A Proud Father

There are certain events in the life of a father that make you feel extremely proud. Since my child is only a month old now, I know that my moments of pride are few and far between. My son has yet to talk, walk, or eat solid foods, but he sure can flirt with the ladies. My wife was craving a hamburger on Wed. night of this week and asked to go eat at Hooters. Of course being the man that I am, I didn't argue and packed the car. I snuck my digital camera in my pocket as I walked out the door. My wife was not very thrilled with the thought of me taking a picture of the baby with the Hooters waitresses, but eventually grew a sense of humor. I told her that we will use this picture in 20 plus years at the rehearsal dinner when he gets married. He'll hate me for it, but he'll hopefully get a good laugh like we did. I have attached some pics below. If you look at one of the pics, it looks like he's waving a high five.
































Looking at those pictures above..all I can say is that he's made me proud for one of the first times in his life. Brings a tear to the eye.

Currently listening to:
The Twilight Singers
Powder Burns
Released on: 5-16-06

Critic's Darlings

I got ahold of the new album from Thom Yorke (Radiohead frontman) called 'The Eraser' the other day. The album doesn't come out until July 11. I liked the album, but alas, I feel sometimes like this guy is stuck in a musical rut. The album is a collection of electronic songs that harkens back to Kid A, Amnesiac, Hail to the Thief, etc. I used to be a large Radiohead fan and still believe that The Bends and Ok Computer are two of the best albums of the 1990's, but isn't it time for he and his group to progress. I love how the band have mentioned about going back to the sound of the Bends for the new album, but they said that with Hail to the Thief and we all know that it was no Bends. Of course the critics will definitely argue with me. I'm betting my money that the critics will throw praise upon the solo album from Thom Yorke..he could light a fart and they would rave about how inventive and powerfully moving that fart was. I'm guilty of being a critic and regularly reading album reviews each day, but it burns me when I see certain groups getting critical praise based more on their name than on the quality of the album. Off the top of my head, I can think of a few groups that are the critic's darlings, irregardless of the album's quality, inventiveness, etc. Let me know your opinion on this list:

1. Radiohead
2. Bob Dylan
3. Pearl Jam
4. Tool
5. Tupac
6. Flaming Lips
7. Green Day
8. Paul McCartney
9. Prince
10. The Rolling Stones
11. Wilco

Of course, all of the artists/groups above have one helluva a resume and continue to sell records, but over the course of a career, you're gonna have some less than superior albums. This topic could be argued forever and a day, but I just wish critics would apply some of the criticism they show to less well known artists to some of the better known artists out there. That's my 2 cents worth...and I'm sure it's not worth much.

Currently listening to:
David Mead
Tangerine
Released on: 5-16-06

Looking Back

Never in my life have weeks gone by as fast as they have the past 3 weeks. Since the birth of the baby my days have been like a blur. I was very fortunate that my company gave me 2 weeks paternity leave to assist my wife. She is absolutely exhausted from having to nurse the baby every 2-3 hours. He is like clockwork..he'll start to cry either from hunger or from a dirty diaper. I guess I don't blame him. It's been special watching the bond between my wife and the baby. I can easily say that I've never seen my wife love something as much as him. The way that she talks to him and holds him is very special. It's amazing how emotions are brought out with the birth of a child. I'm not one to cry, but I will honestly say that when my wife gave birth and they brought Jamie out, the waterworks started. I will say that all the work, sleepless nights with my wife being uncomfortable, and the current dirty diapers are totally worth it. I also have to say that I have all the respect in the world for my wife after seeing her give birth. The doctors induced her at 8 am on May 31 and she didn't actually give birth until 9:25 pm at night. She pushed for 3 hours straight until the doctors decided to assist with the forceps. I can only look in wonder at my wife and child. This is the ultimate miracle...there's nothing like it.

Currently listening to:
Hot Chip
The Warning
Released on: 6-13-06

Fatherhood (Good) Out of Town Work (Bad)

Well, it's been about two and a half weeks since my last post. Of course, I think with the new baby, all can be forgiven. This event in my life is certainly one of the biggest and amazing things that I've ever experienced. It's amazing to see the baby and marvel at how that 8 lb baby fit in my wife's stomach. Over the past week I've gotten to see a developing personality within Jamie. I love to sit him on my knees while he is awake and just have him look at me. His big blue eyes are just looking at me and his hands are waving in the air while his legs kick at my stomach. The look in his face is so innocent...all I can hope is to be man enough to lead him in the right direction in his upcoming life. I want so much for him to be happy, to get a great education, and to make something of himself. It's amazing to think of all the events that are laid out before him to experience and discover.

Well, I know that I'm being sentimental, but it's hard not to be. My life will absolutely never be the same again. As I've discussed in previous posts, my company is not the most family friendly. The only positive side to my company is that they gave me 2 weeks of paternity leave to help with the baby. Most companies do not give men any time off..so I can't complain about this great opportunity. Of course this time off was too be good to be true. My company just knew how to screw me over upon my return from the leave. The day I returned from my leave, I get a phone call and am informed that I will have to go out of town next week. It really pisses me off because I had the understanding that I would be in town for at least the first few months in order to help out my wife. My company acted like they cared about my needs, but in the long run, they didn't really give too much of a shit. So I'll be out of town next week in the middle of the delta of Mississippi. My child isn't even 3 weeks old and I'm being forced to go out of town. I hope this little screw up on their part doesn't continue to occur. They did this to me when I got married 2 years ago. They sent me out of town for the first 9 weeks of being married..it took my wife breaking down for them to actually schedule me for in town jobs. Don't know what my future with this company will look like over the next year. Oh well, enough bitching.

Since it's been awhile since I've offered up music picks, here is a list of albums that I've really been digging over the past few months:

Sonic Youth- 'Rather Ripped'
The Go Betweens- 'Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express'
Jon Auer-'Songs from the Year of our Demise'
The Elms-'The Chess Hotel'
Hot Chip- 'The Warning'
The Futureheads-'News & Tributes'
Gomez-'How We Operate'
Sunshine Rubdown-'Shut Up I am Dreaming'
Kelley Stoltz-'Below the Branches'
Primal Scream-'Riot City Blues'

Well, I'm off to check on my wife and the new baby. Maybe it won't be another 2 plus weeks before I post again, but no promises.

Currently listening to:
The Spinto Band
Nice and Nicely Done
Released: 6-7-05

Nothing Like It in the World

Well, my father once told me that there is nothing like having a child...it's the best feeling in the world. All I can say is that once again, he is totally correct. On May 31st, at 9:25 p.m., my wife Betsy gave birth to baby boy. James Caldwell Allison weighed 8 lbs and was 22 inches long. Betsy and I are planning to call him Jamie for short. Well, I'm exhausted. I'll be back later to dictate all the details. Until then, enjoy some of the pics from last night.