DC Urban Dad

This snow is making DC Urban Dad a little nutty.....

2009-12-21T17:39:19-05:00

Might be time to call in for help

Five questions with Captain Dumbass

2009-12-18T09:32:28-05:00

Folks today you are in for something special. I have gone to great lengths to get this person here today to answer 5 Questions with DC Urban Dad. I spoke with agents and got nothing. I talked to his manager and got death threats from his body guards. I sent emails to his lawyers and now have several pending lawsuits against me for stalking.

So I finally gave up and just called his wife and she hooked us up.

So do me a favor, enjoy as DC Urban Dad interviews Captain Dumbass.....

1) So let's just start with something that is probably on everyone's mind, why is that everyone funny in this world comes from Canada?

It's all a part of our master plan to take over your country. We keep you laughing while we quietly insinuate ourselves into every aspect of your lives without you ever having realized it. Laugh at our funny coloured money? We'll see whose laughing when we make Andrew Jackson purple.

2) Speaking of the Great White North, what is your greatest gift to us? Alan Thicke or Maple Syrup?

"Show me that smile again. Don't waste another minute on your cryin'..."

Thanks, now I won't get that song out of my head all day. And while Alan Thicke and Maple Syrup are awesome, what about Celine Dion? Zippers? William Shatner? Blackberry's? Basketball? Push up bras and insulin aren't bad either.

3) Ok, I am getting off Canada for a bit, what the best thing about your boys?

Ah, my boys. They're amazing in so many ways it's hard to narrow it down. I can't imagine my life without them. Well, ok, I do remember the dinners in five star restaurants, seeing movies whenever we wanted, golfing, having time to read a book, sex... I'm sorry, what was that last question?

4) What are you looking forward to in the new year?

Steady employment. Either that or a lottery win so I can be a full time SAHD again. I think it's something father should have the chance to do. I don't really do resolutions anymore. Once I'd slain my mortal nemesis in single combat and spat a curse into his dying face there didn't seem to be much point to it any more. Lose weight? Learn a new language? Meh.

5) Since it is the Holidays and all, what is the best gift you ever got? Ever gave?

Best gifts? Hmm? Well, I'd say the best I've ever given was impregnating my wife just before Christmas of '02, if that isn't the gift that keeps on giving I don't know what is. Best received is a little tougher. I know that is something that should be able to remember right away, but nothing's jumping out for me. Ok, that's a lie, there is something but it's a matter of National Security so you'll just have to use your imagination.

Thanks Capt'n for the good times.

Okay, my wife might be a little pissed, but who cares.....

2009-12-16T15:26:38-05:00

My love, originally uploaded by dcurbandad.

My wife is gonna be pissed and embarrassed that I am doing this, but I just don't care. It's my blog and I will blog if I want.

Folks, today is a very special day for my wife. It's not her birthday, it's not her anniversary, it's something else. She works hard each and every day not just as a mom and as a wife but in her world away from home. Today (December 16th) she has reached a milestone in that world and I as well as The Mini-Kamp could not be more proud of her.

You sacrifice a lot each and you are pulled in a million different directions. But even amongst all the pressures you are an amazing wife, terrific friend and fabulous mother (oh yes and hawt). The Mini-Kamp and I are blessed to have you in our lives.

Thank you for all that you do for us. We love ya.

Trying to claim my blog on Technoratti.....

2009-12-16T11:03:28-05:00

9GR5UM9YKMAQ

Please pardon the interruption......

Is it too late for my Random Tuesday Thoughts?

2009-12-15T20:13:12-05:00

Seriously if Monday's blow, then Tuesday's must be a tad better right? Well with Random Tuesday Thoughts it definitely has a leg up on Monday.

So what are you waiting for? There are a few hours left in the day, head over to Keely's, grab a button and party down.....

.....Is it me or is this Holiday season flying by? Where does the time go?

.....Speaking of the Holiday season, my DVR is chock-full of Christmas specials. Just need a few hours and a couple bottles of wine and will be ready to get my Christmas cheer on. But I should Die-Hard to my Christmas to do's.

.....Sticking with the Holidays, there is a Boy Scouts troop selling Christmas trees outside my church. Any guess as to their troop number?.....Give up?.....Their troop number is 666. Good times.

.....I might put this in front of my house for next Christmas. Although it might freak out Santa....

.....Um, he not only is a master sculpture of bodies but a Master MC:

.....This is pretty scary right? Especially at night and at the National Zoo. The Mini-Kamp was not so sure about him. She did wave bye-bye.

.....Think I might have to add these to my naughty list. They are full of promises, but they just don't deliver. I can't tell ya how many times I have gotten juice or milk in my eye.

.....Is it really the end of the decade too? That snuck up on me. Where are the Y2K freaks now?

All right, now your turn, what are other random thoughts would you like to share?

Let's face it folks Monday's just suck

2009-12-14T12:57:18-05:00

I hate Mondays, originally uploaded by dcurbandad.

I feel bad for Monday. I really do because Monday's just blow. There is nothing good about them. Except those ones that you get off. Now those.....those are fun days.

But this, this is making me feel muuuuuuuuuch better.

So tell me, what do you do on Monday's to survive?

Today I am hanging with Luke I Am Your Father

2009-12-11T00:02:00-05:00

It's Friday folks and time for a little Five Questions With. Today I have me one of my favorite Daddy bloggers out there - the Seattle Dad himself - Luke I Am Your Father. James is one of the most honest and genuine writers and admire him for his dedication to his wife and adorable son.

James was kind of enough to spend a few minutes with me and answer a few of my questions......Enjoy and be sure to check him out.

1) Do you make New Year's resolutions? If so can we get a sneak peak?

Ah, resolutions time again. Hmmm, let’s see… It’s been tough year financially, so I do want to invest more wisely. And, with that in mind, I’ve been tossing around a few ideas in my head. I certainly don’t want to let any secrets out of the bag, but since you’re like a virtual brother to me Matt, I’ll let you in on an insider tip I got about a this successful fund manager, Madoff I believe his name is, and he’s supposedly operating something called a Fonzi scheme. Being a child of the 70’s, this is extremely exciting to me since The Fonz always had the golden touch. I’m figuring with a simple ‘Cool it!’ and a snap of his fingers, I’ll be able to retire within a year or two. We’ll get together then, Matt. You know we’ll have a good time then.

The only other thing I would resolve to do, would be to spend much more quality time with my lovely wife. You know, quality as in doesn’t include operating a power miter saw at midnight, or throwing on the paint clothes for a quickie coat of primer while Lukas is napping.

2) What's your favorite moment of the year?

Let’s see, It would definitely have to be during Mrs. LIAYF and my 10th Anniversary trip in May to Kauai with Lukas. There were so many nice little moments during that trip. Lovely place, the Hawaiian Islands. You should visit. Very nice people. Do I have to pick one? Because It’s sort of a tossup between the beautiful scenic bike ride along the Kapaa beach coast I took with my beautiful bride next to me, and Lukas in a seat behind, or the redeye flight home where Lukas only slept about an hour and couldn’t move for 6 hours straight. They were both such amazing and memorable moments, but if I haaaad to chose one, I guess it would be the bike ride. Yeah, the bike ride. Oh, and Trick or Treating for the first time with Lukas was an insanely fun experience as well. Good stuff.

3) Since the end of the decade is upon us, what's your favorite moment of the decade?

That is a big fat 76mph fastball knee high buddy. How do I not go with the birth of my first born son- at the tender age of 39 years? Seriously, I would never have been in this camp prior to his birth, but since that moment all the events of the decade prior to 2007, as disturbing as many were, have been put into perspective. And since? Well, I have been a bit out of touch with the world around me for the past 2 1/2 years. Anyone care to fill me in? Bueller? I’m a dad now.

4) What do you hope for in the new year?

Besides the health and prosperity of my family, world peace, a cure for cancer, the end of hunger, and the reversal of global warming? My Seattle Mariners winning the World Series with a 9th inning, game 7, walk-off grand salami. Oh, and Edgar Martinez being the first Designated Hitter elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, on the first ballot. Yeah, that too. (Your European readers should liken this to having thier favorite local Fut...Fotbal...er, Soccer player honored) Wait, wait…..I forgot. Also, a Soundgarden reunion. I hope for that too. That and an endless supply of Maple Bacon flavored coffee. Of course if that came this year, say for Christmas, I wouldn’t complain. I think that’s it. Yeah that's it. And this chair too.

5) Who does the wrapping of gifts in your family?

Well, the choices are thus. 1. The 2 ½ year old. 2. The Father whose coup de grace was learning that tin foil was a symbol for 10th wedding anniversaries, and such enthusiastically wrapped all his gorgeous wife’s gifts in a manner which suggested they were ready to be placed on the grill. 3) Talented and dexterous mother, who only draws the line at wrapping her own gifts and would never scoff at the notion of wrapping even the most mundane gift to her in-laws in a magical and heartwarmingly presented demonstration of the adoration and love we, as a couple, feel towards them.

Any guesses?

James, thanks again for sitting down with me. And don't forget to leave me a comment here to win a $25 Gift Card to Target.

Have you hit Target to Go yet?

2009-12-10T21:09:39-05:00

What are you waiting for cuz, what's not to love about Target? The products, the commercials, the store lay-out, the people, just the name alone Target.

It's become part of this DC Urban Dad's routine. A little Target and a work out on Sat am. Can't beat it.

And now we have one more reason: Target to Go.

You see DC is one of the lucky 3 cities (San Fran and NYC are the others) to have received this Christmas miracle. Hate long lines? Just want to get in and out in under 15 minutes? Hate wrapping? Not up for spending hours upon hours upon hours browsing? Then even more hours fiddling with paper and tape?

Target to Go solves it all - the presents to buy, wrapped and ready to go with a sprinkle of Christmas joy on top.

But if your are in DC don't wait. It starts tomorrow the 11th and lasts through the weekend. The prices of the items ranged from 99 cents (clear teardrop ornament dangle) to cocktail mix sampler set ($4.99), and up to the PSP Go ($249.99).

You can find it located on M Street NW and Wisconsin Ave NW in Georgetown. It's to the right of the PNC bank and will be open from 10 am to 8 pm. Want some more pics, head over to my new bff.

To kick off the event, Target has placed approximately 500 over sized and easy-to-identify gift tags around the city. For each gift tag returned to the Target To-Go store, Target will give the shopper a Gift Card worth anywhere from $10 to $500. The only way to know how much your Gift Card is worth is to take it to the Target To-Go store. For every Gift Card redeemed in the store, Target will donate $100 to The Salvation Army to benefit families in need.

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek today (felt pretty important and badass with my press badge) and these guys have it going on.

Guys and Dads, if you are not great at shopping this is for you. Ladies and Moms, in a rush, Target to Go is your answer. The people running it are courteous, helpful and hilarious. They will hook you up and spread a little cheer along the way.

It definitely is on my Christmas to do list and should be on yours too. I plan on getting a number of stocking stuffers to help round out my shopping.

And just to spread some of that love I have a $25 Gift Card from Target to share. Just leave me a comment by 11:59 pm Sunday the 13th. Will pick the name at random. You know you got some Christmas shopping left to do. Get going and comment and if you are DC head on our to Target to Go.

Am I creating a monster?

2009-12-10T11:40:15-05:00

I like when things are put in their place. I'm happiest when the house is in order. I'm just not a fan of clutter. Will even straighten the dirty dishes in sink if they are out of whack. The show Hoarders makes me shudder (not sure I can even watch - it might me pass out). My Dyson is my best friend. I spend maybe 60 percent of time if not 70 percent with a towel wiping the counter.

Okay one might go far as to say I have a touch of the OCD. And ya see that's what's got me worried.

The Mini-Kamp loves a broom. She convulses and struts when the Dyson comes out (this might just rock her world). She has now progressed to taking wipes, towels or anything else that can be used to clean and wipes things down. The other day she spilled some milk, said "uh oh" and then got a towel to blot it. It made her day.

And I know what you are thinking now, enjoy it while it lasts. Still it's got me worried. Am I creating a monster?

DC Urban Dad has a favor to ask of you.....

2009-12-08T21:29:15-05:00

Everyday my wife and I kiss our kid goodbye, leave her with the nanny, hop in the car and head off for work. We take the same route - it is like clockwork. Out of our neighborhood through another neighborhood passed tons of row houses and onto Connecticut Avenue then into downtown DC.

And everyday we pass by a sign that makes us laugh.

But the fact is it is not actually a laughing matter. The sign is serious:

The signs says "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving".

In 2008, nearly 12,000 drivers or motorcycle riders died in alcohol-related crashes. Last year alone, during the winter holiday season, 420 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

I would guess that almost everyone of you reading this has been touched by a drunk driving accident. I know I have. I lost a good friend in high school to drunk driving. I can still remember everything about that night.

So this holiday season, do me a solid, think before you head off to the Holiday party, have a few drinks and get behind the wheel. It is not just your life you are putting at risk. And if you are DC email or tweet me, I will come get ya.

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