Can You Believe…
That Christmas Eve is tomorrow!?!?! Where did ‘09 go?
Apparently, there was a flood of Zhu Zhu Pets released yesterday… I bought a pair at the Toys R Us in Burbank, but heard reports of CVS and Target having them in stock too. At first I was kind of upset about it because it seemed kind of cruel to create this false demand causing people to pay triple for them from resellers, but then I started to think it was cool, because it gave people like myself, the thrill of getting that hard to get gift at the last minute, it lifted my spirits a little knowing I found something exciting for my kids at the final hours. I had trouble finding good Christmas candy, the big stores were sold out of the stuff we really want and only had crap left… I ended up finding a decent selection at my local Ralph’s.
The Balloon Dad ended up getting some jail time (so did the Mom)… I’m so glad, a message had to be sent that it’s not alright to scam emergency services in your quest to get a television show. I’ve written blogs about it, but I really am turned off to fame and famous people. It’s become way too easy to at least have the appearance of being famous… I want to strive for something bigger, like being great! I was reading the advice and thoughts of some great people tonight and I started to think, that’s what I want to be, Great. Not famous, great is so much more than famous, so many mediocre to horrible people are famous. I heard the argument tonight that Tiger Woods is a great golfer, in fact he was voted athlete of the decade, but I do not think he is great… He had the potential, but not the strength, not that the truly great are without flaws, but I think they are without malice. I believe they know right from wrong, and try to be as right as possible.
There are a few things I have to consider: one, what can I be great at? and two, can you be great without people knowing?
I really don’t think I’m a great photographer… I look at other peoples photos and am blown away by their vision and talent. As far as radio goes, I am far from great… I am real and I give 100% of myself, but the best I am not even close. Then there is being a Dad… I think it’s too early to tell, I’ve only been doing it 6 years. Now I have read on court papers and been told in great detail by my Ex that I am far from being a great father, but I am willing to see what happens in the years to come, I think time might be in my favor.
The amazing thing is, I know so many great Dads! So many of my friends or my friends husbands are the best Dads. They inspire and impress me on a regular basis. If you watch television or read the news you would not think this was the case… The deadbeat and neglectful fathers seem to get the bulk of the attention, but let it be written here, there are so many Great Dads out there and they don’t get the credit they deserve… So here you go, Good job guys, You Rule!!!
As for if it is required for people to know who you are to be great, I think ultimately if you are truly great, someone will know… It might be your mate, or your kids, co-workers, your family, someone will realize that you have done your best.
I’m not holding my breath, but I hope this catches on, because the world could always use more great people… We have plenty of famous people!
I hope you and your family have a great holiday season!!!!!!!!
Rock On, Jack
Tags: Christmas, Fame, Greatness, Target, Zhu Zhu Pets
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Jack,
I already know you are a Great Dad! Just reading all you do for Lucy and Bing really is what makes you a great dad and I bet they would agree. Also you are a great friend to many of us podcasters. If I lived closer to you I know we would hang out together. Have a Wonderful Christmas! You Rule!
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 pm
What a great theme for today’s blog. I often wonder what I am great at as well. I am a mediocre accountant at best. I spent 20 years in radio and did OK, but never made a top 10 market. I wasn’t a good wife which is why I am divorced. I am raising two sons on my own – the hardest job I have ever done! They seem to be turning out OK, but like you, Ive only been doing this for 7 years so far. I have good friends but I am not always the best friend. You see where I am going with this? I guess we just do the best we can with what we have and call it good. I am optimistic for this upcoming year. I really want to become a runner, and this is my year to achieve that. I wish you the best Jack, you truly rule just by showing up and being dependable for those people who need you in your life.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
People proclaimed they admired me and I was really a great Mom. My response was “always” really it is too early to tell. Raising three children by myself, two girls and a boy to me was what I had to do. And whenever I heard “What a Mom,” I always told myself and everyone else….”really it is too early to tell.” “When they are grown then we will evaluate my performance as a mother.”
Jack, unexpectantly to me….they are grown!! Um, Wow. Everything you write I can relate to in the first person, and then relate to in the “you are so right, that is exactly life!!”
All these years, I blew off the compliments for the one day result. Guess what…. keep on being you…….ROCK ON JACK!! Yes the end result is awesome kids.
I graduated with my AA two weeks before my oldest got her HS Diploma, then my Bachelors the same years my next graduated from high school.
Life is not what you expect it to be. And unless you are done….??
Probably thought an epiphany was coming……….no. Even losing my job last week (after 7 yrs) hell no I am not giving up.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I don’t think I’ll know if I was a great dad or not until my kids have kids…. The one thing I learned from my own Dad’s passing.. is there are no set rules, I can only be the best I can. My Dad’s passing put my fatherhood in perspective. I immediately went from “A” dad to “Thee” Dad and felt a huge weight fall onto my shoulders.
As you are in awe of others vision and talent with a camera I am of you as a father. I truly admire your involvement and willingness to create experiences for your kids…… Those actions speak way louder than any words in court documents
December 24th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Dear GREAT DAD Jack:
We all know from reading your blog, that not only are you a GREAT Dad, but a GREAT person. I probably would call it something other than ‘great’, but I get what you are saying. Sometimes (actually….most of the time) when I read your blogs, I can identify with all that you are thinking and feeling about your old life with your ex. I have lived that life that you are now experiencing. I chose to wait until my girls wre out of the home to divorce their Dad, but only because it just took me that long. He was (and still is) as selfish as your ex. I know you didn’t choose this life for you and the kids, but you are so lucky to have Bing & Lucy, and your family and online friends! I hope that we can lift your spirits up and my wish for you is to have a blessed Christmas with your loved ones. Merry Christmas Jack!
December 24th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
You are a great dad, Jack!!! You’re a great blogger and podcaster!!! I can tell you are a great friend. I also think you are a great photographer. There are many other things you must be great at, I’m sure.
Me, I’m a great mother, a great substitute teacher and a pretty great wife. That’s good enough for me!!
December 25th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Jack,
YOU are a GREAT man and father. There are so many deadbeat dad’s out there that would not even consider their kids in their new life. YOU are spending as much time with your precious Bing and Lucy as possible. YOU are searching for higher ground for the all of you. Life gives us bumps in the road sometimes and we seem to just climb them and move on. You are on the right road and you will be successful. You inspire me with your kids and how enjoyable they are for you. Keep ROCKING on !!