DadJack.com Blog

That’s what Lucy and Bing call rewinding… “Back-Forwards.”  If something particularly amusing happens on TV I hear the chant of “back-foreward it, back-forward it!”  (This can happen multiple times during the “mini-movie” Banana on The Despicable Me DVD)  It’s always great to see them enjoying something and really laughing, so I never mind back-forwarding.

Now in life it’s a different story…  It seems like I have been back-forwarding for years now.  Unemployment, divorce, unemployment again… and then again, it’s been a lot of rewinding.  I briefly felt like life might be on “play” again… I had a job, was able to pay my expenses and have a little left over to enjoy time with the kids, and that was OK.  I’m not looking to fast-forward or even skip a chapter ahead, at this point I’d be happy with “pause”, just maintaining life where it is right now.

I know that it takes true perseverance to get up after being knocked down…  But I also understand how exhausting it is to repeatedly get up just to be knocked down again.  It sometime seems that no matter how much you dance around the ring you just can’t avoid those knock-down punches.

I’m not trying to get rich or build an empire… just keep a 2 bedroom apartment in Burbank, make the payment on a small import car and keep some food in the fridge, who thought that would be so hard?

I did have a nice long weekend.  The kids and I were able to get a lot in and we saw a bunch of friends we hadn’t seen in a long time.  The unusual hours I had for the past year had really kept me out of touch with many of my friends. The kids were able to get some swimming in, which is like winning the lottery to a 4 and 7 year old…  They’re still upset that I moved out of that horrible North Hollywood apartment because it had a pool and a hot tub (Bing is a man of leisure, he enjoys a nice hot tub and a snifter of apple juice!)

The podcast continues on… Although Stench had a minor relapse over the weekend and we were almost back on “Just jack Pods”…  which are painful for everyone!  Alina still joins us often (she is feeling much better!) and we may have a live pod event soon!

I’m sure everyone knows by now, but if you haven’t checked out Groupon yet you should… They have great deals, the kids and I have done so many things we have purchased there.

And if you haven’t yet, check out my guys Tony and Kris….  Besides being great guys and country music insiders, I love that they bucked the system and started their own syndicated show after being let go from Clear Channel San Diego.  Go Tony and Kris!

Rock on, Jack

I know I go on and on about it, but I love Groupon…  It really has afforded me some great experiences with the kids this summer by offering deals on things I wouldn’t have normally been able to afford to do with them.  And today’s deal is a perfect example, Lucy asks every time we are at City Walk in Universal City to do that iFly thing (Which is a giant fan set into the floor that blows upward with great force allowing you to fly) and I always have to reject her pleas due to the $85 it costs to do, well today’s deal gives you two flights and a DVD of the experience for $37… A much more reasonable price, so I’ll share the video on her after she takes her flight!

Speaking of Lucy, she has her first soccer game this weekend (and even though her Mother has tried to make this an unpleasant experience for me) I am very excited for her… I know she will really enjoy playing in a real game environment (Although they don’t keep score at her age).  The only problem is that I’m sure Bing now too will want to play and they don’t have leagues for kids as young as him…  He’s stuck playing against me in the front yard!

No kids tonight, I think I’m just going to take it easy at home tonight… This week has been pretty exhausting, so being able to sleep more than my normal 4 1/2 hours will be a treat in itself.

I really want to get back on my exercise program, I’ve gained about 20 lbs and I don’t like it, you feel so much better when you’re healthy!  It’s just been hard with this work schedule, not because I don’t have the time, but because I don’t have the energy… But I am determined to get back on track!  I actually scheduled a physical for next week (Haven’t had one in about 5 years… Heck, I didn’t have health insurance for about 3 years!)…  Always nice to make sure everything is good and have the opportunity to stand in your underwear in front of a stranger in a lab coat!

Who knew, Eddie Fisher is still alive… Well, until yesterday. This is a weird story.  Let them take your car!   Alert: Bart Missing!

I don’t know what he’s saying, but this is funny.

Not long enough! That’s a lot of dumplings!   Better than asprin.    Nudist v. Swingers!

Have a great weekend!

Rock On, Jack

I really noticed it yesterday as the weather continued to be gloomy and cold… How depressing the winter is. (And we don’t really even get winter weather, I can’t imagine living someplace that really gets horrible weather)   There is a hope born in spring, the sun starts to warm, you get outside more, everyone seems more hopeful and excited… That starts to fade in the fall, as the colder weather takes over people retreat to their homes, a loneliness sweeps over the land.  I went for a bike ride yesterday and there were significantly less people out and it will only dwindle more as the last of the kids who have yet to return make their way back to school next Monday.  I’m not the kind of person who always needs people around… But I like to see people around (If that makes any sense… I don’t need to have someone with me, but I love to be out where people are).

Anyway, I’ve been in a mood for the last week or so, just ignore me!  We are headed out for an adventure this weekend!  The kids and I are headed to Legoland and to spend a little time in San Diego.   It will be a nice way to officially end our summer before it’s back to the first grade grind for Lucy.

If Bing was just a little older I’d be all over today’s Groupon, He’s so into cars and always gets so bummed that he’s too little to ride the Go-Karts!

Alina’s on the pod today… It’s always fun when she joins us.

I have been slacking this year… normally by this time I already have the kids Halloween costumes.   I decided to be Bing’s “Baby” blanket this year.

(That’s Baby above)

So now Lucy has decided to be her Blankie “Bo-Bo” (Sorry, no photo available)… So I need to figure that out!  And Bing wants to reprise “Bowling Girl”… And since he never seems to grow, all the stuff from last year still fits.  They’ve been known to change their minds (Many times over) before Halloween, so we’ll see what they ultimately end up being!?!?

On to the news:

I hope it didn’t mess up his pretty face! Summer is really over for him.  Congrats Florida idiot, you have sucked the President into your BS. It only took 49 dog years to get home.   Remember when working at McDonald’s was a joke?  What do you think: Funny or Offensive?  I don’t need this, I have Mike in GH to tell me!  Quick grab some butter, global warming is making popcorn!  Well this is kind of depressing.

Rock On, Jack

And it’s supposed to be a hot one!

You always see me mentioning Groupon on here, well I saw an article today on the site that was very interesting.  They are America’s fastest growing company,  set to reach a billion dollars in sales faster than any other company ever has and were created by a 29 year old .  It was just good to see an American company doing well and a company I personally believe in succeeding in these horrible economic times.   Not only do they offer great deals, but I had instance to deal with their customer service department and they went above and beyond.

There is a very sad ending to the Matrice Richardson mystery.  She was the young woman taken into custody by the Sheriff’s department after skipping on a bill at Geoffrey’s in Malibu, who was then released and never heard from again. There was a period of time last week they thought she may be hiding out in Vegas.  well,  they found remains last week in Malibu Creek State Park that have been Identified as hers.  If you saw the press conference yesterday I’d be interested to see what you thought, I think they handled the announcement (and most other aspect of the case) very badly… Her Father found out via the press conference announcement.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

I had something happen yesterday that almost never happens to me… I made a bad batch of cookies!  I burned about half the batch by getting distracted and leaving them in the oven for too long and then (I don’t really go by a set recipe… As Sarah Palin would say “I go Rogue” with my cookies) the other half were just “off” for lack of a better word.  I’m going to give it another shot tonight!

I was at the CRN yesterday… Jack Roberts is looking much better!  It was good to see him looking healthier and in better spirits.

Kids return on Sunday!

If you haven’t heard the audio is at the bottom of this link, Dr. Laura went on a racist rant of sorts and was really insensitive to her caller… I hope she gets in trouble for this.

Talk about aged.  Stench needs a Nakation!  Speaking of travel, Check out what kids are using their babysitting money for.    Enjoy these new scratch and sniff bills.   The old pay your tax bill in pennies gag. Killer smoothies… and not in the good way!  Get naked for Obama!

Have a great weekend!  Rock on, Jack

And I’m not upset about it!  I can’t wait for the kids to get back… And they’ll be with my Mom and me for 2 weeks!  We have lots of fun stuff planned, Universal Studios, Classic Car Show in Burbank, Dodgers Game, tide pools with Angela Channel and whatever else we can think up.

Lucy is in for a surprise, She thought she was getting an iCarly lunchbox this year…  But check out this Groupon, She’s getting a “My Dad Rules” lunchbox with my face on it!!!!  Speaking of that, I need to get her the backpack she wants (iCarly as well), Target is already starting to sell out of back to school stuff.

I didn’t do much of anything yesterday, nice long walk, short nap, some afternoon work (We recorded Carly Fiorina for today’s show yesterday, so it was a little busier than normal… If you’re interested in hearing her click here).   I must admit, I wasn’t really that into politics or finance, but I have  learned a lot from Ron and am enjoying it greatly… It’s an interesting time both politically and economically to be entrenched in this world.

I did a little project yesterday, I have a picture frame that I hated the color of the wood… So I sanded it and re-stained it.  I’ll see how it turns out after it dries… initial assessment is that it’s too dark, but we’ll see.

Duck cops a feel.  This isn’t good news.  No toad licking in the kitchen please.  Attack of the huge ice chunk! Stench and I may be married by the end of the day.  No one said molesters were smart.  Gross.

Rock on, Jack

I like these short weeks!

I know I’ve mentioned it many times, but today (again) there is a good Groupon for those of you in the I.E…. $20 for unlimited games at Gameworks (Click the above link, it’s one of the side deals posted to the right).  I have bought many of the deals on the site and they really help you have more affordable family fun… in fact I’m going to use the mini-golf passes I bought next week with the kids!

Last night was Wipeout night.. which means I was fully distracted during the podcast (Sorry).  I want Stench and I to audition for their “Couples” show… We would rule!

O.C. Fair starts in a week and a half…  I hit them up today to see if they would be interested in having us back out again?  I’ll let you know what they say.  Lots of good bands playing the fair this year: Train, Orainthi, Ziggy Marley, Ratt and The B-52′s to name a few.

The kids are all fired up to see Dispicable Me this weekend… I want to see it too, although, at least in the previews, it  bugs me that Steve Carrell kind of sounds like Mike Myers.

That’s a good day!  It’s mullet madness.  Don’t wear high heels if you’re pregnant!  Checkmate.   Check out this game.  It only took 27 years to work this out.   It’s a real race.   Your horn is dope!   Bad kitty! Are you hung like a squid!?!?

Rock On, Jack

Although I’m bummed about my Mom, I’m going to try and enjoy this long weekend.  4th of July is my favorite holiday… BBQ, fireworks, warm weather, it’s just the perfect holiday (although it might be a tad better if it required costumes!)

Before I forget, today was a good Groupon… Especially if you are in the Palmdale, Torrance or Murrieta areas!

Stench has been a man of mystery the last few days, secret deals, unknown sex injuries… hopefully he’ll clear some of that stuff up next week.

I was at the CRN yesterday… Always fun, they’re good people!

The Insana Quotient has been going great… We are launching on KGIL here in L.A. August 1st from 4-6a… So if you’re up early give us a listen.

Ever try to do something nice and get treated like you did something wrong?  Yesterday I went to take the trash out and as I was walking back from the trash cans I noticed a card on the ground, it was someones ATM card.  I’m new to the building and have only met a few of the other tenants (There’s only 6 units) and to be totally honest don’t remember any of their names.  So I figure I’ll knock on my neighbors door and ask if they know who the card belongs too.  I ring the bell, a woman answers who I have not met before, I introduce myself as her upstairs neighbor and ask if she knows who the person named on the card is… ends up it was her husband.  She then proceeds to quiz me on who I am and where I got the card, like I stole it… If I had somehow taken her husbands card why would I then return it?!?!

I bought the kids the “popper” sampler pack at the market yesterday… It’s the closest thing to fireworks you can get in L.A.

Tater Tots are deadly… especially if you’re stuck in a hole in the wall?  Don’t let the bed bugs bite.  I have an idea, put some clothes on that kid!  I’m sure they’re iStunned.   There is something Fishy about this whole thing!  Are you really a “math genius” if you turn down that much money?  I know what I’m getting Stench for Christmas!!!

Have a safe and relatively sane 4th of July Weekend!

Rock On, Jack

Yesterday was the longest day of the year and summer has officially started… The only bummer of my new apartment is no swimming pool.  The kids swimming was getting very strong with all the pool time we got last summer.  My favorite part of this season are the warm nights… there’s nothing like sitting out on a patio on a warm summer night (Unless you live somewhere with a lot of bugs… then you need that bug zapping light thing!)

The new car is amazing… But I have to re-train myself, I keep rolling down the window and opening the door from the outside (That’s how you had to get out of the “Busty Old Car”)  Speaking of the B.O.C., I found a way to hopefully subside some of Lucy’s sadness over getting rid of it… I pried off the emblems and printed out some photos of us with the car and made a shadowbox with them (I’ll have to take a pic and post it, it turned out pretty good) and hung it in the kids room….  Kind of like a shrine to that beat up piece of metal.

I haven’t had a chance to watch much of the summer programming yet… I’ve caught the show with Jillian from Biggest Loser (Didn’t like it) and Last Comic Standing (Like it), but that’s about it so far.  Has anyone seen the new Betty White sit-com?  Any good?

Right now kids shirts are on sale at Threadless … $9 bucks, got Lucy a shark shirt and Bing a cat shirt (They didn’t have any featuring bowling balls or golf balls).  While I’m plugging sites, Gilt has some cool kids stuff on sale too… They always have cool kids stuff, the adult stuff can be kind of pricey, and Groupon is perfect for Non-Diet Stench today with a great BBQ deal.

Farrell’s tomorrow!  Can’t wait to have a sundae… You cannot go to Farrell’s and not have a sundae!!!

I know he’s my kid, so I am a little biased… But I keep rewatching the Bing golfing video, no matter what that kid does he makes me laugh.  When I was a Michael’s getting my shadowbox I picked up some art supplies for Lucy, she is a very talented artist and is now into sketching … If she ever becomes a famous artist I will have the complete early years archive, I have hundreds of drawing and painting shoved everywhere.

I’ve always been super paranoid of this!  I can’t believe I missed this.  Beware of what you say to Rolling Stone… It may get you a quick trip to the President’s office.  What? L.A. didn’t make the list?  Has anyone seen this clown?   A 75M fixer upper.  Yeah, so? At least he’s clean.

Rock On, Jack

I like to let you all know when I find something good!  The movers I used were great, they worked quickly, handled everything gently and were super affordable… So I highly recommend Adept Moving.  And then I’ve told you about this one before, but I recently had to deal with their customer service and they went above and beyond (which just made me love them more!)… Groupon emails you a local daily deal (That is usually at a really great price… For example I purchased unlimited ride wrist bands for the Santa Monica pier for $10), they won’t all be something you want but when they hit on a good one they’re great.

I went for a walk today (took a break from unpacking and arranging), it felt so good to be back in Burbank.  It’s just comfortable for me, I feel at home here.  I’ve decided I’m “Burbank cool”… I’m not hip or good looking enough to be “Hollywood cool”, I’m not quite straight-laced and conservative enough to be “Valencia Cool” (I’m sorry, “Awesometown cool” and I’m not laid back enough and don’t own mandles to be “beach cool”.  It’s sad, but true, I belong in Burbank.

I’m taking the kids on an afternoon adventure tomorrow, now that I can’t take them over night mid-week due to my work schedule I try and do something with them in the middle of the week…. It’s not as good as having them here, but it’s the best I can do right now.

Gotta make this look real.  It was the mayor, in the kitchen with the mixer.   Beware the mesmerizing power of the lava!  This is not good karma!  The dos and don’ts of protesting BP.

Rock On, Jack

A FB friend asked me to share this!!! Vote for Connor!!!

Could you post this link to ask people to vote for my son Connor in the OC Register’s Incredibly Cute Baby contest?

http://ocregister.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?PageType=APPROVED&ContestID=18085&SubmissionID=4032153&IncrementNumber=1

You Rule,
Hillary