The Hook Goes Crazy (For a Working Mom) And Bits of Other Business…

The lovely, talented and overworked Jessica Stilwell has graciously allowed me to play in her sandbox once more; just click HERE to explode with laughter.

And I don’t blame you if you’re laughing at the sandbox comment; it doesn’t seem to work as well when an adult – or in my case, a man-child – uses it. But as usual, I digress….

Jessica has been stricken with a powerful strain of irony: her blogging journey began when she implemented a successful tough love campaign directed at her kids that caught the world’s attention, but now she finds herself juggling blogging, a psychologically taxing full-time job and being a mom to the children that inspired her in the first place!

Since she’ll never let her kids down, I’m proud to lend a hand whenever needed. And you can too! Just click over to Jessica’s page, see what all the fuss is about and decide if you have something to contribute that aligns with her blogging vision.

It really is that simple. As for me and my world…..

As it turns out, today is my birthday. I entered this world kicking and screaming forty-three years ago today.

And as my wife and others can attest, I haven’t shut up since.

I don’t really know what to say about my life that I haven’t said already; ironically, I’m writing more than ever these days, but I have little to say when it comes to the subject of my own existence. However, like I always say, when in doubt, rip off another writer.

I’m currently reading Redefining Success: Still Making Mistakes by W. Brett Wilson, a true modern-day Canadian Renaissance man and personal hero of mine and in it, Brett uses “Five Lists”: lists of five items that are unique to his existence and success as a well-rounded human being. I hope, in the incredibly rare chance that he actually sees this, Brett realizes that my poaching of his idea is a homage rather than a crime.

Regardless, I’m going to do it anyway. Here then are a few custom-made Lists of Four.

Better safe than sorry, right?

Four Wins.

1. My mortal form is currently and has always been drug and alcohol-free.
2. I have been one-half of a winning team for 18 years, which is quite an accomplishment in this day and age, it seems.
3. My child is more beautiful, talented and ambitious than I have ever been and although I attribute that to her mother, I’m still going to count this as a win for my side.
4. After years of dreaming, there is a published book with my name on it.

Four Losses/ Regrets in Life.

You know what? I’m not doing this. Sure I’m still frustrated by my inability to get myself booked on Steven and Chris or Breakfast Television Toronto, but guess what I’ve realized? Regret is wet cement; it holds you in place while life pass you by. In the end, regret grows a cancer in your soul that threatens to consume your entire existence.

Four Great Days.

1. The day I met my wife. Neither one of us realized it at the time, but we were destined for greatness.
2. My wedding day. We had sealed our commitment to each other long before that moment, but it was a milestone nonetheless. And we had Chinese food afterwards, which is always kick-ass.
3. Any Christmas Day in my childhood. My mom never let me down. Not once.
4. The birth of my daughter. I had the easy part – I don’t know how you ladies push another human being out of your bodies and stay sane – but it was the proudest moment of my life.

Four People I Want to Dine With.

1. David Chilton. He is by far, the coolest rich guy I know – and yes, I know a few – and not just because he actually returns my calls. Although, I have to say, I doubt Kevin O’Leary would push the pause button on his day to mentor a nobody like me. If I could channel 1% of David’s creativity, business-savvy and humanity, I’d be pleased with myself. While watching him on Dragons’ Den, I can’t help but note how fulfilled he appears and it gives me something to strive for in my own life. I’d love to be able to thank him personally for his friendship and warmth. Of course, I’d still let him pay.
2. Jesse Jackson. Don’t ask me why, but he’s always been one of my heroes. I could listen to the man read the phone book and be inspired.
3. My grandmother. She’s been gone for far too long. Forget the rules of our existence for a moment. Who doesn’t miss their grandma? Of course, grandmas cook, they don’t actually eat, but I’d sure love to try to get her to sit still for a moment.
   
4. My wife. I miss my wife. Anyone who has been married with children gets this, right?

I could go on, but my self-reflection meter is in the red as it is today. If at all possible, enjoy yourselves today folks. You deserve it.

MEANWHILE, WITHIN THE PAGES OF THE BOOK OF TERRIBLE: I riff on being 43.  Sounds simple, I know. Trust me, it wasn’t.

I mentioned this once already, but my blog, my rules:

Just when I thought they’d hit the ceiling, the overlords of the Niagara Falls Comic Con decided to totally blow my mind and book Adam West!  That’s right, Mayor West of television’s Family Guy will be hanging out in my neck of the woods soon.

And oh yeah, he played some guy in a cape for awhile too….

If you’re a geek like me – but somehow still cool – and you’re going to be in the Falls June 8 & 9, check it out.

PLEASE READ THIS BLOG: You’ll be moved by MJ’s story. Her life story – and that of her daughter Grace – is one of hope, the power of family and the healing power of laughter.