Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas

That seems to be a recurring theme for me this year.

So much has happened. So many changes. So many issues. So many trips. So many people. So. much.

Some of it’s been great. A lot of it has been pure, unadulterated, crap.

Some of it was completely, totally, and unabashedly my own doing.

In some cases, there were accessories to the crimes crap.

Some of it was just life.

Regardless of the source, I’m tired of it. I need to get back to the good again.

I spent most of this last weekend sorting through closets and cupboards, clearing out crap we don’t need so we have room for the “good things” to come.

I have piles of stuff heading to consignment, co-workers, and thrift stores. Craigslist postings are up. I nearly finished my Christmas shopping so I could spend the rest of this month helping my mom as my dad continues to shuttle back and forth between hospital, rehab, and home. More importantly, I’m focusing on making great holiday memories with my kids.

And, I’m going to write more and write better.

Thanks to Mrs. Flinger, I’m giving myself an early gift this Christmas – a challenge. So, bear with me. Check back on Mondays for each challenge’s post. I’ll be doing my best to make it good.

1. Diet coke
2. Cool Ranch Doritos
3. Craigslist
4. Ikea
5. The service department at my Honda dealership
6. Cool Cuts for Kids (can you see why?)
7. Ann Taylor
8. Victoria’s Secret…I love their sweaters, REALLY.
9. Southwest Airlines
10. Target
11. Mesa Grill at Caesar’s Palace
12. Red Carpet cupcakes from Retro Bakery
13. Starbucks
14. Albertson’s
15. Payless shoes
16. Hilton
17. Apple
18. Trader Joe’s
19. Netflix
20. Lego
21. Disney
22. World Market
23. The mixologist at Bradley Ogden
24. Valley Hospital
25. D’Longhi

Well, it has been a hell of a 2009 so far and this week, of all weeks, I am pleased to recount 100 thing I am thankful for. Here are the first 25. More to come as the week progresses.

1. The roof over my head, food on my table, and I can keep the lights on.
2. My great job that allows me to do what I love and pays me well enough to provide for those I love.
3. A dependable wireless internet connection.
4. A new car that I love.
5. DVR technology.
6. Competent medical professionals who actually care about their patients.
7. Medical insurance.
8. Opportunities to travel and meet interesting people
9. Supportive and caring friends.
10. My health.
11. Yo Gabba Gabba (DJ Lance Rock is my new BFF).
12. Relatively snow-free winters.
13. Music that touches my soul and makes me cry.
14. Great books and the minds that write them.
15. People who make me laugh, especially when it’s completely inappropriate.
16. Teachers to enlighten my children.
17. Forgiveness.
18. Second chances.
19. Bubble baths.
20. Massages.
21. A good cry.
22. Netflix.
23. Frequent flier miles.
24. Facebook and Twitter.
25. Day passes to take Dad from the rehab hospital to the mall.

Not bad for a guy who had congestive heart failure five weeks ago, eh?