Father's Day

Ah, the great tradition of celebrating the contribution that fathers bring to the family unit. There are few greater things than Father’s day. The appreciation of a job well-done. The appreciation that one can show his own father. The emotional bonding that cannot help but bring a family closer together.

Oh yes, and the presents.

A hand-made card, a memo-holding bobble-headed mouse, a chain (not a “necklace”, but a “chain” according to Nicholas) and the crowning piece of booty (remember when that meant “treasure” and not “bum”?), a green-and-white bouncy ball. These were the gifts that I was given by my son and wife. My in-laws came over with a new mattress for Nick and they brought presents for me as well: a new hand-saw and a Dr. Phil book. The saw was given to me by my father-in-law. I don't know what the usual protocol is for fathers-in-law but it seems that Howard followed it to the letter. He handed me the saw, unwrapped and said, "Hey, you don't have one of these, do you?" No gloss, no wrapping, no fuss. I don’t know how I feel about Dr. Phil but the guy’s heart is in the right place. We’ll see what he has to say about putting “Family First”.

I was also treated (after an attempted knee-drop-wakeup-call from my son) to breakfast in bed. The breakfast was Mini Wheats, lemonade, coffee and chocolate-chip cookies. You can guess who decided on the menu. All of this was eaten as Nicholas jumped, rolled, ran and goofed around on the bed, beside, around and on top of me. Luckily, nothing was spilled and the day was enjoyed by all in the Edmonton Johnstone clan.

Some time ago, I read a book called “Lord of the Isles” by David Drake. I liked the book, although there were some problems with the writing. The second book in the series, the name of which I cannot recall, was, as far as I can remember, terrible. I think the name of the book was “Queen of Demons”. Regardless, I had a hard time getting even as far as I did into that book. I’ve never been one to give up easily, so I’m re-reading “Lord of the Isles” (is it “King of the Isles”?) to get my bearings for “Queen of Demons” (if that’s what it’s called.) I’ve owned the books for seven years, so I feel I owe it to them to get them read.

Speaking of outstanding books, I read “Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Isle Witch” recently. Terry Brooks keeps churning them out and I keep reading them. I’ve owned this book since 1999 or 2000. I had a hard time getting into it when I first bought it but I finally made it a priority and enjoyed it.

I bought myself a PDA last week. I’m completely amazed at how easily a little piece of electronics can help me organize myself. I’ve got all of my appointments, my friends’ addresses, a budget, and even daily news on there. I know, I’m geeking out about something that everyone and their dogs has already heard about, learned about and done. I used to hate it when people would get so excited about something that I already had. “Did you know that I sent an email to someone in Australia?” “Yeah, so?” “I just thought that was so cool.” “And how does that pertain to our management class?” “I just thought it was cool.” “Die, bitch. It’s 8:00 in the morning and I’m learning the difference between click and double-click and I gotta hear you ramble on about your Australian e-adventure? DIE!” And yes, I realize that there are daytimers, contact lists and spreadsheets on desktop computers (and have been daytimers, spreadsheets and address books since about 1987 or so) but I’ve never been motivated to use them like I am now. (Well… that and my wife told me that if I bought it and didn’t use it she’d kick my ass)

All hail the Sony CLIĒ, organizing Liam’s life since 06/13/2005!