Randman's World

It started early this week, when I discovered that a guitar I've owned since 1984 is a sought after guitar. That caused me to think about my favorite guitar, a Westbury SG copy that I played all through college. I loved this guitar, and should never had sold it.

Then, while at work, for some reason, I searched out Evel Knievel toys on Ebay. I mentioned it to Derek, my co-worker, who sent me a link to something he had bid on that morning. An Evel Knievel Scrable Van. Man, that brought back memories. The Evel Knievel toys were my favorite toys I owned, and something that I've often joked that I would still play with today.

Then, today, I was talking with another co-worker, and he mentioned that his brother made his living on Ebay. His primary selling item . . . Schwinn Stingray bikes and parts. Of course, that took me back to my best bike, the Schwinn Stingray Orange Krate, which my parents bought me for my 7th birthday.


Maybe it's seeing the world through my sons eyes, or the joy of discovering my childhood again with him, but it was sure an interesting week of Rosebuds.

Today, my darling wife and babies momma heads to Chicago for training on the new software they are using at her work (or, that's what Craig Hughes wants me to believe). So, I guess it's Mr. Mom time again.

And, of course, being 44 degrees and wet outside puts a damper on going to the park with Charlie, so I guess we need to find inside games. Like "throw stuff down the stairs", or "drop cheerios on the floor" or "smack daddy's digital keyboard until it no longer plays". All fun games, to be sure.

Perhaps this time will be Charlie's first dining experience at Hooters?!?!?

This past Saturday was date night for me and the wife. We spent it with friends from the old Lighten Up / Funny Outfit improv companies, celebrating Trish Berrong's 40th birthday party. Trish wanted a reunion show of everyone who had performed with Lighten Up and Funny Outfit.

Needless to say, when you get that many talented people in a room together (including Dan Walsh, Tim Mason, Bob Dusin, Jeff Drake, Guy Maggio, and so many others too numerous to name), and have an audience of friends and family, a funny night is on tap.

It was a lot of fun performing with these folks again, even if for only one night.

Plus, the wife and I ate at the Westport Flea Market. We had never eaten there before, but of course, had heard about it. And everything we heard was true. Darn good burgers!

Now, a couple of photos, from Easter.

Lastly, anyone looking to buy an electric guitar, I have a Peavey T-60 for sale on EBAY. Apparently, this is THE guitar to have right now. Who knew? It's been sitting in my house unplayed for years.

Charlie loves Teletubbies. That much is for certain. So, while a bit bored, I started looking for stuff about Teletubbies, and ran across a picture of an actor in the Teletubbie costumer for Tinky Winky.

That costume is huge. If you look at a photo of them, in scale, the look very little. But figure that costume comes up at least 2-3 feet above the guys head, and you can see how big they are.

I guess I always figured they used little people in the costumes.

This past 7 days has seen some major events unfold in Charlie's upbringing.

First, Charlie is now understanding how to communicate yes and no (although it's mostly no). Grandmama has been working with him, and he will now often tell us no through a very large head shake. Occasionally we also get a yes, in a very sweet head nod.

Second, Charlie drank through a drinking straw for the first time. Another major event, meaning we can start carrying juice boxes for him. He was so proud, he drank a full glass of water through the straw, and, of course, had a 10 pound diaper later that day.

And, last but certainly not least, last night, Charlie said "Mama" for the first time. To say that Kim was delighted was an understatement. Of course, her reaction ensured that Charlie repeated "Mama" several more times, for effect. It was a very sweet moment.

I'm sure most parents go through this, but I am amazed at the delight I feel when Charlie discovers something new and enjoys it. Yesterday, it was really hot, so instead of cooking, we decided to get Mr. Goodcents and bring it home. I bought a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. Charlie had a sandwich, but wasn't really hungry. At the end of the meal, I held a Dorito up to him. He bit into it, and it cracked and crunched. The big smile and giggle on his face was too cute. He wanted more. So, we spent 5 minutes biting Doritos together, crunching them, and laughing. It was just one of those things that I truly never expected . . . the delight in experiencing the first taste of a Cool Ranch Dorito, and the crunching sound it makes!

Anyway, on to the Charlie Photos. First, Daddy and Charlie, both sporting our new Nautica Polo Shirts.


Then, we have Charlie, wearing his new Elmo outfit (and actually smiling while posing for the camera).

And lastly, we have Charlie and his girlfriend, Emma (who lives across the street), riding in Charlie's wagon.

Only one problem. When's the last time you saw a brightly colored trash can in the French Quarter? Hmm, where else do they have a street that looks like the French Quarter, and has brightly colored, clean trash cans???

That's right. Disneyland has New Orleans Square, where the ever popular Pirates of the Caribbean is located. Apparently, Kimberly's staff doesn't know the real thing from a copy.

Disneyland's New Orleans Square, from Mouseinfo.com

Well, I hope Kimberly does a good job in the election. Maybe if she becomes mayor, she can keep the French Quarter as clean as Disneyland does. And, maybe she can install some rides. And sell plush stuffed animals in all the shops in the quarter. And Churros. We need more Churros.

Thanks for JimHillMedia.com for the story.

Another milestone last night. Charlie, Kim and I went out in the backyard and played ball. Why is that a milestone? Because for the past 11 years, the only thing I have done in my backyard is mow it and landscape it. We've never enjoyed our backyard. I've fixed the sprinklers, dug up dead trees, planted new trees, killed weeds, pulled up fencing, but never enjoyed myself back there.

Then, yesterday, we had a rousing game of ball. It was almost like the yard was saying, "Yes, finally, a little boy playing on me!" Charlie had a great time, he was safe, and it truly became a backyard.

Charlie is very excited, because Mama comes home from her mini-vacation today.

We had a great weekend. He was a perfect little boy, not causing too much trouble. We went to the park several times, went to Independence Center, where he wore himself out. It was so cute, after he had ran around for 45 minutes, he walked over to the stroller himself, put his hand on it, and looked at me. He wanted to sit down.

We had McDonalds, Taco Bell and Boston Market. We went to Home Depot (a Man's Store!) and worked in the yard, where he helped alot! We played ball in the hall, and he also discovered that throwing the ball down the stairs, over the baby gate, is a lot of fun.

However, Charlie is like Arizona, and doesn't honor daylight savings time. He didn't like being woken up an hour early on Monday and Tuesday. But, after a brief bit of grouchy, he became his normal happy self.

In short, we both survived with no permanent scars, and had a lot of fun together.

Tonight, he gets to spend time with Mama!

While we were in Vegas, Derek and I went up on the Stratosphere. It is the tallest building west of the Mississippi (1149 feet), and has 3 great rides on the top.

I had ridden the Big Shot last time, and it was amazing. So, after hearing me talk about it, Derek decided he wanted to try it. As with almost any ride, they take a picture of you on the ride, at an opportune moment. As you can see below, I was sitting back, chilling, but the look on Derek's face says it all.