So today Bridget and I decided it would be fun to take Jacob to see his first movie. There was a limited release of a “Thomas the Train” movie that we both thought would be perfect. I bought the tickets online and we headed out to the theater in beautiful Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Jacob was excited and we both were pumped to see his reaction when the movie started playing on the big screen. We purchased popcorn and we sat down in the dark arena. Then there was trouble…
Apparently, the theater, a less than updated cinema, had a power outage the morning of the showing. The movie projector was fried and countless families sat in the theater waiting, and waiting for a movie that was never starting. Luckily, Jacob is friendly and he befriended another little boy who was growing quite restless, as well.
Long story short, after 50 plus minutes of waiting and several attempts on my part and Bridget’s to get the theater to start the film or at least admit it was not going to happen - we finally left. We got our money back and headed to Friendly’s for lunch.
Jacob said he loved the movie. We are thankful he does not really understand what he was missing. I think he thought it was all about just playing and eating popcorn in the dark.
So I guess he had a fun day despite my disappointment. His first movie will have to wait….
So Bridget, Jacob, and I have all started back to school. For Bridget it is the same routine she has been used to the last two years while I was home with the little warrior. For me, I have to admit after the first day I was seriously considering leaving education and finding another job in the world of paint. Of course, this was a normal feeling after so many changes that had become comfortable and welcome - as the main caregiver the last two school years.
I returned to fourth grade (a new grade level for me), a new school, and the thought that I most certainly will not be seeing as much of my son as I had grown accustomed. It was culture shock for that first day.
After an almost full week (four days because of Labor Day), I am back on the bike so to speak. I feel comfortable, confident, and pretty secure in the assumption that I can do this for the next 24 years or so. I’m back.
Jacob, on the other hand, is in a world of hurt. The first few days were fine for him. My mother watched him everyday until he began nursery school on Wednesday. That’s when the castle began to crumble.
The first morning I dropped him off and he seemed eager to go - after months of saying “that’s your school” as we drove by it all summer long. I brought him into the school and we met Ms. Monica, one of the teachers. She seemed very kind and Jacob was okay with a hug and a kiss goodbye from me. He didn’t cry - or so I thought.
I left and arrived at school ten minutes later. I taught all morning, with thoughts of him in my head, and then I received an upsetting email from the woman who cares for Jacob the three afternoons he goes to school. She said he cried almost all morning and was asking to go home. I was so disappointed and heartbroken to hear that he did not enjoy his morning. The rest of his day was more blissful, as he really likes Gal and staying with her for lunch and a nap.
I arrived home that afternoon, after picking Jacob up at Gal’s, and I spoke with Bridget about what happened. We both agreed that CHANGE is hard. I had survived mine the week before, and he was going to survive his. We sent Jacob back on Thursday and Friday morning.
Each day he cried when I left (I’m the lucky one who gets this job - since I start my day ten minutes later), but he also stopped crying shortly after I left. I am okay with that for now. The big picture of socialization and learning is much more important than a few tears.
The hardest part in all of this is that as a parent we all have to let go a little. At two and half, Jacob is more of a person than ever. To keep him isolated from the world could be tougher later on. So he will go to nursery school - whether he likes it or not.
Hopefully he will like it more in time. We think he will. Of course, for now we will have to put up with, “I don’t want to go to school anymore.”
I know what you mean, brother. I know what you mean.
Our president made CHANGE the center of his campaign. I have talked about it much lately, too. It is an inevitable thing. We cannot avoid it. Change comes to us all in many forms and many connotations. In less than two weeks I will embark on yet another change in my life. I’ve seen numerous changes to my life in the last two years, and perhaps the best has been the addition of Jacob into it. He is an absolute joyful son and each day with him has been a blessing.
Now the hard part is coming….letting go a bit. In September I go back to work full time and Jacob will be enrolled in nursery school three mornings a week. The rest of the time he will be with my amazing mother and another fantastic woman, Valerie, a mother of four boys, all grown. Of course, my mother-in-law will help plenty, as well. She is terrific and Jacob loves both his grandmothers so much. This was the best we could do for the first five months of the school year. Bridget and I wanted to ease the little man into school and also allow him to keep his nap schedule. Again we are lucky to have great support - even if we have to pay for some of it.
CHANGE is upon us all in many good ways, but I know I will feel a huge pang of sadness at letting go of the best two years of fatherhood - staying home with Jacob. I have bonded with my son and he has done the same with me, but I somehow feel he will be more resilient. Ironic, isn’t it? He’s two and a half and I am thirty one, but he is better equipped at letting go. How did that happen?
The newest and best news I have to offer is that Bridget and I are expecting again. Yes, it’s true and you can feel free to send a congratulations our way if you feel inclined. That CHANGE will be here in February. Until then, Jacob will be telling all who will listen, “I’m going to be a big brother.”
Resist. Multiply. Accept CHANGE because what is the alternative?
If you are one of the many men that are described in Dr. Owen’s post below - you may be interested in purchasing a great number of shaving products that would allow you to shave yourself without bothering your significant other. It may also be a plus for your love life if your woman doesn’t have to do a super cuts haircut on your body!
Even though today’s Community Shield match was brought to a tie in the closing minutes of regulation by Wayne Rooney’s masterful footwork, the final outcome left Chelsea on top and Man. U. without any hardware or bragging rights.
Nevertheless, the team will find itself. Nani showed promise and perhaps the first glimpses of escaping Ronaldo’s shadow. He is, of course injured with a dislocated shoulder and will miss the start of the 2009 - 2010 campaign. Rooney also stepped up and looks to be able to secure the goal scoring form of his youthful past. Carrick and Fletcher also performed with confidence and stability in the midfield. I expect them to hold down the fort all season long.
Now don’t get me wrong - I am not a sore loser. In fact, I support Chelsea (unless they are playing Man. U.) most of the time. Today, they were better. Their penalty kicks were crisper, and their keeper (Petr Cech) was much better than Ben Foster. But most people will realize that there are two things to think about as the season approaches. Chelsea is probably going to peak early - as they did last season. By mid season they will fizzle out. Man. United are notorious slow starters. They don’t hit their peak until it matters. Secondly and lastly, Manchester played without a majority of their key players. Chelsea had a line-up that boasted most of their starters they used in the last campaign. Vidic and Van der Saw were both absent and that makes a huge difference. They are the spine of the defense and if you don’t think that plays a part - you are out of your mind.
So here’s to Chelsea and their first shoot-out victory against Man. United since John Terry missed in the Champions League two years ago in Moscow. Enjoy it boys because you may not see a trophy like this for a long while.
A buddy of mine from way back just opened his own restaurant in the town I grew up in. Jacob, Bridget, myself, and my parents all got lunch there today. The food is excellent, the prices are low, and the service is top-notch! Check it out here.
Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she’ll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.
THINK ON THAT.
Resist. Multiply. Enjoy your family this beautiful summer weekend and be good to your wife!
It should be a great game and real preview of what this season holds. Of course, there are some interesting names missing from United’s line-up - as we have come to be familiar with the fact that these blokes often start slowly and build up momentum as the season progresses. Look for Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney to team up again up top, while Frank Lampard and John Terry try to upend the current champs.
This game is always bound to be a classic and I am just so excited another season is beginning. Go United!
Here’s a sound bite of that fabulous speech by Alan in THE HANGOVER. This movie is one I will purchase as soon as it makes its way to DVD. I recommend seeing it before it leaves the theaters for good. It is a modern day classic for sure.
Aptly dubbed the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, stands for many things besides all out victory. Yes, it’s true that in the past three seasons my favorite football team has captured three Premier League Titles, a Champion’s League trophy (and second place finish, as well), and several other accolades - including the FIFA World Club Cup.
Guided by the intelligent mastery of Sir Alex Ferguson, the team has produced many international stars while managing to continue to secure team successes, as well. I, of course, came to be a fan during my tour of duty at home with Jacob. I enjoyed the way they played to win always, and the way that they possess the football throughout the match. There is excellence in so much of what they do on the pitch, and I found that so appealing as a coach, myself.
RESPECT. I have nothing but respect for the team, its players, the manager, and most notably the fans. They are dedicated and strong in numbers - worldwide.
I am sure there are loyal readers of TRIBE OF DAD that have found it strange that weeks have gone by without any comments by Mr. Prescott about the recent changes at Old Trafford. The summer started with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps the best player in the world despite complaints from many of his true abilities. Next there was the Carlos Tevez debacle, in which Sir Alex was unable to sign the striker to a deal that would have continued his reign as a fan favorite. Tevez claimed to be insulted by the manager’s lack of a$$ kissing and a shortage of playing time despite 19 goals in all competitions the previous season.
I remained quiet about both departures, even though I knew they were big losses. Then Sir Alex did something brilliant. He spoke about both losses and stated that they were going to be fine without such amazing players. It is always about the team, not the individual at Manchester United. Perhaps that is why they have kept veteran players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville for so long. These guys are a combined 103 years of experience and they are still playing like they were ten years younger than their actual ages.
My point in all this: Sometimes experience trumps youth. The old dog can learn new tricks to remain vital and useful.
Thus, Ferguson showed his absolute genius in the signing of Michael Owen- one time enemy to Manchester United and a Liverpool legend. He did not replace Ronaldo with a young big-name star, but he was wise to put Owen in the number seven jersey and make a clear statement to all those that ever doubted what was going on in the summer transfer window. Put simply, you can make your enemies into friends, you can rely on experience over youth, and you can do all this without breaking the bank. Sir Alex is getting more for the money than any manager out there today and I believe the same results will be there with this very different looking squad.
Look for guys like Giggs, Scholes, and Neville to anchor things as they have done for so long. Look for Rooney and Berbetov to work better together more than ever. Expect Michael Owen to regain the strength of spirit he lacked at Newcastle United, but had at Liverpool. Don’t question why it will all work out in the end. Just remember that a winner always finds a way, and Sir Alex is an old dog that can learn new tricks.
Resist. Multiply. Remember there is something to be said for experience.
So I just read an interesting article about David and his lack of production at L.A. It was featured in Sports Illustrated and it was an eye opener to say the least. Check out the article (from The Beckham Experiment).
Pause for about 15 minutes to finish the article. Seriously read it if you are interested in this kind of stuff. I will rant away once you have read it all. Tick tock, tick tock….
So where to begin? Like most of life this is obviously based upon the perspective of individuals who are privy to information that we ourselves are not. The way the article reads it appears that Mr. Beckham is more of a commodity than anything else. His mystique has been created carefully over time. He is the SHOW more or less. People come to stadiums to see him work his corners, his expert passes, and his killer set pieces. But at 34 has he himself seen an end to this mystique? The reality may be that his fading skills and age are playing more of a factor than ever.
Landon Donovan had plenty to say about Becks. Was it professional to do this? Probably not. Is some of it true? Maybe. Regardless, Donovan comes off as a baby who couldn’t share the spotlight. Let’s face it, people were not coming to see L.A. Galaxy games just to partake in the Donovan bandwagon. He is very good; perhaps the most skilled U.S. player in the last half century, but he has only thrived in MLS and not abroad in Europe. Beckham was a star at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and on the English national team. Maybe he did not deserve the captain’s armband for just showing up in L.A., but there was a much bigger picture that a lot of others, like Alexi Lalas, were able to see while Donovan remained loyal only to himself. Becks was to become an ambassador for the MLS and its growing popularity in the U.S. and the world at large. Donovan was never going to do that, despite his skills.
So where does that leave me, Dean Everton Prescott? I am an avid fan of football (I cringe to say soccer despite my American audience), and I know that even if Becks was not a great captain, the treatment he has received in recent games for L.A. is enough to send him back oversees to clubs like A.C. Milan, Chelsea, or Tottenham Hotspur. The truth is, the guy is living in a world none of us can relate to. He is a millionaire footballer with a huge sponsorship deal with Adidas. Interestingly enough he only plays for teams that sport an adidas logo on the jersey. This is perhaps why he may be seen reunited with former A.C. Milan manager, Carlo Ancelotti, at Chelsea. He tried to fit into the MLS and the image that has been created for him (by him?). Like any hero or champion of the cause he may have failed to live up to the ideal we also created for him. Is it unfair? Absolutely. Now we have to suffer the consequences.
It is laughable to me when I think of the shared history that most really good football clubs are dealing with and then I think of the L.A. Galaxy. I mean Manchester United was founded in 1878, A.C. Milan was founded in 1899, and Real Madrid was founded in 1902. That’s over 300 years of history and lots of time to build solid, life-long, successful programs with winning and record breaking financial deals being linked over the course of that history. L.A. Galaxy came into being in 1995. Less than 15 years ago. It’s ridiculous for them to think they can ever compete with European Clubs that have developed mission statements and ideologies that deal with winning hardware and prestige. Beckham is after all, only a man. He could not be expected to turn the whole team around if there was to be infighting and insecurity coming from everyone around him. Sure there is an inequity in the fact that some players only make 20 grand a year playing alongside a guy who could probably buy his own island. Who’s fault is that? Certainly not David Beckham’s.
If the L.A. Galaxy and the MLS knew what was good for them, they should have tried harder to build a team around Beckham and Donovan. Adidas and Herbalife both wanted to be associated with a winner. Beckham wanted to help L.A. and the MLS to have more prestige, but too many others could not see the big picture. In England there are tiers to their league system. If you do poorly, your team gets relegated to the next lower league. Being in the top league, the Premier League, means a chance at trophies, sponsorship deals, prestige, and lots and lots of money. The MLS does not have that. As much as it tries to be a different beast than it is, the MLS comes off looking like a baby sister to the top leagues in Europe. It’s kind of sad when you think about it.
So Mr. Beckham, if you leave L.A. - this is one avid fan who won’t blame you. In fact, I’d support that move 100 percent. Maybe Donovan can join you. The only difference is he’ll be on the bench watching.
Is it too late to say I should have written about my trip to France and England much sooner? Probably, but oh well. Life has a way of getting you busy when you least expect it. I have avoided the monitor and the keyboard for too long. So today, of all days, I am inspired to post without too many pictures, too many videos, and too much bull$%@#.
Where to begin? How about the weather. It was gorgeous in both Paris and London. Perhaps maybe it was a little too hot for the natives, but other than walking everywhere, I enjoyed the fact that it did not rain once. We were lucky.
In Paris we got a lot of culture from day one. We took a relaxing boat ride down the Seine River. We visited the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, Louis XIV’s gilded church dome of Les Invalides, the Place de la Concorde, and at the historic heart of the ‘Ile de la Cité’, Notre Dame. At Notre Dame, Bridget’s choir sang beautifully. See an earlier post for the video of one of the songs to get an idea.We toured Versailles, site of Louis XIV’s impressive palace and gardens. It was in the palace’s Hall of Mirrors that Germany and the Allies signed the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. We also took time to see the cathedral of Chartres and the historic Lourve. Sounds like shart, but it is not as nasty.
We boarded the Eurostar and traveled under the English Channel to London. It was a quick three hour ride, but it hurt all of our ears a lot. I have to say that once I got to London I felt less like an outsider. Paris made me feel like I was very unpopular. The people there were friendly enough, but I got the impression they did not really like Americans. Maybe I am paranoid, but this is just how I felt. I imagine that anyone who does not speak the native tongue in a country they are visiting, might feel the same way.
So when we arrived in London, I felt at ease. Big differences were the driving on the opposite side of the road, and the accent. Of course, both the French and the English do not like to chill their drinks as much as we Americans. I found getting ice cold beverages hard to come by. At any rate, London was dope. I really enjoyed the second leg of the trip here.
We visited Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square, and the Underground (or Tube) as it is called. We ate fish and chips twice and I got to tour Chelsea with a few relatives and students. That part was so awesome for me personally. I enjoyed hearing the history and seeing the pitch up close. Here’s part of that tour below:
Our tour guide was named Elvis, and he was rad. He and I discussed some players and later I bought a little away kit for Jacob. I would have loved to tour Old Trafford in Manchester, but it was just too far from where we were.
Perhaps one of the coolest things was to see the inside of Harrods. The store puts Macy’s to shame. It has everything you could ever want and then some.
I have more to say, but right now Jacob is waking from an afternoon nap……
