Arthur Alligood

I did it!!

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:55:00 +0000

Yeh, so I biked 12 miles today and it wasn't really that bad. A big thanks to everyone who donated to Blood:Water on my behalf. I think the final total was close to $200. It was an honor to pedal for such a worthy cause.

Here are some pictures I took from my phone.

The starting line(Look at all that spandex!)

Along the way

the green way bridge

At the end. *Yes, I know I look like Andre the Giant with a kids bike. I promise I'm not 7'2.

Biking for Africa

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Hey, people! Many of you already know about me biking this next Saturday(7/12) for Blood:Water Mission. I still need donations, so if you feel inclined to give go to the following link and sponsor away.
http://www.ridewelltour.com/DONATE/SponsoraParticipant/tabid/1829/Default.aspx

Also, I am selling my mountain bike to get money to buy a nice road bike. If you're interested or have a nice road bike you'd like to trade me let me know. Below is the link to my post on Craigslist.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/bik/743343162.html

That is really all for now. Tracy is getting bigger everyday now and in three weeks we should know what we are having. I will keep you posted.

Whoa!

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:54:00 +0000

Today happened. This is not a dream that I will soon wake from. It happened and I will never be the same.

Our first ultra-sound revealed to us a blessed surprise: We're having twins!!!!

Yes, there are two little babies kicking around in Tracy's belly. My face hurts from smiling.

I need to go by diapers.

You will hear more.

Eight questions for my old man

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:56:00 +0000

Today is Father's Day and it is hot here in middle Tennessee. I forgot today that I am a Father, too. I guess its hard for me to put myself in the same category as my Dad. He is the finest man I have known. He taught me what it means to love people and he did it mostly with his mouth closed. I have learned this is the best kind of teaching, words spoken by a life of action, a silent sermon.

Recently, my Father went on a mission to learn more about his Father. He brought a video camera along and interviewed him asking eight questions in honor of his recent 80th birthday. At his birthday party he played the finished film for him and the rest of the family. It was a moving experience to say the least. I sat there humbled by the stories and the tears of my Grandpa. I felt so grateful to be a part of such a rich history of mighty men.

So, today sipping my sweet tea at lunch, flipping through the Sunday paper, I came across this article entitled "Eight questions for my old man." I immediately recognized the faces and knew the story by heart. I was humbled once again and praying over dinner I thanked God for my Dad and prayed that I would be like him in the coming years, that I would continue the legacy. Somehow, I feel that prayer is being answered everyday now and it brings me to tears to think about it.

Below is a link to the interview and parts of the video. I hope it blesses you as it has me.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/FEATURES01/806150314&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Drumroll please..

Tue, 20 May 2008 18:05:00 +0000

At work, before we announce the student of the week and teacher of the week, the school director asks for a drumroll. The kids(none past 3rd grade) make all kinds of noises and beat on the tables like they are giant, snare drums or massive djembe's. I can hear them now even though yesterday was my last day for the year. I can see there faces all full of anticipation. "Could it be me this time?"

I am asking the same question right now. Could it be me this time? Could it be me or should I say "us" this time, again? The answer is yes it could be and it most certainly is. Let the drumroll cease with the following announcement:

TRACY AND I ARE HAVING ANOTHER BABY!!!!!!!!!

More later I promise.

How they grow

Wed, 07 May 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Here are some pictures of Corban. She will be 2 in July! She brings us, so much joy.

Here she is pushing her purple bear around on her Cornpopper. Every time the bear would fall off she would say, "No, No." Sounds like her parents.

Ah, lounging in the bean bag chair. Bring me some food.

Here is Linus, I mean Corban. *Notice the toys everywhere.

Haricut and v-neck

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:30:00 +0000

Yep, I celebrated my birthday this past weekend. I am 29 years old!! The staggering thought is that I am now a year away from being 30. I will enter a new age bracket then and I suppose I must finally consider myself an adult. A kid at work the other day said to me while we were playing four sqaure, "You're such a kid." You better believe it. He thought he was insulting me, but I took it as a compliment. I think I just want to be a responsible kid. One that works to provide for his family, but still knows how to have fun, to make stupid jokes and to laugh a lot at nothing in particular.

I believe the ideal is to grow up and yet keep the parts about our childlike nature that are really good and worth keeping. Most of us get older and leave every bit of it behind. For example, wonder is something that most adults have thrown away. We are not excited or surprised about anything. Nothing is a big deal anymore. The sky is just the sky, the moon just a ball of fire burning off in the distance.(Or like the rest of the intelligent, adult world knows its a big rock reflecting the rays of the sun, which is a big ball of fire.) Kids, however, see more. They stare at the clouds forever picking out images. The moon is not a ball of fire(or rock), but rather a lump of cheese. This leads me to another thing high-minded adults have lost: imagination.

Adults want to read realistic novels not fantastic, fairy tales. G.K. Chesterton said that he learned real truth from the fairy tales. But modern adults don't have the time. If its not true then why bother? As an adult I say without imagination, why bother? Without wonder, why bother? If I was without the ability to enter into the non-existent I think I would go crazy. I always think that this desire really shows my desire to be connected with love, that which I have never seen. I enjoy traveling to Narnia because I long deeply for heaven. Imagination must be sacred then and leaving it behind surely must be blasphemy.

I have no clue where this has all come from. It is good to think about growing up I think. This is what birthdays are about, to have days to think about how far you've come and how far you might go. It is good to know that I am still a kid. Apparently, even kids themselves can see it. I pray that this never be lost. I aim to die a frail child, weak from the excess of laughter and play.

Whirlwind

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:46:00 +0000

Hello people. This week has been so wonderful. As of today, Saturday, April 19th at 9:48 A.M. I have given away nearly 200 copies of the new ep!!! I have been blown away to say the least by the response. If this pace continues my goal of 1,000 copies in three months may come a lot sooner. A big thanks to those who have sent out e-mails or called friends telling them about the music. It really means a lot. Continue to do so if you have time. There still is much road ahead.

Some of you have been long time supporters and have bought my former cds.(Brian Shilts you're the man!) If you are itching to support me financially then I would suggest buying an old cd to give as a gift. Most of my stuff is on Itunes, Emusic, etc.. and if you want to go this route you can. But what I really need to do is to get rid of the old cds that are stacked next to my bed. Once their gone, their gone and the sooner, the better. If you'd like to buy a box I can sell it to you for dirt cheap. Just let me know.

Many people have sent me emails about the new songs. All have been really encouraging. Feel free to leave comments. I would love to know what you think. Negative reviews are welcome, too. A guy named Ben from Nashville described the ep as "pleasantly dissatisfying." I like it alot!!

By the way, sorry all I have written lately are music related posts. Once this semester ends I will write more about the important things. Music is not on the top of the list.

Finally, finally

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:21:00 +0000

The long awaited ep, "full circle" is up for FREE download. Make sure you are on a computer with a good connection speed. I have DSL and it took me about 11 minutes or so to download the music. A big thanks to Ben from Standing Small who worked on the site and will continue to make it beautiul. I owe him several steak dinners and one enormous bear hug.

As I mentioned before my personal goal is to give away 1,000 copies of the ep in three months. So, July 12th is the date to keep in your mind. I plan on telling everyone I know about the music, but my efforts alone will only get me so far. I NEED YOUR HELP. If you want to make your own banner ads go for it. Have a listening party at your Grandma's house for all I care. Its really up to you. Every little bit helps.

Let me know if you have any problems downloading or if you have any suggestions on how we could do things better.

This is a happy day for me.

It's Done!!!!!

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:52:00 +0000

I picked up the master to the ep today. All 6 songs are available for listening over at the Myspace.

Next up is the new site and the chance to download all six songs for FREE.

Thank you for your patience. Please let me know what you think of the songs. I am really proud of them.

Hope everyone had a great Easter.

Two new songs posted

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:51:00 +0000

So, over here I have posted new songs from the new ep, which I have recently decided will be called "full circle." Give the songs a listen and let me know what you think. I hope to eventually post the whole ep for streaming since now on Myspace you can add six songs to your profile. My good friend Ben is working on the new website and soon you will be able to download these songs from the site. For now, however, you can stream them on Myspace.

I really hope you like them as much as I do. Tell everyone and their mother to listen.

*The above photo will be the cover for the ep. It was taken on my first day of school many years ago. Look at those socks!!

Almost there

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:19:00 +0000

Talked to Andrew this morning and mixing should wrap up today. I can't wait to give these songs away for nothing in return. It brings a smile to my face to think about it. Truly it is better to give than to receive.

Andrew says he really likes the tunes which is hopefully a sign that everyone else will. He wrote on his site last week, "Great songs. Really great songs. It’s a joy to work on tunes this good." I am flattered to say the least.

So, this here site will be changing soon and anyone who wants to will be able to download these new six songs for free. I will definitely keep everyone posted on the progress. My personal goal is to give away 1,000 copies of the ep in the first three months. If anybody is interested helping me promote online send me a comment. This is going to be totally word of mouth and I can't do it alone. I will have various banner ads to post on your Myspace, Facebook, etc... Feel free to make your own if you have such abilities.

Well, I am posting from the library because my labtop died last week. I need to go grab lunch and then scurry back to White House to pick the greatest little girl in the world up from Mother's(Fathers)Day Out. School is going well, but as usual it is really busy. I made an A on my comparison paper in Lit 2020. My proffesor chose one paper to read as an example and it was mine. She didn't tell the class though so I had to sit there alone listening to her read my own paper aloud. It was a really weird experience. Kind of like hearing one of your songs covered or hearing your music on the radio. I always get embarrassed in these moments and my hands start to sweat. I wanted to leave the class today, but I didn't.

BY the way, I compared Flannery O'Connor and Junot Diaz. The whole thing was about how to seduce a woman. Pretty funny stuff. *I have never seduced a woman.

Ok, that is all I have. Keep checking back when you can.

Could I say anything else?

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:46:00 +0000

Ep update #2

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:14:00 +0000

Ok, so the ep is not ready yet and for those of you who really care(all two of you!) I am sorry. Mr. Osenga is going to mix it, but he is really busy right now with Caedmon's Call and everything else. I would feel wrong rushing him, so I guess I should say that the ep will come out when it comes out, which hopefully is before the summer.

IN other news...

I am super swamped with school right now. It is all I do really. I get stressed quite often because I'm a perfectionist. Pray for me!

Thats it.

Oh, you should see "There will be Blood." Best movie I have seen in years.

Ep update

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:53:00 +0000

So, I mentioned back in Novemeber about an ep I was planning on releasing in January. Things are still for the most part on schedule. I dropped the files off today at Sputnik Studios.(Mitch Dane's place. His business card says, "Get Mitch slapped!! Absolutely hilarious.) Andrew Osenga, who recorded and played on Under the Gray will be mixing. If you haven't heard his Letters to the Editor ep you really need to. It is available for free here He should have everything done in a couple of weeks and since I am not pressing cd's this time the music will be available really fast.

I am still toying with ideas on how to release the thing. My main idea is to release it here on my website for free. This would help in bringing traffic to the site and also hopefully help me sell my other records. My new idea, however, is to release it on Itunes and other internet download sites for a penny. Six songs for a penny. I have even considered calling the cd, "The Penny ep." I may do both. Do you have an opinion on the matter? Post a comment and let me know what you think.

Ok, so below are the songs that will appear on the new disc. *Still haven't nailed down an order yet.

Hold On
Keep your head up
Miles from your mind
My first one
Trying to find me
Long Haul

Well, that is all I have concerning music. School is going well, but really takes a lot of my time. I am having fun though. I will write soon.

Here I go

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 03:13:00 +0000

So, tomorrow I start back to school. The last time I attended class was 8 years ago, so I am a little nervous. Can't wait to get back in the groove of going to class and what not. I am still going to try to blog when I can, so keep checking back. I feel I am starting on a ride. This is a long time coming.

I don't really have anything else except this picture of Corban asleep on her favorite, little pink chair. She has been sick all week and is just now starting to return to her normal, happy self. This is the cutest girl ever!

Silence

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:06:00 +0000

"O unchanging God, let me know myself; let me know you."
-Saint Augustine of Hippo

I coasted through Christmas. New Years came without a bang and no desire for resolutions. To say I have been in a "funk" would be an understatement. I have tried to figure things out in my head to no avail. It feels like God has left the scene and now the silence is all I've got. The quiet I think can either kill you or resurrect you. Right now, it is killing me.

Tracy and I went on a date last night and talked things over. After dinner we went to Books-A-Million to look around. As always, I ended up buying a book. When I got home and started reading it I thought I had made a bad choice. I wasn't really paying attention and I thought I was buying a small book of Augustine quotes and what not. Turns out I had purchased the thoughts of a certain Donald X. Burt, former proffesor of philosophy at Villanova University. You'd think I would have got a clue upon reading the title, "Refelections upon St. Augustine." I don't suppose there is a book by Augustine reflecting upon Augustine. Like I said I have been in an overall funk of sorts.

Anyways, it turns out this little paperback was exactly what I needed. The first couple of pages did what the silence has been doing...they slew me. The first line read, "The journey toward union with God like the journey of life itself must begin in the darkness." I am in the darkness, have been for months. I can't really explain it except to say that I don't think I have been here before. I have been in the dark many times, but not this far deep. Here again is where the silence comes in. The farther you climb in a cave the farther you get away from the opening where the noise is and where the light shines. How I long for friendly voices and pure, sunlight. I have neither at the moment for I am alone with the sound of nothing.

Andrew Peterson has a song called "Silence of God" and a certain line comes to mind amidst this harsh, quiet. He says to close the second chorus(I think) "What about the times when even followers get lost? Cause we all get lost sometimes."

I am a follower that is lost.

Lord, come please and find me. Teach me in the silence how to be at peace. Resurrect me, my savior. I believe, help me overcome my unbelief.

Merry Christmas

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:27:00 +0000

"So, this is Christmas and what have you done?" sang John Lennon. This is what I've done. Its not much and it will not bring world peace, but it is from my heart. I bought Pro tools off of Craigslist the other day and decided to record this song I wrote a while back. It is a Christmas song, but I hope it can be sung all year round. I lit the Advent candles(above) and recorded the guitar and vocals in the bathroom. The piano is an old, upright Wurlitzer that resides in Corban's room. I had to tune the guitar to the piano because the old thing is slightly out of tune. Anyways, I hope you like it. If you really take a liking then send me a message I will send you a mp3 for Christmas. San-tee Claws does e-mail!! summerofchange@hotmail.com

Ok, here you go. Its called "On his shoulders." *Please excuse my piano playing.

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Here's looking at you kid

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:22:00 +0000

I am sitting in Casablanca Coffee in the old, White House. A grandma and her granddaughter just left the table in front of me. They are now to my left talking to the guy operating the expresso machine. Something about a guy they know who walks everywhere because he doesn't have a car. Also, present are two friends chatting about life and what not. One of them is pregnant. I can't help imagine her as Mary and the other lady as Elizabeth. There is another lady on the couch that is wired to her bluetooth and is focusing on her laptop screen. Lastly, there is a man at the bar who is slightly hunched over and looks kind of lonely. He was really wrapped up when he came in. It is not that cold, but apparently he is taking no chances. And now there is a old couple at a table though they don't look like a married couple they look like old friends. Maybe they are on a afternoon date or maybe they just met somehow by accident. They both look calm.

And all of this is happening while Switchfoot's, "Dare you to move" is playing over the speakers. I am trapped in a movie.

I have been listening to a lot of Billie Holiday lately.(Picture above) What a voice!! I mean she makes Norah Jones look like a little, sissy school girl. She sings this song with the line, "I've got my love to keep me warm." To me she defines jazz music. My pastor doesn't get jazz and I will confess that up unitl lately I didn't either. But jazz in the last month has stormed my world and I think I finally get. I can't really explain this revelation, but please know that it has come.

Ms. Holiday's voice has just enough melancholy in it to remain real, but also the right amount of joy and hope to keep me going. See, I have been going through a rather large season of doubt. Everything has been under fire, as of late. The evolutionist worldview has been on my mind a lot and I must confess that I have asked myself many times lately, "What if their right?" The whole idea scares me to death. Have I reason for living apart from Christ? If the naturalistic process is God then what reason have I to love my wife or my daughter or anybody?

I helped put on a artist retreat this past weekend in east TN. We had about 20 artists or so come and it was such a good time for me. As I heard each of their hearts I realized once again that I am not alone in my struggle. Everybody has there issues and everyone doubts this gospel we claim as truth. I came home feeling at peace and a part of a much larger community who experiences pretty much everything I do. There is probably no greater comfort than knowing you are not alone.

So, the last Sunday of Advent is approaching and our march to the manger will soon be at an end. But this cannot be the end. Christmas, the Incarnation is a daily occurence, as is the Crucifixion and the Ressurection. We have Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter with every moment and unacknowledged breath. It is a miracle to be...to simply be. So, with as much reverence as I can muster, I offer my Christmas gift to naturalism in a simple, high schoolian(?) type phrase.......

"Screw that crap."

Man, that felt good.

My friend Andrew's old band, The Normals, is now playing. Take me home, Jesus.

Things I thought you should know

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:16:00 +0000

-Warning: Never confuse the word eschatology with scatology. They are not even remotely similar in meaning.

-Alfred Nobel not only started his annual awards deal, but also invented something else quite different...Dynamite. Yep, pretty ironic, huh? Peace prizes and dynamite. Weird.

-The show Deal or No Deal just might be the fakest hour of your night. No one really acts like that. *This includes the briefcase, models.

-The second verse of Away in the Manger says "The little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes." I am pretty sure that baby, Jesus cried. He was God and man. Both cry.

-Richard Dawkins, atheist and world renowned scientist, calls himself a "cultural Christian." He does not want to do away with his countries Christian heritage. He enjoys singing Christmas carols. Huh?

-I just imagined a voting mishap involving people voting for Ru Paul rather than Ron Paul. That would be funny.

And finally...

-Carman is still making music.

Tom Conlon

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:57:00 +0000

Don't you love that unexpected call? You know, the one from a friend that you haven't talked to in a while. The friend you have wondered about, so many times over the last year. The person you have spoken of in your mind and said such things like, "Man, I love that guy" or "I hope he is well."

Tom Conlon called me today. He is living in Massachusetts for the winter. He is a songwriter that you really should know. His music is moving, but even moreso is his heart. I do believe he maybe the nicest guy I have ever met. I have opened up for him many times and each time I feel blessed to have had the opportunity. He has several records out and plans to be back on the road in February. By the way, he travels by himself in a converted short bus with his dog, Roadie. What an amazing way to travel!

Here is a video of Tom performing one of his best songs, "Leaning." Every time I hear this one tears well up. Please support this guy if you can. He deserves it.

Thanks for the prayers

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:28:00 +0000

I passed!!!! Yep, I had to get at least a 50 and I got a 53. That's two college courses I don't have to take!!

A big thanks to those who took time to say a little prayer.

Now, I can concentrate on other things like reading for pleasure or actually picking up a guitar. For the last month or so the only time I have picked up my guitar has been on Sunday's to lead worship. I guess you could say I am in a rut or maybe a new season. For the first time in a very long time I have been wondering what life would be like if I didn't make music. I am not saying I am throwing in the towel, but the thought has actually passed through my mind lately. I am sure the itch to write will come soon. The craft of songwriting seems to be a part of me. I do believe I write to stay sane. The cool thing is that sometimes this expression turns out to be the very thing that prevents other people from going down that same road toward insanity. I don't pretend to know how it works or that I am the only one that makes it so. All I have done is take notice. I write the songs, but I do not make them move. Someone much wiser than me takes the notes and words and does much more with them than they can do on their own. Music moves us not because it is music, but because it is given. It is in its very core nature a gift that requires like all gifts a repsonse whether it be sadness or joy or tears.

How did I get here? Till soon.

Short one

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:14:00 +0000

It is Monday night approaching Tuesday morning and I am up studying. I think I mentioned that I am going back to school in the Spring. Yep, so to save myself some time I am attempting to CLEP out of certain classes. Back in October, I successfully passed the CLEP test for Sociology and on Wed. I will be taking one covering Human Growth and Development. Right now, I am up to my neck in Freudian theories and what not. It is all interesting, but honestly I just want to pass the test so I don't have to be in school forever. My hope is to be starting on my bachelors next Fall. There is lots of work ahead, but I do believe this time I am up to it all.

I am approaching 30 and I am just now buckling down on my studies!! Man, this is a depressing thought. Why didn't I come to this point earlier? My wife, Dad, Mom, and brother all have their Master's and I have yet to get my Associates!!

Oh, well.

Back to Freud and zygotes and object permanence and the Apgar scale, and the reason a toddler crawls down a steep embankment even though he/she can already walk.

Pray for me day after tomorrow. I will need it.

Jayber Crow

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:35:00 +0000

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry is my favorite book ever. I have been wanting to share parts of it, but only today have I had enough time to type it all out. So, here is my favorite passage. It really doesn't have, too much to do with the overall story line, but it does clearly display Mr. Berry's writing genuis. It should make you want to get in the car and head to your favorite bookstore. Ok, that is all. You shall be changed.

Imagine a hunter, somebody from a city some distance away, who has a job he doesn’t like, and who has come alone out into the country to hunt on a Saturday. It is a beautiful, perfect fall day, and the Man feels free. He has left all his constraints and worries and fears behind. Nobody knows where he is. Anybody who wanted to complain or accuse or collect a debt could not find him. The morning that started frosty has grown warm. The sky seems to give its luster to everything in the world. The Man feels strong and fine. His gun lies ready in the crook of his arm, though he really doesn’t care whether he finds game or not. He has a sandwich and a candy bar in his coat pocket. And then, not looking where he was going, which is easy enough on such a day, he steps onto the rotten boards that cover one of those old wells, and down he goes.

He disappears suddenly out of the light world. He falls so quickly that he doesn’t have time to even ask what is happening. He hits the water, goes under, comes up, swims, or clings to the wall, inserting his fingers between the rocks. And now, I think, you cannot help imagining the way it would be for him. He looks up and sees how far down he has come. The sky that was so large and reassuring only seconds ago is now just a small blue picture of itself, far away. His first thought is that he is alone, that nobody knows where he is; these two great pleasures that were his freedom have now become his prison, perhaps his tomb. He calls out (for might not somebody chance to be nearby, just as he chanced to fall into the well?) and he hears himself enclosed within the sound of his own calling voice.

How does the story end? Does he save himself? Is he athletic enough, maybe, to get his boots off and climb out, clawing with fingers and toes into the grudging holds between the rocks of the wall? Does he climb up and fall back? Does somebody, in fact, for a wonder, chance to pass nearby and hear him? Does he despair, give up, and drown? Does he, despairing, pray finally the first true prayer of his life?

Listen. There is a light that includes our darkness, a day that shines down even on the clouds. A man of faith believes that the Man in the Well is not lost. He does not believe this easily or without pain, but he believes it. His belief is a kind of knowledge beyond any way of knowing. He believes that the child in the womb is not lost, nor is the man whose work has come to nothing, nor is the old woman forsaken in a nursing home in California. He believes that those who make their bed in Hell are not lost, or those who dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, or the lame man at Bethesada Pool, or Lazurus in the grave, or those who pray, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani.”
Have mercy.

Stay-at-home me

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:25:00 +0000

To let you know, I have been a stay-at-home Dad for almost a year and a half now. My wife, Tracy, goes off to work everyday while I stay at home with our daughter, Corban. Yep, I am Mr. Mom. I do it all….the diapers, the laundry, the dishes, and anything else you can think of. Somebody pat me on the back internet style. That feels nice.

It is interesting the glances I get sometimes out in public. On Tuesday’s I take Corban to the old White House Public Library (it is really a large white house!) where they have a sing-a-long, reading time thingy. I am always the only male present. Today, a little girl pointed at me saying to her Momma, "It’s a Momma." Her Mother quickly corrected her, "No, that is a Daddy."

Here in the South, men go off to put food on the table while women take care of the chullen’. This is just how it is. So, someone like me doesn’t fit the mold at all. Its not that I really want to be doing this kind of thing, but right now it is simply the best thing for our family. We save A LOT of money because we don’t do daycare. Also, I feel I am blessed to have this time with my girl in her beginning years. Not many Dads get this opportunity. But I must confess that sometimes during the day I feel like a sissy.

In the Spring, I am going back to school to finish up my teaching degree. The plan is for Tracy and I to switch roles again. She would love to be home and I am dying to be out working once again. Not to say that what I am currently doing is not work. It is work indeed and I have a new found respect for Moms everywhere.

*I just paused in my writing to feed Corban a “Naaa-Nuhh.”(Translation: Banana) The work never ends.

Ok, that is all I have today. Any stay-at-home Dads reading this blog? Leave a comment to let me know I am not alone and also not a sissy.