And To Every Teen Must Come An Accident

 My daughter has been driving for a while. She is a good driver–after all I taught him everything she knows. Yesterday, I sent her on some errands for me and on her way home the unthinkable happened. My daughter, the invincible one ran into the back of another car!
She called me in a panic saying that no one was hurt and pleading that the other guy did not have a turn signal. I was so proud of myself that I remained calm, cool and collected. After all, everyone was safe and no one was hurt–THAT is the critical part. She was driving my Expedition (not very environmentally friendly, but according to the salesman in an accident I automatically win by default) and apparently was unable to stop in time when the guy in front of her stopped suddenly to make a right turn. No damage to my car (guess the salesman was right) and a small dent in the tailgate of the other guys pick up truck.
I told her to exchange information and since both cars were drivable, just get the info and head on home. Apparently when she was doing that, a witness appeared and mentioned that the other driver (the one my daughter hit) was too busy talking on the phone and made the stop without warning. In California we just passed a law on October 1 requiring the use of a hands free device. At this point, the guy who was hit, decided that there was no need in exchanging any information and left.
When my daughter got home, she was still shaking and upset–probably more with worry about the consequences at home than the accident, but I explained that she was not at fault and could not stop the car–period. I told her to be more aware of it and to not let it bother her. They are called accidents for a reason and as long as no one was hurt–it was all good. I think Breana was shocked at my reaction.

Merry Christmas Everybody

Christmas to me means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow man should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

The Police and My Teen Daughter

It’s the police!
A text message sent by my teen daughter, not thirty minutes after she left for astronomy class. WTF!? Had she gotten into an accident? Was she pulled over for a driving offense? Did she get another parking ticket?


What’s going on? I texted back.

Silence.

I shifted into worried-dad overdrive. I figured I could drive to her class, and if she was there, I'd have nothing to worry about. But if that was the case and she was fine, she would have texted me back.

If she wasn't in class, no telling where she might be. She had her own loopy ways of getting around. I wondered – was she experiencing her own Book ‘em, Danno moment?

I've been pulled over a few times in my life. Running a stop sign when I was sixteen (I contested it in court, and won!) Speeding in my twenties (traffic school for me.) Plus two sobriety checks as an adult (I was totally sober both times. Cops get bored around here.)

I figured if my daughter had the wherewithal to text me about the police, she couldn't be that far gone.

Unless she was in custody, and that lone text was her one phone call.

Two hours later, my daughter came home from class.

“What happened with the police?” I asked.
“Our instructor was playing some song in class, and I was trying to guess who it was,” she said. “It sounded like Sting, but I couldn't remember the band he was in. And then the instructor told us!”

The Police.

“Why did you text me that?” I asked.
“I thought you'd be excited,” she said. “I know you like them.”

Thoughtful of her, though I could have used a bit longer text message.

“Okay, what was the song,” I said.
“It’s astronomy class,” she said. Then she grinned. “Walking on the Moon

                                           

   The Police, Walking on the Moon Video 

Pain

People are afraid of themselves, of their own reality; their feelings most of all. People talk about how great love is, but that's bullshit. Love hurts. Feelings are disturbing. People are taught that pain is evil and dangerous. How can they deal with love if they're afraid to feel? Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain.

Mobile Blogging from here.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Diabetes Knowledge Keeps Changing

Knowledge is power—that phrase is certainly true when it comes to managing diabetes. Knowledge can help you make the right decisions about your care, such as adjusting your diabetes medication, choosing a healthy meal at a restaurant, or treating low blood glucose. 

Today there are many sources of information about managing your diabetes. The Internet, magazines, diabetes education programs or support groups, are just some of the places to find the diabetes information you're looking for.

Be Open to Learn

As time goes by, you've probably realized there's a lot to know about managing your diabetes. It's easy to get overwhelmed. The best way to avoid feeling that way is by knowing where to find the answers to your most pressing questions.

Stay Abreast of Progress

Progress is constantly being made to make diabetes care easier. Fortunately, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments by regularly visiting web sites to find information on diabetes such as Changing Life With Diabetes, American Diabetes Association (ADA) (www.diabetes.org), and the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (www.niddk.nih.gov). You can also subscribe to one or more monthly diabetes magazines, such as the ADA Diabetes Forecast.
   
The ADA states that diabetes self-management education (DSME) is an "essential element of diabetes care." If you have never attended a diabetes education program or met with a certified diabetes educator (CDE), now might be a good time to take advantage of these services.

Your health plan or Medicare may cover the costs of diabetes education such as DSME and nutrition counseling for diabetes like medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

If you are entitled, ask your healthcare provider for a prescription and written referral for these services. To find an ADA Recognized Program, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). You can also call the American Association of Diabetes Educators at 1-800-TEAMUP4 (1-800-832-6874) to find a program in your area.
     
Stay on top of the latest developments to learn about new ways that can help meet your self-care goals.
    
Focus on the important things you need to know to avoid being overwhelmed by all the diabetes information available.

Monitor a few trusted sources of information, such as e-mails, monthly magazines, etc. to stay informed.
 
Take advantage of any diabetes education services your health plan offers.

Note to My Daughter

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.'

Mobile Blogging from here.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

What do you do when your teenage daughter tells you that she is no longer a virgin??? :'0(

My daughter is 19 (will be 20 in April). She just told me that she is no longer a virgin! I really didn't know what to say but I can tell you I was heartbroken. However it's too late to change it now so why get furious about what cannot be changed. What I told her is that I love her and want to make sure that she is protected because I know that she is going to do what she is going to do no matter what. I just want to know that she is safe. I didn't want to flip out on her because I feel then she would feel that she cannot talk to me when she needs to. However I AM her father! Where do you draw the line between father/daughter relationship and friendship with your child? Please if anyone has anything on this please, please chime in. Thanks in advance everyone!

My Sexy Daughter

My teen daughter is a good girl. She gets good grades, participates in church events, helps around the house when I ask her (er… make that, she helps around the house when I give her gas money for her car!)
So when one of the Hot Moms asked at the Hot Dads blog why it's okay for men to check out sexy woman, yet not let their daughters wear what they want, because isn’t that a double standard? – I reacted!

My daughter is a girl, not a woman. When girls like Miley Cyrus pose nude in bed, with messed up hair that makes her look like she just had sex, I’m disappointed. Fifteen is too young for displays like that. I don’t want my daughter being sexy just yet.

But as a single dad on the dating scene, I have to admit, I do like me a sexy woman. Someone smart, caring, kind, attractive, and compassionate too. There’s more to a person than their looks and sex appeal. But sexy is definitely an element that turns my head.

I don’t see a double standard in that. Girls are not women. And while my daughter is beautiful, she’s not sexy.

Yet!!

As a dad, I hope my daughter meets a great guy some day. I hope she settles down, gets married, has kids, etc. And I assume for her to attract a great guy, she will at some point have to be sexy. Just as he’ll have to be a stud. (And he’ll be smart, caring, kind, etc. – whatever she’s looking for in a man.)

How will I feel when my daughter turns on the sexiness? I certainly won’t start calling her hot. No creepy dad thoughts or remarks from me.

But I do hope she embraces every aspect of being a woman. And part of that femininity is being sexy.

Now then, where’s the Hot Daughters blog… just kidding!!

Mobile Blogging from here.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Barroom Savvy

My daughter and I braved Los Angeles traffic to have lunch at one particular restaurant my mom raves about. Who knew getting into downtown on a Saturday afternoon would be so bumper-to-bumper hard? Not to mention, our GPS unit was on the fritz.
By the time we got to the restaurant, there were just 45 minutes before we needed to head to the Rose Bowl.

The restaurant had an hour wait.

“You can try the bar,” the hostess said.

The bar was beyond packed with patrons eating lunch. Several couples stood lurking, waiting for seats to open up.

“I guess we'll have to eat someplace else,” my daughter said.
“No, we came all this way,” I said. “Besides, Grandma loves this place. We're eating here.”

My daughter rolled her eyes, clearly thinking I'm crazy. She excused herself to use the restroom.
“I'll get us a seat,” I said.
My daughter made a face. Yeah right.

She went off to the restroom, and I cased the bar from one end to the other. There were two dozen people sitting at the bar itself, and another three dozen at tables. One couple looked like they were finishing up, ready to pay their bill. They might leave in another ten minutes. I positioned myself near their table.

Two other couples edged in close, just as ready to pounce.

Then I noticed the hostess come in and make a bee-line for a couple at the bar. “Your table is ready,” she quietly said.

Bingo.

I grabbed their seats before anyone else even noticed they were vacant. I sat and ordered two sodas, and waited for my daughter. I figured we needed to place our lunch order, pronto. How long could she possibly take in the restroom?

A few minutes later, my cell phone rang. It was my daughter.

“Where are you?” she asked.
“I'm sitting at the bar,” I said. “Where are you?”
“Oh, I'm outside. I figured we had to eat someplace else. How are you at the bar?”
“I said I'd get us seats, and I did.”

Clearly, my daughter hasn't seen her old man in action nearly enough. Welcome to barroom savvy!!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

When We're Incomplete

When we're incomplete we're always searching for somebody to complete us. When, after a few years or a few months of a relationship, we find that we're still unfulfilled, we blame our partners and take up with somebody more promising. This can go on and on--series polygamy--until we admit that while a partner can add sweet dimensions to our lives, we, each of us, are responsible for our own fulfillment. Nobody else can provide it for us, and to believe otherwise is to delude ourselves dangerously and to program for eventual failure every relationship we enter.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Relationships

Relationships-of all kinds-are like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers. You may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled. A relationship is like that. Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact. But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Father Daughter Hit the Pump

Over the years, I've watched my daughter mature from preteen girl to car-driving teen, and she’s become quite the confident, intelligent, self-assured girl (young woman). My daughter rocks! (Proud daddy moment. Sorry.)
While I've raised her with tons of love and nurturing care, I never treated her with princess gloves, fearing that would hold her back. I'm a father who wants his daughter to kick-ass on her own strengths, rather than wait for a man to take care of her. (Note to Ann Coulter: I have nothing against men and women coupling up. Lord knows I'd love some feminine energy and regular sex in my life. I just want my daughter to know she can take care of herself.)

My ex has a similar attitude – that our daughter is better off if she’s confident enough to fend for herself. (My ex is someone else who kicks ass in that department.)

This means now that my daughter is driving, she doesn't turn to mom or dad for gas. She’s a responsible teen who buys her own fuel at the pump. Right?


By the time I was driving as a teenage boy, I had a fast-food service-industry job that gave me money for gas, movies, and cheap dinners out with my girlfriend. I never asked for hand-outs from my father or mother. (Okay, when I was down to my last dollar.)

My daughter knows this. So when we hit the gas pump in her hand-me-down car the other day, she pulled out her gas card, pronto.

“How low is your tank?” I asked.
“It’s pretty much empty,” she said.
“And how much money is on your gas card?”
“Six dollars.”

That would buy her a few gallons. Sheesh. She’s got plenty of time in life to learn to be self-reliant. I filled her tank on my credit card.

Sometimes a father’s daughter really is daddy’s little girl.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]