Tag Archives: 3B

Seventeen or: My Boy

15 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

Today, at 242p, my “itty bitty boy,” 3B, will be 17 years old. I remember getting up at 4am 17 years ago and getting his mother and myself ready to relieve her discomfort and welcome our child into this world. He didn’t want to come out, either.

One month old
3B out with Dad

We were there by 530a and got settled in. The doctor came in and they started the “induction” process. When he did that, her “water” burst and we went through all the towels, sheets and pillowcases in the birthing room. Seriously, it was like someone turned on a water hose and left it laying in the yard. It wouldn’t stop coming.

The baby, however, did stop coming. He didn’t want to leave the comfort of the womb. In fact, he went backward. Instead of coming down toward the birth canal (yeah, I hate that term, too), he went further up in the womb. On top of that, as they had started inducing the birth, contractions had already started. But, the baby’s heart rate started going down each time a contraction happened. We started to get worried. The doctor, Doctor V as we called him, seemed only moderately concerned. He waited around for a bit and then went and did some “rounds.” It was like we had cut off the baby’s jacuzzi and he was mad!

We stared at the heart monitor and sure enough, every time a contraction happened, the heart rate diminished. The nurses came in and checked. My mother and her mother kept us company, but it really didn’t help much. Dr. V called a few times and around noon — remember we had been in this holding pattern since around 6a — he told us that he thinks it would be best to have a Caesarean Section since this heart rate issue was starting to concern him, too. We spent around two minutes weighing the pros and very few cons. We told Dr. V that the C-Section was a go.

We rolled into the operating room around 230p and they had her split open and the doctor and nurse were tugging hard and pulling her apart. I sat down by her head and she was numb but mostly lucid. She was being jostled and wanted to know what was going on. I sat up straight and realized that I was over the curtain divider. I could see everything that was going on. I told her I was going to watch. I have a hard time with blood and entrails and things but this was different. I watched as they pulled my child into the world. I had a camera and was taking pictures of this happening. The first thing I took a picture of? His scrotum. I had a son and dang it! I was excited!

We named him after my father (which is who I’m named after) and set on watching him grow. And grow he has.

He’s a very intelligent kid, almost a genius, but he won’t use that power for good, it seems. Like many his age, he’s content with putting his nose in a phone or computer and whiling away his life. Well, he finally found something that he’s into and luckily is very good at, cooking. He’s in the culinary program in the local trade school and we have a few plans for him once he’s out of school. He’s driving and with a “speed bump” (he says tongue-in-cheek) a few months back, he does well with that.

He has a job. It’s not often that our first job is actually in the field we want to pursue, right? He is working in a restaurant and as far as I can tell, he’s doing great there. I know the owner, the GM and the chef and they’re happy with what he’s doing.

He’s growing into a fine young man and I love this “boy” with all my heart. 17, 5’11”-6′ and into weightlifting, food and video games. He’s smart, asks a lot of questions, loves football and is all around a great kid. I got lucky, really.

So, happy birthday, son. I love you and cannot wait to see the impact you make on the world.

Until tomorrow, I’m wiping the tear from my eyes…
Scorp out!

—
“There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why.” – William Barclay

A Change of Plans or: Happy Mother’s Day

12 Sunday May 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

Salutations™!!

I’ll do my “haul” post tomorrow. Today is about honoring the mothers in the world.

My own mother, who on here I call Ma Mère is one of my best friends. Yeah, she carried me for 9 months. Yeah, she always made sure I was cared for. Yeah, she has always been there for me. She always taught me to be the best me I could. She taught me I can do anything I set out to do. She said I was her superhero. Yeah, I love that woman. I worked with her for 26 years and I still only live less than two football fields away from her. I need to spend more time with her. I can’t be this close and not be there more. 000mothers day

To my wife, The BCPF, just because you didn’t birth 3B doesn’t mean you’re not a mother, parent, carer, provider and you deserve major kudos and celebration today… and, every day. You have gone above and beyond what many stepparents have. You’re a great wife, a great partner, a great Steph-mom and I love you dearly. My kid does, too, even if he doesn’t always show it.

To my sister, we have always had a lot of fights and arguments and man, sometimes you can be a pain in the arse, but you’re my favorite pain in the arse. You’re a good mom to my nephews and a good wife to my bro-in-law (bless him). You do so much and I love you for it.

To my mother-in-law, thank you for giving me the work of art that is your daughter. She is the only reason I’m alive to this day and I thank and love you for it.

To my ex-wife. Yes, my ex-wife, the mother of my only child. You’re a great mom to my boy and he loves you immeasurably. He hates that he doesn’t get to see you as much as he’d like but you know he loves you. Thank you for being his rock and for giving him to me.

To all my friends who are mothers, to all my friends who have lost their mothers (she’s still there with you), to all my friends who have been called “mutha,” I love ya and hope today is a great day.

Until tomorrow, happy Mother’s Day…
Scorp out!

—
“I got to grow up with a mother who taught me to believe in me.” – Antonio Villaraigosa

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 4/27/19

28 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

It seems like forever since I’ve done one of these posts. We were still “in the dark” from the power outage and just went on about our day. We had breakfast and then did two stints at Underdog Records. The first was just to go in and get our haul and the second was to see (and participate) in Clay Howard’s LP release show. I was supposed to play bass but scheduling got in the way and couldn’t practice. I did lend my backup vocals, however. It was a good show. Loud and intimate. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

Chuck_Mangione,_Feels_So_Good_(1977)

©A&M

  • Carole King – Writer: Carole King — This was actually acquired last week but it was our only grab in a truncated visit to Underdog, which actually could have happened on Friday, it’s all a blur now. But, this was her debut album back in 1970. She had written a lot of stuff but this was her first for her versions of the songs. VG++.
  • The Mountain Goats – In League With Dragons — The BCPF loves The Mountain Goats and we try to get anything we can. This is a brand new release that came out on Friday. It’s the “hardcore” 2xLP, double-speed mastered version that is yellow/green marbled. It also contains an exclusive black vinyl 7-inch featuring two non-album tracks. New.
  • The Cure – Pillbox Tales 1977-1979 — This was an import and “unofficial” release. Robert Smith sounds so young and at times didn’t sound like him at all. But, it was and it is. Great sound. VG++.
  • The Fresh & Onlys – Early Years Anthology — This is an American rock band out of San Francisco. The BCPF picked it up, I don’t know much about it. According to the bastion of all correct internet infotainment, Wikipedia: They are a key band in what has been described as San Francisco’s “new garage rock” movement, but their sound is equally aligned with pastoral psychedelia, brooding new wave, western twang, and jangly literate 80’s guitar pop. NM.
  • Kate Bush – The Kick Inside — If you ever know a Kate Bush song, you never forget the voice when you hear it again. That is the case here. I know her best for her work with Peter Gabriel and the tune “Running Up That Hill.” And, you can definitely hear the trademark Kate Bush warbly/high-pitched jangle. I love it, though. VG- due to some pops and skip or two.
  • Dokken – Tooth And Nail — It’s Dokken, it’s hair metal from the late 80s. I like that stuff. Yeah, I’m a sucker. VG/VG- because of the sleeve.
  • Linda Ronstadt – Silk Purse — Her second album and it’s all covers, as she was wont to do. Her thing was her voice. That was her personality and her vibe. She now has Parkinsons Disease and is unable to sing. This and all subsequent entries on this list is from the $1 bin and should be VG unless otherwise noted.
  • Nat King Cole – Top Pops — Nat King Cole. The BCPF. Done.
  • John Denver – John Denver’s Greatest Hits — 3B always plays “Take Me Home, Country Roads” when we’re cooking so, we have to add it, right?
  • Chuck Mangione – Feels So Good — Ol’ Chuck gets Yacht Rock Radio play, especially the title track, so why not have some on vinyl? I love that song.
  • Paris – Paris — This was Bob Welch’s (credited as Robert Welch) first project after leaving Fleetwood Mac. He formed this band with ex-Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick and ex-Nazz (with Todd Rundgren) drummer Thom Mooney. The fact that Bob is on it and the cool neon green cover, are really the reasons I got this.
  • The Lovin’ Spoonful – The Very Best Of The Lovin’ Spoonful — As the name suggests. This is listed as Good condition and the cover sleeve is Poor because it’s falling apart.
  • Abbott & Costello – Who’s On First? — The BCPF found it and wanted it. That’s all we needed to know, right?
  • Europe – The Final Countdown — 7″ Single, not the full album, which I certainly want. People seem to hate this song, the band and the album. Kind of like Nickelback today. However, I love the band, this song and the album. So, I stick my tongue out at all of you.

So, it was a pretty great haul, even though we only got to listen to about two of the records because of the power/Clay situation. We will catch up a little today, I think. Underdog was hopping with people yesterday, partly due to Clay’s performance, but because people were just wanting to be there. Jonathan had hotdogs, too. Yum! Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear about the TLD/UR special of the week. And, use Discogs to catalog your vinyl, CD or even cassette collections.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I’d like to see you in the morning light. I’d like to feel you when it comes tonight. Now I’m here and I’m all alone. Still, I know how it feels. I’m alone again. Tried so hard to make you see but I couldn’t find the words. Now the tears, they fall like rain. I’m alone again without you.” – “Alone Again” (Dokken/Pilson)

A Happily Recurring Theme or: Seventh Second

18 Thursday Apr 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

Note: I liked what I wrote about this day last year so I just copied it and reposted. It’s hard to write this story without repeating myself so, why fight it? I want to bring attention to the fact that I’m still here to annoy you, Dear Reader. I am happy to be able to say that (that I’m still here).

It was  six seven years ago today that I received my “zipper.” Being at the hospital before the sun came up, getting shaved from neck to (literally) toe, seeing my family, having my (then) fiance – The BCPF – standing holding my hand and trying to keep a happy face, having my parents pray over me as I get wheeled through some ominous doors, being moved onto a mostly comfortable operating table and telling stupid jokes to the operating staff before I just blacked out counting back from 100. That’s how I remember it.

I groggily stirred with a breathing tube snaked through my gullet whilst hearing a nurse, whose name I believe was Sandy, talk to me and me nodding that I understood whatever it was she was saying to me. The BCPF came in to see me, touching me, stroking my hair (I still had a little bit). I’m not sure of the timeline, I was still very doped up on morphine at the time. Maybe some time passed, maybe it didn’t, but Ma Mère came into the recovery room and in a moment we will all talk about until we’re no longer here, she patted me on the left shoulder and said, “see, you really do have a heart.” At this point, I pointed to “Sandy” and made a motion to bring me a writing utensil and something to write upon. In my continued, and glorious haze, I scribbled to my mother the following:

Leave the comedy to me!

I remember everyone laughing. My job was done, I went through another phase of “blacked out.” They had collapsed my lungs in order to get to my arteries and heart and whatever else they were doing with me and, as a lifelong asthmatic, my lungs and I have a long history of arguing. They weren’t wanting to cooperate and inflate so I could breathe on my own. So, recovery took a little longer than it should have. Then they wheeled me up to my own private room. I had to get up and sit in a chair. I asked for my phone and that’s when this selfie was taken:

Tim After Surgery

My son came in to see me, as did my family. I had put them all through a lot. They were tired, nervous, but happy that I was sitting there making stupid faces at them, I was alive. I had survived. Hand me my heart-shaped pillow and let me cough. There was no laying down for a while, that’s for sure. When I sat back, I could feel my chest shifting. After all, they did saw me in half. I didn’t lay down for about four weeks, actually. But, over time my strength came back and I was able to maneuver around like a real person.

On the way to that, though, I had people watching over me like a hawk. The BCPF made sure that someone was “on duty” with me the whole time, from my sister to my mother, her to her mother. Someone was always here. It got to where I had to fake needing to go to the bathroom just to go sit on the toilet lid and be by myself for a few minutes. I had some great friends bring me and my chaperones food. I can’t tell Chris and Ashley, Doug and Molly and Jerry and Jennifer how much I appreciate them doing that.

After this, though, The BCPF and I decided that we’re going to live. LIVE! And, that’s what we’ve done. We’ve been to Europe twice, the second a wedding/honeymoon expedition. So glad I got to see Notre Dame before this week happened. We accompanied friends to Costa Rica. We went to Walt Disney World with my family. We have time with each other. We enjoy just about everything we do. We collect records, we eat really delicious food, we hang out with really terrific friends, we just love our lives.

I have to really thank The BCPF for everything, because if it
weren’t for her, making sure I take my meds regularly, eating right, doing what little exercise I’ll do, going to my doc appts, and just living the heck out of IMAG0150me, I wouldn’t be here today to write this. She didn’t sleep much that first week. When she did it was in my hospital bed. My boy is also a huge part of my life. He’s almost 16 17 so he’s testing my ticker a good bit, but I love that boy to no end. They together are truly my everything. To my family, thank you all for your support and being here for me. To my friends, you’re all my bedrocks. You’re the foundation that I build on. To The Beer Dads, Jon and Paul, thank you guys for traversing this weird ride with The BCPF and me in our quest for World Domination. To everyone. I love you. Just… I love you. To Dr. Bret Borchelt. Thank you for “fixing” me.

I was 41 when this happened. I’m 46 47 now. I have to at least make it to 82 for me to be satisfied with it. I have to say, in all sincerity, I would never want to go through this again. However, in the grand scheme of things, it was all worth it and really, for me, wasn’t all that terrible. I think my family and friends had it worse than I in this ordeal. I got taken care of, waited on and yes had to endure some pain, but it wasn’t too awful. I’m just glad we have hit the “magic number” (no not three in this case) of six seven. That’s when the docs stop looking so closely at the procedure. I’m still here and other than being ridiculously fat, I feel great. So, all is well on this side of the world. I hope all of you have as wonderful a time as I do. Happy sixth seventh second birthday to me.

Until tomorrow, still kickin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Open-heart surgery is now part of a typical life experience for many people. Folks talk casually about ‘having a stent put in,’ as if they had their tires rotated.” – Roger Ebert

Silent Sunday or: Been KISSed

07 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in KISS, Life as We Know It, Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

We didn’t get to Underdog Records yesterday due to our travels for the KISS concert. It was 3B’s and The BCPF’s first KISS concert and 3B’s first overall. They had smiles on their face all night long but some of that could have come from watching me.

I have seen KISS about 11 times now and I will say this show is in my top 5. There was no evidence of so-called lip syncing that people have talked about with Paul. I heard every crack in his voice in every song and especially during the interspersed banter. You could tell he was having a bit of trouble but he put on a great show. Gene looked like he was my age, not about to drop into 70. Eric and Tommy were great and on it. I do think Tommy was a bit loud but it was great.

3B was most impressed with Eric’s drumming, especially the obligatory solo. And, it was great. I know some people hate drum solos but I love them.

Also, I have very few pics because I purposefully didn’t take them or even pull my phone out once the show started except these few (the pic of the three of us was before the show).

Until tomorrow, recuperating…
Scorp out!

—
“Baby gets tired, everybody knows. Your mother tells you, baby has to show, yeah, yeah. Let me go. ‘Cause baby’s got the feelin’, baby wants a show. Baby, won’t you tell me? Baby, rock ‘n’ roll, yeah, yeah.” – “Let Me Go, Rock and Roll” (Simmons/Stanley)

Sounds Like Saturday or: The KISS Edition

06 Saturday Apr 2019

Posted by in KISS, Life as We Know It, Sounds Like Saturday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Salutations™!!

Well, you had to know this one was coming. It’s Sounds Like Saturday time and I’m going to see KISS tonight and taking The BCPF and 3B with me. So, here’s a clip of one of the coolest things you’ll ever see, in concert or ever. At least to this Gene Simmons mark. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same KISS channel…
Scorp geeking out!

—
“The spell you’re under will slowly rob you of your virgin soul…” – “God of Thunder” (Stanley)

A Quarter Past or: Another KISS?

05 Friday Apr 2019

Posted by in KISS, Life as We Know It

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Salutations™!!

25 years ago today, Kurt Cobain took his own life (or not according to what you believe happened). At that time I didn’t care. He “single-handedly” killed my music. He didn’t and as I’ve said, it was time for it to go, really, but at the time, you couldn’t convince me of that. It was 4 days before my first wedding. I really didn’t hear about it until I was on my honeymoon. And I didn’t care. Good riddance, I think I said. That was dumb and I totally get that, admit that, and regret that. I don’t think or agree he was the second coming of Lennon, but he was important and I now get that.kiss300

RIP to him, for sure.

Tomorrow, I will take The BCPF and 3B to Raleigh to see KISS. It will be my 11th time, I think, if I counted right, or if not, a good many and their first and probably only time. I have to admit that I am glad they are finally calling it quits. I’m sure this will be a show to end all shows but c’mon… they’re pushing 70 and why not go out before you become a joke? Paul’s voice isn’t the same and they look funny walking around in platform shoes, but man, I’m sure I’m going to be a giddy 8/9-year-old again.

It’s not about all that other stuff, it’s about how I feel listening to it. I still get tingly listening to KISS records; even the stuff I don’t like as much as some of their other stuff. It’s still a spectacle that all other bands try to imitate but usually fall short. This will be great. I have seats which are front row on the first balcony level so we are looking right over Gene’s head but slightly in front of him so we can see what’s going on. We’ll be eye level to him “God of Thunder” time, I think. Again, gonna be great. I know a few folks that are going and we’re gonna have a meet up beforehand, It think/hope.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“What else should I be? All apologies. What else could I say? Everyone is gay. What else could I write? I don’t have the right. What else should I be? All apologies.” – “All Apologies” (Cobain)

The Proud Papa Part 2 or: He Washed What!?

02 Tuesday Apr 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

56416931_10157212973819198_1326715994734854144_n

©Niki Farrington

I promise that I am not going to keep rambling about this. But, I think I’m allowed to still be proud of my boy. He started work today and there were some hiccups that were all on him and had nothing to do with the job. He was there on time, he did what he was told.

Chef Niki said he was humble, attentive, and enthusiastic.

He even washed dishes. We asked how she got him to do that. Her response: “I told him to wash dishes.”

So, the first night was a success. He said he was a little tired. But, okay, I’ve given you all that you can probably handle.

Yesterday we recorded The Man Who Ate the Town, The Beer Dads and today we recorded Apartment 5B. You can listen to the latest episodes here:

The Man Who Ate the Town

The Beer Dads

Apartment 5B

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Your first job can set the trajectory for the rest of your career.” – Daniel Schwartz

The Proud Papa or: A First Big Step

01 Monday Apr 2019

Posted by in Food, Life as We Know It

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

Last night, 3B and The BCPF and I went to Willows for an event with Chef Terrell Anistead and Ashley Hardesty (from Forsyth Seafood and Market) called The Table Experience.

20190331_204558

Chef Travis, 3B, Chef Terrell

Chef Terrell had 3B come back and help them in the kitchen. Chef Jesse got a chef’s jacket from his car and put it on 3B. He then gave him a black bandana which went on the head like a headband. All four of the kitchen folk back there, at least the guys, were part of the Bandana Gang (from Chef T-Money).

Chef Travis came from a PCG board meeting in Charlotte to check in with the crew and he noticed they had it covered. Throughout the night, Chef Travis, Ryan Oberle (the main-most-bar-dude at Willows) and others came out to tell me “your boy is killing it!”

I purposefully sat where I could look into the kitchen because I wanted to see what was going on. Every time I looked in there, he was right in the middle of everything, prepping, plating, expediting. He really was on it and Chef T-Money (that’s Terrell, by the way) agreed. Also working in the kitchen was Chef Niki F who is the EC of Silo Bistro & Bar and who also owns Niki’s Pickles and Lele who is the GM for the Good Vibes Hospitality folks. Everyone was impressed in his abilities and his hard work.

This morning, I got a call from Lele and she asked if he would be interested in working under Niki at Silo. I said I’d ask him and he was all over it. We don’t know what he’ll be doing. It could be washing dishes. It could be prepping. It could be serving. Who knows. But, the point is, the kitchen is a little more laid back than in Willows and this will be a good way for him to get his feet wet. And, he starts tomorrow. I’m proud of him, excited for him, scared for him, all the things a parent should be for him.

He cooks circles around me and I know he’s top-notch in his culinary class so this is a perfect stepping stone for him. He shouldn’t have trouble and he will listen to Niki’s direction and do what he needs to do. That’s my boy. I love him.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” – Aristotle

The Umbrella Academy or: Cheesysteak

07 Thursday Mar 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Salutations™!!

A reminder for you to listen to the latest episode of The Less Desirables to hear about my big announcement. Thanks in advance!

MV5BNTFhOTk1NTgtYWM1ZS00NWI1LTgzYzAtYmE5MjZiMDE0NzlhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,675,1000_AL_

©Netflix

So, 3B and I have been watching this Netflix show, The Umbrella Academy. We love things with superheroes, James Bondish and scenarios like it.

I won’t say it’s great, and it has gone through some slow periods but we’re getting ready to start episode #8 (out of 10), the next time we watch something and things are starting to ramp up.

I used to own a comic book store and I don’t remember anything about The Umbrella Academy. I think it came about just as I was getting out of that business.

The premise is there are 43 children born “Immaculate Conception” style and this rich dude, Sir Reginald Hargreeves that “buys” seven of them and trains them into superheroes or superhumans, at least. Well, all but one, Vanya “Number Seven” (played by Ellen Page) who seemingly is powerless.

There is “Number One” known as Luther Hargreeves, who is super strong and built like an ape. “Number Two” is Diego Hargreeves who is known as The Kraken has enhanced breath-holding abilities and the ability to curve the trajectory of anything he throws, usually knives.

“Number Three” is Allison Hargreeves or The Rumor, a celebrity with the ability to manipulate reality by lying with the phrase “I heard a rumor…”

Klaus Hargreeves is “Number Four” or The Séance, a flamboyant drug addict with the ability to communicate with the dead. Speaking of the dead he frequently talks with “Number Six” his brother Ben or The Horror who died somehow – we’ve not gotten to how, yet – and who sometimes helps Klaus in situations.

“Number Five” is just that, Number Five and he has this time traveling thing. He traveled through time to get away from the Sir to find out that the world ends. He ends up working with ‘The Commission” who monitors the time/space continuum and sends agents to make sure everything stays the way they should. He does a lot of killing and stuff. He breaks rank and goes AWOL. Therein, The Commission sends Hazel and Cha-Cha (Mary J. Blige) to find and kill Five.

There’s a lot more to it than this, but Five is back to try and get the Umbrella Academy back together to stop the apocalypse from happening. Do they save the world? I don’t know. I’m not there yet. But, will know soon. I’m not going to tell you, anyway, that would be a spoiler and I don’t like spoilers and I don’t like being one. So there.

I just wanted to tell you what 3B and I have been doing. We also made a delicious cheesesteak-style sloppy joe, tonight. That was really, really good.

Anywhat! I’m done for today.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“A disbanded group of superheroes reunites after their adoptive father, who trained them to save the world, dies.” – IMDb