”.

Now I know I’m somebody important!

Look Mom, I’ve finally made it!

(because the world don’t just email anyone!)

Will the Urban Daddy ever find time to post again? Yeah.

It was a long time between posts for me.  Sorry everyone.

I can’t believe baby Stewie is 7 1/2 weeks old, and already he is almost 25 inches long and closing in on 12 or 13 pounds. That qualifies him as a big boy.  Urban Mummy and I actually refer to him as the weed because like a weed, he’s growing like crazy.

The main problem with child #2 is that this one does not sleep very well at all.  It figures since Linus has returned to his great sleeping 7:30pm to 7:30am, and with every passing day that he sleeps like this, he allows us to recharge our batteries.  Linus, you see used to sleep very well until UM fell pregnant, and I think Linus knew something was going on and wanted to spend more time with us and that mean less sleeping.  It’s been tough, as all you parents know, when a newborn is up every 2-3 hours that there is little time to rest as a parent, let alone looking after another child who is almost 2-year-old.

Thank you to everyone who has posted positive comments to help us cope with the lack of sleep and we appreciate you all for thinking of us and passing on your hints, tips and techniques. Parents need advice and support and those who turn their cheek and ignore often need it down the road.  So thank you.

As for me…

For the first time in just over 7 months – after physiotherapy, chiropractor, massage, exercise, rest, ice, heat, drugs, no drugs … I have temporary relief from the pain in my periformus. I can actually get out of the bed in one motion, no pain. I can begin to remember what life was like when I could bend over and do up my shoes, or put on my socks. It’s like I was re-born (but not in the religious way). I have been all smiles and chuckles again. Ahhh, it feels good.  I’m not sure if it’s permanent or temporary, but it’s nice to not be in constant nagging pain.

But what is the miracle that has led me to feel this way???

Turmeric.

Yup.

Turmeric.

Turmeric plant found in Dakshina Kannada district of India. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Like Buckley’s mixture, it tastes awful, but it works.I asked our naturopath what I could take and without hesitation she said turmeric would help as a natural anti-inflammatory, and to also use another natural remedy, traumeel (which I’m not so good at applying). 2 tsp of turmeric in a glass of water and down the hatch.  I need to follow it with a chaser of juice, just as she recommended, and while I didn’t understand it at first, I get it now.  Ugh.

So for almost a week now, I’ve been drinking turmeric 2 times a day and feeling WAY better. All my muscles feel tight, and I’d rather feel tight than feel pain, that’s for sure. As a matter of fact, I just googled turmeric and found it’s many benefits including fighting heart issues, stroke, cancer, MS, inflammation, infection, and the list goes on.

I have my glass, I’m going to have a drink, then lay down stretch some more, add some push-ups, sit-ups and see where we go from here.

Nite all.  Hopefully we’ll get some sleep tonight.  Here’s hoping for more than 3 hours.

Related articles

• Curcumin Turmeric for Crohn’s Disease? (wisdomandhealthblog.wordpress.com)
• Natural Alternatives | Turmeric for Acne (naturalsociety.com)
• Turmeric Recipes (naturalsociety.com)

Will he ever sleep again…

Friday night the Happy Boy decided that he wanted to part of his crib and he wanted t isleep in his big boy bed in the next room. Not a problem, if not for the fact that we were hoping he would want to sleep in his big boy bed when the baby was 3 months old, and the Happy Boy just over 2 years old.

So he goes into the bed, smile on his face after screaming blue murder in room almost to the point of throwing up, and he hops into his bed and lays there for not even 5 minutes before he decides he really wants Mummy’s bed. He wails and wails while we try to get him in either his crib or his big boy bed. This goes on for hours. Nothing works. Will not go into his crib and will not say in his big boy room. We finally let him into our bed where playtime begins. He plays, “what’s dat” with everything he sees and whines and cries until the baby wakes up. We try to put him back into his room and he wails.

OY.

So I lay down with him in his big boy bed and around 3am he falls asleep, only to wake at 6. Instead of falling to sleep he plays, “Daddy out, want Mummy”, and after kicking me everywhere, including the face, says; “no kicking”. He sings, cries and whines. It should not be like this, or should it??

This behaviour goes on for 3 days… until tonight.

The poor boy has a cold. Runny nose, coughing, very tired and cranky. Had a 2 1/2 hour nap this afternoon and woke up miserable. So we put him to bed, gave him some tempra, and actually let him cry, and cry he did. It was heartbreaking, but he cried / whined for 40 minutes before dozing off to a much needed sleep. He called for Daddy, for Mummy, and for his Nanny. He wanted Mummy’s bed and his big boy bed. He wanted out!

But he finally calmed down and is now sleeping, but for how long?

Why is he afraid of his room?

What can we do to get him to sleep… anywhere.

Where did we go wrong?

From a very early age, between 3-6 months, this boy began the 7:30-7:30 sleeping schedule. He only leaves this schedule for sickness, but this time was different. Poor kid.

Any thoughts from those of you who had successfully, or not yet successfully transitioned your kids from crib to big boy/girl bed?

I’m dreading tomorrow night already.

Today’s Thoughts…

Here are my thoughts today – right now – about some items, like Toronto’s NDP, left-wing, commie-pinko mayor, Tim Horton’s and sports.

Why do I dislike Mayor David Miller so much? Is it because he’s left-wing, or because he is pro-union and has no control of the transit system (TTC), like he should? Or is it because he parachuted in a friend and fellow left-wing NDP’er to run in the riding of our right-wing conservative councillor, Karen Stintz, in hopes of unseating her, to no avail?

The Mayor MUST know that he is the mayor because there were no real candidates running in the election and as a result, we are stuck with him for four more years unless after giving the keys of the city to the unions and raising taxes for the wealthy, he gives up and quits… That may happen. All in all, I hope he makes Toronto proud, but I doubt it.

Why does my son always say, “Large Double Double” everywhere except at Tim Hortons where it matters? I take him there and he says nothing. He gets a goofy smile on his face, shuts his mouth and plays shy. Then I take him outside and all I hear is “large double double, large double double…”

He are some sports teams that make me smile today: The New York Knicks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins. All these teams suck and that makes me happy.

Take for example the Flyers today. The made a trade for noted pugelist, and goon, Todd Fedoruk. Anyone tell the awful Flyers that they need goaltending not a goon. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I also like to watch the Ottawa Senators go down in flames. LOL.

Stupid athlete of the day: JD Drew, Baseball player. Held out from playing for his original team saying that he was going to hit .400 and was going to be the greatest player in baseball history, but in reality, he aint that great. He has had one good season to date. Hey JD… I snicker everytime I see your stats. Superstar that you are… NOT. You are really not that good. Eat some humble pie.

Mike Tyson is actually quite smart… Well he said so. So it must be true.

Busy, busy, busy…

Besides catching up on some course material and other much outstanding issues, have a look at http://www.urbanmummy.com/journal and see what she / we are and have been doing for the past week…

Making, Cards! Tags! Jewellery!

All handmade.

All beautiful.

All so time consuming.

Be well everyone.

Things this first time urban daddy is thinking about on a Sunday in November

Ah, it’s the weekend. My, my wife and our son. So much to do, yet so little energy. Here are the things that I am thinking about right now;
To the person holding the cure for cancer, the common cold, and the key to female happiness, put up or shut up. I need that key! I’ve had enough of all three of those.

My beloved Maple Leafs beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-1 last night. In Buffalo… Really? I’m still in shock and thinking about it a day later. WOW.

Sometimes turkey is better cold. It’s that time! I’m also not referring to the bird. I’m secretly referring to some very bad habits that I have which I have put a stop to as of today, including my umteenth attempt to stop biting my fingernails. I’m following a very destructive pattern – have my whole life – and I cannot move forward until I change my ways. You’ll see. With sacrifice comes success.

This morning while at swimming lessons with Linus at the Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre, , and he is really having a blast! Lots of kicking, diving off the side and dunking. I hope he get used to the water and really loves swimming like I used to.

14-6 Argos over the Bombers at half-time. Yay! I have a bunch of friends from Winnipeg who really need the Bombers to win in order to keep bragging rights. Since the Jets left (and I guarantee they will be back!) football is all the Winnipeggers have left. These particular supporters root for anyone but the Toronto Maple Leafs in hockey…

Today I finally cooked the collard I grew in the garden this summer – for those unaware, collard is tough like kale, but smells like cabbage when cooked. Very high in iron! I made an egg-white collard and mushroom omelette with a touch of shredded marble cheese on it, and a small baked potato stuffed with collard, potato and sour cream mash. It was fantastic!

I have a LOT of stuff to do this week. A LOT. I’m going to need to make a list.

I actually have to go into work this Tuesday morning for the first time since my parental leave began on October 7th, so I can pick up some papers relating to my leave that they forgot to give me and I actually have to complete some time sheets in order to get paid. Seems my esteemed team leader didn’t prepare well enough in advance for me and now I have to go in and fix he negligance… Good job! My estimated date for return to that place is January 4th, the same date that I begin my next 2 MBA courses – so I’m still hoping to parlay my graduate degree into freedom from the government since I’m finding many roadblocks to someone who worked in the government so long and wants so badly to escape!

Oops… Look at the time. It’s past 3pm, and Linus is due to awake from his nap any minute! I’m going to prepare his snack and get him ready for some afternoon play time with his daddy. Maybe more later…

Yup, one last point… Err, observation.

For about 10 years, I have had long black sideburns attached to my face – right down to my earlobe, which I had for 5 years prior to meeting and marrying this UrbanMummy. Yet, 2 weeks ago I shaved them off, for a change. To be honest, I don’t think she’s noticed they’re gone… I really don’t. You would think such a drastic change would be noted. Nope. Maybe I’m going to have to grown them back and colour them yellow for her to speak up.

she’s noticed… I really don’t.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things you probably did not know about this Urban Daddy

1. I have on several occasions walked from King Street or Front Street up to St. Clair or Davisville – takes me just over an hour.

2. I am really not passionate about anything but life and making people happy – which could be a double edged sword. I have been accused of trying to please others before pleasing myself or those close to me, and of not having anything to be passionate about. I used to be passionate about hockey – watching and playing – in my single days, but marriage cured me of that. Besides my family, I cannot think of anything else to really get me going.

3. I get overwhelmed with tasks quite easily – just ask my wife – and as a result, need to do bits and pieces of them until they are resolved. Or, I have to only focus on one at a time. Once that task is completed I can move on to others. I have good intentions – want to do a lot but cannot accomplish all that I set out to do.

4. I have always wondered how to really make a woman happy (me and 10 million men ask the same question) besides all that crap we do on a regular basis like telling them they are beautiful, bringing flowers, remembering special days, and pitching in around the house. All that other corny stuff – picnics, etc… been there, done that… I need to see long-term infatuation or something concrete.

5. I love to garden – I really do. I like to turn the soil with my hands, and really get those plants going, and usually to success, yet I have always wondered how to get brocolli and peppers to grow big (without miracle grow), when I can get tomato stakes that are at least 7 feet tall, and what the hell do I do with green tomatos at the end of the season.

6. My first sports idol that I remember is Pele, the soccer player. I remember as a kid being devestated when the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the old North American Soccer League beat the Toronto Blizzard in a playoff game 1-0. The game was at the old Exhibition Stadium and it was cold. Pele played for the New York Cosmos in that same league.

7. I love to cook. I really do, although I have not cooked in a while since UrbanMummy is a really great cook, but when I have some time I love to just do it. Just yesterday, for example, I made some yummy mashed potatoes for the family, then took the skins, tossed them in spices, a little oil and baked them till crisp. The cajun skins were as good, if not better, than the mashed.

8. I think everyone has a little Obsessive Compulsive in their – my schtick has to do with food. Especially junk food. I have to eat the entire thing in the shortest amount of time possible, otherwise I obsess about it. Drives me crazy. Same with new foods. Have to eat them right away. I need to overcome this before I 300 pounds.

9. I love watching Wrestling. Have since I was under 10 years old. It makes me laugh. I know it’s scripted but it is really funny. One of the few shows that really makes me laugh.

10. I have no idea what people think of me when they first meet me but I think I have an idea. People that know me find me cool and funny, and see past my super sarcasticness. I can go between sarcasm and genuine interest and caring at the drop of a hat. People disinterest me unless they are creative, quick witted and have depth. I can still be nice but it might seem patronizing to some, and it probably is.

11. The absolute greatest day of my life was my wedding day. Second was the birth of my first son, and third is a tie between the birth of our second son and the day I proposed to UrbanMummy (not in one of those super-romantic ways I would have liked) and she said yes. To make up for the crappy proposal, I surprised her and took her to Disney for our first Anniversary.

12. I really do see myself running for politics later in life once I’ve settled the home front and am ready to either retire or am ready for a change. I will also by that time have a unique platform in place that will guarantee victory, and it is based on the fact that each and every one of us are part of the human race. Original, eh?

13. Is my second favourite number, next to #18.