Notes from the Observation Deck

Here, for your pleasure, is a smattering of the thoughts in my head these days. And note they all exist free of any substance use!

1. Robert Smith is dating my Ipod. As my days at work of late have been spent hunkered down at the computer writing the perfect grant, I've enjoyed ample time with my Ipod on "shuffle" mode. After awhile you can't help but notice some eerie and potentially conspiracy-laden patterns. For instance, why the hell does my Ipod randomly play more songs by The Cure than anybody else? I know there's a lot of Cure on there, but I've got more Tori Amos or Bjork, and I don't hear them very often -- or the other artists who make up the 8,000+ songs on there at the moment. Perhaps Steve Jobs has a special deal with Smith. I'll have to look into it in my spare time. Oh, look -- it's "Lovesong" again!

2. I Give Good Facebook. Yes, I took the plunge and put myself on Facebook. Admittedly I've reconnected with some folks from my college days, including my roommate for the latter half of my undergraduate experience, who is taking the 'net by storm in her role as a sword-wielding Elf in the Zelda Trailer. But I think I still prefer socializing with friends in person. (That said, though -- if you're on there, find me!)

3. Registration Begins at 10am. My dear friend Mumma Boo tagged me for thoughts on the course selections I wished schools made available. As I am embarking on a new role as an "adjunct professor" and a local college this fall, my thoughts are on this very issue. I wonder what the Dean of the department I'll be teaching in would say if I suggested that we scrap my course and go with one of these:

Self-Reflective Rhetorical Theory. This course will examine the answer to why bad things always happen to you. Students will examine their own shortcomings and misery to arrive at their thesis. Course grades will be determined based on final "pity-party" presentation.

M.O. Theory and Practice. Alphabetical by artist -- chronological by release date -- this course will examine prevailing concepts behind Music Organization Theory. Evidence-based practice in storage of vinyl, tape or compact disc collections to be highlighted. This course is a prerequisite course for M.O. Theory and Practice II: Zune Sucks.

The Ant in Cinema. Course will look at the ant as a cinematic archetype. Various horror movies in addition to recent computer-animated children's films will be screened. Students will be asked to synthesize cultural contexts and modern themes to better understand the insect race that will one day dominate the planet.

Playing the Role. Most people have no idea what they're talking about. This course will provide students the opportunity to learn methods of illusion with an eye towards career advancement. Famous idiots in positions of wealth and power will be examined.

The Complete Baking Soda Inventory. Is there any problem that can't be solved with Baking Soda? This course will provide students with an opportunity to delve into the many understandings and uses of the "white stuff". Final project to consist of students' achieving world peace, setting up a post-apocalyptic society, or curing Ebola with nothing more than a half-pound box of Arm & Hammer.

4. Wacky Wednesday! In an attempt at "preschool spirit week", VB's classroom had a "wear wacky clothes day" today. VB opted to pay homage to the glam rockers of the late 70's with his ensemble. David Bowie would be proud.

"He was a young American...."















5. Blogiversary. I've been so busy observing the world that I didn't even notice that the Vampdaddy blog has turned two! Who would have thought (and I mean that on so many levels). Thanks for sticking around!

A True Sign We're in a Recession

Today we were in the car after visiting my father, who is recovering from a collapsed lung at the local hospital. Serious, yes -- but all seems to be on the mend, and as we pointed out the day he was admitted -- "Hey, it's not a brain tumor."

Anyway, as we were leaving the hospital for the evening, Vampboy asked is we could go out to "lunch" before going home.

"No, son," I reply. "First off, it's time for dinner and not lunch. But anyway, we can't go out to eat, as mommy and I are poor."

Vampboy thinks for a minute. "Daddy -- don't you have your wallet?"

At this point, Vampmommy is trying to hide her laughter. I answer straight away. "I do, but there's no money in it. Sorry."

"Oh." Another pause, then: "Mommy, do you have YOUR wallet?"

VM contains her laughter and responds as I did. Vampboy thinks long and hard.

"I don't HAVE a wallet. I should go buy one with Mommy."

Yes, if only he had a wallet. That would solve everything!

Extractions, Part 1

Take a good look at freedom, folks -- this is the MIC-KEY button that we removed from VB this past weekend.

For the first time since late 2006, I can hug my son and not feel a tube or other object poking out of his abdomen. I can't quite explain how good that feels.

Vamp O'Daddy 2008

Happy St. Patty's day to one and all! Sorry it's been quiet around these parts, but things have been -- well, they have been.

VB continues to do well, and has adjusted nicely to attending 2 different "schools" -- one his normal daycare, and the other the special education program at our local school district. What we felt was a gargantuan transition, full of unknown and anxiety, has of course proven to be the highlight of his week -- because he gets to take a bus between the programs. While the idea originally filled us with dread, Vampmommy's keen ability to stalk the bus gave us the assurance we needed to know he'd be safe and taken care of -- particularly when the bus driver reported being followed by someone with a camera to the school.

Meanwhile, VM continues her quest for a new job. There have been a couple of leads and a promising interview, but for now we wait with fingers crossed -- while anxious Sundays pass without a whole slew of new opportunities appearing in the paper. All I can say is, thank goodness for family -- and being able to deduct medical expenses from one's taxes. These have kept a roof over our heads for the moment.

I, however, have a job -- and I think it is taking me to the brink of insanity. Finding your "life's calling" is a gift, and I count myself lucky that I am not in some mind-numbing quest to line the pockets of "the man". However, the trade-off is that my work requires insane hours, with long periods of begging people for money to continue doing the work -- periods where I could actually be doing "said work" if I wasn't having to strategize about the next grant or fundraising scheme. Thankfully I have a great staff and colleagues that keep the fire's roaring, but still...

I have had some respite from the madness in the form of The Manny, who came to stay for a few days in what turned out to be a fest of music-listening, Candlepin Bowling and a tour of the region's finest Asian cuisine. However, while I think I can go a few months without anything containing MSG or duck sauce, a few hours back at work left me already longing for more time away.

When I was in graduate school, my thesis professor would live at a monastery for two weeks out of the year so she could reflect, read her students final products and do her own writing. While monastic life doesn't immediately attract me, the idea of the quiet and solitude does. I think that was what I was hoping for during my December, before VB's seizure's got in the way. Given the level of chaos we've been through in the past year and a half, and the normal state of chaos that comes with life, an afternoon of eating teriyaki beef sticks while listening to A Taste of Honey just isn't doing the trick -- no matter how enchanting.

3

Happy Birthday, VB -- Daddy loves you.

"Happy Birthday" by The Innocence Mission

VB 2, C 0

Today's MRI was an "all clear" - this marks 6 months of post-treatment cancer free-ness. Party on, VB!

Vamppuppy

Joining the world of pediatric cancer means many things -- most of them horribly negative. Thankfully, there are those who believe that kids who've been handed the raw-est of deals get to cut to first place in the "dream line". This is the case for VB, who had an opportunity through Make-A-Wish to ask for his heart's desire. When VM and I first decided to take advantage of the perk now (rather than wait for an unknown future) we weren't exactly sure what he would ask for. As VB doesn't watch TV, the typical answer of "A trip to Disney" wasn't in the cards. But we never would have guessed what his response would be on that fateful morning when we decided to ask:

VAMPMOMMY: "VB, if you could have anything in the world, anything at all, what would it be?"

VAMPBOY: (immediately and without pause) "A puppy."

VAMPMOMMY: "Uh, but son, you already have a puppy." (VD gestures lovingly to elder statemen Vampdoggy, who is presently licking his nether regions in a corner).

VAMPBOY: (with fingers in a "V" shape for emphasis) "No, mommy -- I want TWO puppies."

With that, the Wish team set out to make it so. VM and I did at least have the ability to choose the breed, so we went with a Portuguese Water Dog (PWD for those of you hooked to the grandest of games that gets underwey tonight!). We went for the wavy coated version -- well behaved, but not poodle-like.

Weeks ensued for the grand search. One breeder's pups were bread to be hunting dogs and a little more energetic than we'd like; another would only give her dogs to homes that fed their pooch a very specific, all-natural diet (it might have event involved the fresh slaying of chickens, I'm not sure). Finally, we stumbled on a breeder who seemed to have the right dog, but they had already decided to keep him themselves.

Then they called back.

Turns out that our little friend was growing into a bit of a third wheel -- not really bonding with either his mother, or the brother the breeders had also decided to keep. Knowing that they wanted their little four-legged friend to be happy and accepted into a loving home, they called the Wish Team and opened their home and heart to us.

Vampuppy is a perfect fit in any number of odd, cosmic weighs. He was stuck in the birth canal during delivery (so was VB) so he came out not breathing and had to be recusitated. While he was the biggest at birth, he has turned into the smalled of the litter, but despite his shortcomings flops around without a care in the world. His attitude and personality are so much like VB it's eerie, and the two of them have already become fast friends -- with Vamppuppy following VB around in scheer fascination, while VB instructs him in a high-pitched voice about the layout of the house and how not to chew his toys.

VP was brought home yesterday in the style, with a limo supplied by Make-A-Wish. VB is still talking ahout the "big car". There was a dinner party complete with puppy toys and puppy-themed party favores, and when it was all said and done the entire family crashed for a good nights sleep.

I'm sure the magic will wear off somewhat ("what -- what do you mean puppies have to go out to pee in the middle of the night!"), but our newest addition couldn't have been more well timed or more perfect. VB's wish wasn't the only one granted, and at a times like we live in those moments are perfection.

One last thing -- while I'm not one to use "real world" names on my blog, I do want to tell you Vamppuppy's name (that we chose): Noden . Check out why and I think you'll understand.