We create ourselves.

[jackshoegazer]

Tomorrow, Ethan "graduates" from 8th grade. Next year, he'll be in high school. Why didn't you people tell me I'm elderly? I know I have a few grey hairs in my beard but, come on! Me, the parent of a high schooler? At least I have more hair on my head than my dad did at this stage.

After several weeks in a pretty good mood I have slipped and have been cranky and pessimistic the last two days.  I hope it doesn't stick.  Right now I want to say "I fucking hate everything." but I know it's not true because two days ago, I was pretty damned Zen about everything.

Jacquelyn is working her budget-fu so we can take a vacation to the Yucatan in January, or maybe over spring break.  We head to Vermont one week from today.  We're going to go camping at Devil's Lake for my birthday.

Things to look forward to.  Not a drone.

Not a drone.

I won in photog_xp for last week's theme of Lines & Patterns.  It's a view through the Overture Center dome from the Rotunda Stage on the lower level.


Okay, good night people.  I will summon eloquence later.

P.S.  You know, I haven't had coffee the last two days.  Maybe I'm a fucking addict.

Comments

[besina-sartor.livejournal.com]

Yup, you're f'in old! (Nevermind that I'm probably ten years older)
I like the photograph, you really are talented! And yes, you're probably pretty cranky without the caffine. Took my husband about a month to detox from it, though if you're not headachy, you're doing better than most.

[besina-sartor.livejournal.com]

Ok, only 7 years older -- gotta claim back those extra 3 as they're wizzing by faster and faster!

[color-me-awake.livejournal.com]

It's insane the way things fly by in life.
Congrats on winning! you deserve it, you're wonderful photographer and writer.
I know I don't comment enough, but really I look forward to your posts with your photos and poems and what-not's =)
[coffee rules,it's okay. =D]

[balamuthia.livejournal.com]

My eldest is going to be 17 this summer. So crazy!

[dakini-grl.livejournal.com]

I can think of worse things to be addicted to.

Thanks for the photos; I've been perusing JackPhoto as well. Lovely.

You and that science building really have some... chemistry going.

Ha.

kthxbye

[fannyanns.livejournal.com]

I think it's kind of awesome that you & your significant other MADE A BABY and didn't manage to ... you know... get struck by lightning... all of a sudden become "boring, overworked ADULTS" and the like.... and it's still pretty awesome that you can be a dad and still do what you love, and what gives you joy. hone your art, etc.

have you had the "girls/this is how your body works" chat with Ethan yet? (I don't mean to be gross or creepy), but kids in middle school are being pressured, etc. I used to be a teacher (high school english and theater) and man! the sex drugs and rock and roll. I was never that wild. it's like they watch a lot of soap operas and don't have enough sense to know that *nobody lives/wants to live like that!*

anyway. I wish I'd been better equipped with information (just information instead of: "do this and you'll go to hell; don't do that either, cause guess what? HELL!") just information - "hey! there are magical transitions in your body and you're probably gonna feel weird and insecure for the next few years!" check! "oh. and you're gonna get pimples and hate everything in your wardrobe at least three times a month!" check!

anyway. hats off to you, brother. I don't have kids. tho, yet, the bio-clock is tick-tocking (I'm turning 37 this month and I still don't know what I wanna be when I grow up. *sigh*). it's hard being a parent. harder still being a good parent.

you're not a drone. you're not even old! (you don't technically qualify as "old" until your first grandchild is born, anyway. trufax.)

:)

[kiwikat.livejournal.com]

You fucking hate everything, eh? I was that way last week, just about ready to flip off the universe. These things pass eventually, you'll find another way to fall back in love with existence.

SO, are we hanging tomorrow? Wanna come to my house or at yours? What we doin'? I know Jacquelyn was interested in maybe taking a walk or something.

[kiwikat.livejournal.com]

Also: I am only bright and cheery today because I bought a triple shot on my way to work. Otherwise I would be asleep and pissy because I was up until 1 am last night being excited about databases (among other things)

[abmann.livejournal.com]

Ethan is TOO TALL to be only an eighth grader. Clearly he should be elected to High Office already. Geez.

[antarcticlust.livejournal.com]

I forgot to check to see who won that one - I'm so glad it was you! I'm toying with the idea of taking color photos for the B&W challenge, but still in line with the theme.

You're allowed two cranky days for every two months of being happy. I've seen you really make an effort with your mood, and it's so inspiring and worthy of applause. I just want you to know that I'm noticing - really. <3

And we have to make the Yucatan work next year because in 2011 we're going to Greece and Alaska!

[jackshoegazer.livejournal.com]

I thought of that too.. taking pictures of Oreos and chessboards.

[antarcticlust.livejournal.com]

Don't steal my idea!

[jackshoegazer.livejournal.com]

I won't. I suggested B&W because I want to do some desaturated stuff :)