crazedparent

Impressions of stay at home dads...

I'm a little late with this story but the SF Chron magazine ran a story last week called '"Full-time Dad and Fine with It" with the subhead "Disabusing false notions of life as a stay-at-home-dad." I think it's fantastic that they highlighted the growth of dads staying at home to take care of the kids. I personally have no "false notions" of what life is like as a SAHD. But I find it interesting the way the dads in the article set up distinct differences and competitions with moms...

Said one dad...

"I've noticed that at our dads groups, there will be four or five of us hanging out here," says Crane, whose wife delivered a second child two months ago. "And one of the kids will fall, and some random mom will run across the playground and start checking everything out. The point is the guys are more likely to let the kid get up and dust their own dirt off and get on with their day."

From the reporter, Peter Hartlaub (who also blogs at The Poop)...

There are more stay-at-home moms and female nannies at most playgrounds at 11 a.m. on a Thursday, but you're still more likely to see a dad hanging off the side of a jungle gym.

And says another dad...

"I don't know if it's my personality or if it's being a dad; if I see an injustice, I'll step in," Stone says. "I don't see too many moms do stuff like that. A mom might take that as an opportunity to teach them how to share."

I'm not going to take this as opportunity to stir the pot. I will say that I believe it's pretty clear the dads interviewed for this story and the writer are new to the parenting world. Why? Because if there's one group of people you don't want to alienate, it's moms.

Piece of advice to SAHDs with the mindset of the above dads: It's wonderful that you are able to stay at home. But your generalizations of moms?  Just wrong. Clearly you haven't seen me at the park with my boys. And If you continue to think you're the shit, you'll never get asked to play in my sandbox.

Any SAHDS out there...read the article and tell me what you think. Ladies, interested in your take as well.

What the hell do you do with all of that art?...

In need of ideas on how to display all of those gorgeous arts and crafts projects your kids bring home from school? Check out my latest story, "Revolving exhibits: Display wall enlivens child's arts and crafts," from the San Francisco Home & Garden section.

crazedparent five: rick springfield edition...guilty pleasure

We're wrapping up the crazedparent five: rick springfield edition with a profile of a gal who likes to go by the alias "Guilty Pleasure." I'm deeply indebted to her because she was one of the fans at the Marin County Fair who snapped photos of my magic moment with Rick. She also had her own Summer of Springfield, catching him at all of the same venues where I saw him. And, she's impulsive. At a moment's notice, she may just drop everything to jump on a bus for a four-hour drive just to see him in concert. Oh, did I mention she has three teenage daughters and works a full-time gig in Silicon Valley. Crazy lady!!

cp: How long have you been a rick springfield fan and what's your first memory of him?

gp: My first memory of Rick Springfield was during college back in 1981 whenJessie's Girl was released.  I remember trying to catch seeing him on General Hospital in between classes.  During the early 1980's I was fortunate to have seen him in concert at the Concord Pavilion and the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles.   Did not keep up with Rick's music during the late 80's through 90's and became a fan again when I saw him perform in EFX.  I did not originally plan on seeing EFX during my family's vacation at the MGM however the promotional videos at the airport and posters displayed throughout the casino peaked my curiosity...the rest is history.

cp: How old are your kids? have you introduced them to Rick's music and if so, what do they think?

gp:  I have 3 teenage daughters; ages 12, 14, and 16 (very challenging years!)  My daughters were forced to listen to Rick Springfield while riding in the car by default since I was their chauffeur. The rule in mycar is that the music in the car is the driver's  choice.  Additionally I took them to the movie "13 Going on 30" and during the movie I felt compelled to point out to them the scenes mentioning Rick.

cp: What's the craziest thing you've done to see rick at a concert or in person? how far have you traveled to see rick?

gp: My middle name is "impulsive" because without any preplanning I went by myself and hopped a bus from San Jose, CA to Reno, Nev. to see Rick perform. The bus I went by myself on a 1 day gambling tour bus and it happened to stop at the hotel-casino that Rick was performing in. I was apprehensive about going by myself but ended up having a great time. I arrived in Reno on Saturday afternoon and returned home on early Sunday morning. I must mention that I made it back in time on Sunday morning to attend my daughter's basketball game.  Also at the last minute, I won one of the tickets to the Daytime Emmys. I took a vacation day on that Friday and flew down to Los Angeles, rented a car, drove to the Kodak Theater, and took the last flight out of LAX back to San Jose that evening.  Again I had to be back home by the next day to take my daughters to their various activities.

cp:  Any really special "i met rick" moment?

gp: I met him a couple of years ago at a cd signing held after his show.  I was nervous and did not know what to say to him. When he signed the cd I said: "I liked you when I was young back in the 80's but now that I am old I still like you"  He looked puzzled and said "do you think you are old?"  I felt very embarrassed  because I must have made him feel old because I am younger than he is.

cp: As a crazed parent, how has rick springfield helped you stay sane?

gp: I am a full time working mother in the high tech industry and it periodically gets very stressful. It is very challenging trying to balance work life and personal life, however being a Rick Springfield fan is an entertainment-recreational escape for me. I love attending concerts and have seen Rick perform 9 times during these past 2 years. I have mustered up the courage to have attended a couple of concerts by myself. My friends call me "working mother by day; concert attendee by night."

Thanks to Susan G., Auggie, Amy K., Sooz and the mysterious Guilty Pleasure for being part of the crazedparent five: Rick Springfield edition.

Now back to business...

crazedparent five: rick springfield edition...sooz

Number of times I've had to listen to Rick Springfield's song, "I'll make you happy," in the past 24 hours at the request of my rock star son: 16

So, yes, this week crazedparent has turned into something of a Rick Springfield fan site with the crazedparent five: RS edition. Yet still, I've somehow managed to keep it about...parenting! Go figure.

Today we're hearing from atnoerh long-time fan, Sooz, who is also a mom to two kids. Her story is short and sweet but her photo with Rick...so cute.

cp: how long have you been a rick springfield fan and what's your first memory of him?

s: I've been a fan since 1981, when Working Class Dog came out. So I'm celebrating my 25th anniversary as a fan! My first memory of him is really just seeing the Jessie's Girl video on TV, as I really wasn't a General Hospital fan back then.

cp: How old are your kids? have you introduced them to Rick's music and if so, what do they think?

s: My son is 12 and my daughter is 6. They know lots of Rick music and they love it. They love Gomer too. (side note: Gomer is Rick's dog.)

cp: What are their favorite songs?

s: My daughter loves to sing along to Jessie's Girl and my son's favorite right now is "Life in a Northern Town."

cp:  Any really special "i met rick" moment?

s: The Tacoma, Wash. soundcheck in March '06 was the best! He seemed so relaxed, a genuinely nice man, enjoyed the little goodies we brought him, and my longtime best friend was with me...just a great moment in time overall!

cp: As a crazed parent, how has rick springfield helped you stay sane?

s: His music helps to keep me centered when dealing with the *stuff* that life can throw your way. He's written about a lot of things that I'm thinking about now, so while I enjoyed his music from one perspective when I was younger, I really *get* what he was, and is, writing about.

Thanks Sooz...and we want to know just what kind of goodies you brought Rick.

Tomorrow, TGIF with the gal who identifies herself as "Guilty Pleasures."

crazedparent five: rick springfield edition...amy k.

Factoid: Total miles traveled by crazedparent to attend a Rick Springfield concert this summer...497.

We're midway through the crazedparent five: rick springfield edition. If you haven't read about Susan G. and Auggie yet, go check out their stories. Today's lovelorn Rick fan is Amy K., who has two daughters who, alas, are not true fans of the original Dr. McDreamy. Her story is one of my favorites because of the golden opportunity she missed...being underneath the guitar of Rick while he sings and strums a fan favorite, "I Get Excited." The ladies go crazy when they hear the first guitar riffs of this song being played and they clamor to get to the stage, all vying for a shot at being his "guitar girl." Why? Because there's a little pelvic thrusting action on his part during his solo. Moving on...(Sidenote: Of course he stopped doing it for this tour, which if he hadn't...lord knows what could have been added to my magic moment. But I digress. Back to Amy!)

cp: How long have you been a rick springfield fan and what's your first memory of him?

a: I have been a fan since 1982. My first memory is my first concert. I know that I had heard "Jessie's Girl" on the radio, but after going to the concert I was hooked.

cp: How old are your kids? have you introduced them to Rick's music and if so, what do they think?

a: I have 2 girls, 7 and 11. They have been listening to Rick's music since before they were born. They both like some songs.  I think they like to tease me more about liking Rick.

cp: if your kid(s) dig Rick, what's their favorite song(s)?

a: The oldest likes "Don't Talk To Stranger" and the youngest "Jessie's Girl"  she says it's because it has her name in it -  Jessikah.  She has never heard "Jessica" (and probably won't until she's much older).

cp: What's the craziest thing you've done to see rick at a concert or in person?

a: I don't know about crazy, but I did rush the stage a little at a concert.  We went to Rice Lake for vacation, and actually started our vacation a day early so that we could be there for the show. My husband and the kids stayed out of the fence, so they could listen without having to pay extra. I was there early and right up front.  When he said he was gonna need a little help, I flew over the plastic, orange fencing and jumped onto stage. Then instead of standing in front of the mic, I stood a little to the left.  When Rick got into position, he put his guitar over the girl to the right of me. I always say "I was this close" the being IGE girl that time.

cp: As a crazed parent, how has rick springfield helped you stay sane?

a: Rick Springfield is my sanity.  I have Rick music for when I'm sad (Sahara Snow), for when I work out (SDAA), with the kids (Living in Oz, Rock of Life, Working Class Dog), and for whatever else is going on. There's a Rick song for everything.

If haven't heard the song's Amy's referring to, they are all available on iTunes so take a listen!

Thanks for playing along Amy!

Tomorrow...a cute photo and quick interview with Suzy.

crazedparent five: rick springfield edition...auggie

My name is Charlene. I'm a Rick Springfield addict.

Now let's move on, shall we?

Today we're profiling Auggie. Let me first point out that Auggie has a gem of a husband. He bought her a much-coveted sound check pass, which allowed her to see Rick and the band prep for a show. The added bonus? Time alone with Rick...and she kissed him. You're bold, Auggie! And it was a gift from her hubby...very cool.

One theme you'll continue to see is how Rick keeps his fans feeling young. They say kids keep you young, but after a day of chasing after little ones, sometimes you feel like a cranky geezer. Nothin' like a good-looking rock star to provide a little energy boost.

Here's Auggie!

cp: How long have you been a Rick Springfield fan and what's your first memory of him?

a: I've been a Rick fan for 25 years. I can remember the summer of '81 hearing Jessie's Girl on the radio and LOVING it. I was 12 years old at the time. I went out and bought Working Class Dog with my babysitting money and WORE IT OUT. I remember seeing the 45 single to Love Is Alright Tonite at the mall and begging my mom to get it for me. I vividly remember the gold lamey shirt with the black tie and Ron having the same matching outfit. That is my absolute favorite picture of Rick from back in the day.

cp: How old are your kids? Have you introduced them to Rick's music and if so, what do they think?

a: My kids are 4 and 7.  Two girls... Madeline and Hannah.  They have been hearing Rick music since they were born and love it. I remember Karma came out about 6 weeks after my oldest daughter was born and I used to nurse her and rock her to the music from that CD. I went through some pretty bad post-partum depression after her birth and I remember the song "Shock to my System" being a particularly meaningful song to me. She was a shock to my system at first, but we got through it with the help of some soulful music.

cp: Do your daughters have any Rick favorites?

a: My youngest daughter, Maddie's favorite song is "Is Everybody Happy?"  Sahara Snow. She just belts it out in the car and it makes me laugh every time. My other daughter's favorite is "Don't Talk to Strangers". She used to sing it in the grocery store when she was just learning how to talk. I'd get cute nods from other moms my age that "got it". She and I would always have discussions about "stranger danger" when we heard that song, so it turned out to be educational for her.

cp: Any special "I met Rick" moments?

a: My most special "I met Rick moment" would have been last year in May. My husband suprised me at Christmas time with an autographed guitar of his. I knew that by buying one, he also got a backstage pass, so I must have screamed loud enough for the neighbors to hear me. I remember thinking that I wouldn't know what to say if I did get to meet him and I spent many sleepless nights contemplating the right words. The day finally came, months later, and there are no words that can describe what I felt. Nervous was an understatement. My husband dropped me off and waited with me in the lobby.  They took about 20 of us in to the auditorium and sat us down. Rick came out from backstage carrying a Starbucks coffee and looking great! I remember thinking how weird it was that my lifelong crush was standing right there in front of me for real. I was shaking so bad I figured he'd be able to see it.  He did his soundcheck set and then came down to sign our things. As he made his way over to me, I felt more and more sick to my stomach. Finally, he stood directly in front of me and said "Hi."  I couldn't speak. No words would come out. I must have looked like a deer in headlights, because he finally had to say (with a smile) "Would you like anything signed?" I snapped out of it and showed him my things.  He was easy to talk to and was very sweet to me. I gave him a lollipop my daughter gave me to give him, and he popped it right in his mouth! It was watermelon and he said he loved that flavor.  He said he thought it was sweet that she thought of him. I got to get two photos taken with him and in one of them I actually got up enough courage to ask him if I could kiss his cheek in the picture. He smiled and said "Sure."  The girl that was in the booth with me took my camera and went to take the shot. I remember my lips were attatched to his cheek for what seemed to be an eternity because of the anti-red eye apparatus on my camera which blinks several times and then snaps the shot. Those few seconds were the COOLEST in my life! He thanked me, gave me a big hug and then moved on the the next girl. All time stood still for me. I could officially die now. It was truly the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me, and all because my sweet husband set it all up.  How lucky am I?!

cp: As a crazed parent, how has Rick Springfield helped you stay sane?

a: As a crazed parent, Rick has helped me stay sane by creating an escape for me. When I go to his shows, I forget all about work and bills and dishes and homework, and I become 13 again for two hours. No matter how many shows I see, I always feel giddy when he comes out onto the stage.  It brings back all of those childhood feelings all over again...every time. I also do housework to Rick music and it helps break up the monotony. I also work out (when I have time!) to Rick music. Rick Springfield is just a constant source of fun and sunshine in my life and he will forever keep me feeling young.

Thanks to Auggie for sharing her Rick deets.

Next up, find out what happened when Amy K. rushed the stage at concert...

crazedparent five: rick springfield edition...Susan G.

We're kicking of the crazedparent five: rick springfield edition with Susan G., a long-time fan who lives in northern Virginia with her hubby and 4-year-old son, Logan. Susan's traveled to see Rick for his 5-day stint in Milwakee...and watched him every. single. night. That's love, baby.

Unlike my little guy, Susan's son is not a big fan. But she left her mark on him when he was a wee toddler...check out the shirt. (sidenote: Susan, can I borrow it for my little guy?!)

 

cp: How long have you been a Rick Springfield fan and what's your first memory of him?

s: I've been a fan since 1981 when he first started on General Hospital and Jesse's Girl came out. I was in the fan clubs and had his pictures all over my walls.  My wonderful mom stood in line and bought concert tickets when he came to my hometown of Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1982.  She talked a friend's daughter who was in her 20's into going with me.  I was only 15.

cp: How old are your kids? Have you introduced them to Rick's music and if so, what do they think?

s: Logan is 4 1/2 years old. I introduced him to Rick's music while he was still in the womb.  We bought one of those womb song things and my hubby laughed at me because I would play some Mozart and a lot of Rick. Every time Rick came on he would start really kicking as if he was dancing in there. Now he recognizes him in pictures and will say, "Mommy, that's Ricky" and ask me if I am singing a song if it is a Ricky song. The other day in the car he asked me if I wanted him to sing some Ricky songs.  I said sure.  He told me to name one.  I did and he started to sing ... making up all the words and it was so priceless! He kept asking for songs and doing that. When I said "Jessie's Girl", he told me that he couldn't sing that one because there was a girl named Jessie at his school!  I thought that was great!

cp: What's the craziest thing you've done to see rick at a concert or in person? How far have you traveled to see rick?

s: The craziest thing I've done and the farthest I've traveled to see Rick in concert (not counting EFX, which was before I had a child) has been to Milwaukee this year. I went with a friend for all 5 days and it was totally awesome! I would talk to Logan every night and he would ask if I saw Ricky that day and how he was and when was I going to leave him and come home because he missed me!

cp: Any really special "I met rick" moment?

s: I think that any time you meet Rick is a special moment.  The first time I met him was last summer in Baltimore when I did a Sound Check. I was so nervous and he was so sweet. I got the greatest picture with him. I just couldn't think of anything to say and blurted out that I waited 25 years to meet him and just couldn't believe it was actually happening. He gave me a very special smile and said thanks! Then I got to meet him twice at CD signings in Milwaukee. They were both great ... the first one being the best when my friend, Lisa, and I were trying to get him to sing "Souls" and he said that they had been practicing and would probably to it, which they did the last night, which so made the trip!

cp: As a crazed parent, how has Rick Springfield helped you stay sane?

s: Rick takes me back to being a teenager whenever I go to one of his concerts. I can yell and scream and act totally crazy. I think this is super important because I have to be the discipline parent. As that, with a son who is totally boy and believes in constantly testing any/all limits, I really need to get away from reality once in a while. Rick totally helps me do that ... I feel like I am a teenager whenever I am at one of his concerts and it totally relaxes me and helps me to cope with things with fresh eyes when I go back home.

Thanks to Susan for being the first mom and fan to be profiled as part of the crazedparent five: rick springfield edition.

Tomorrow, find out how Auggie uses a Rick Springfield song to teach her daughter about "stranger danger," and how her husband coordinated her meeting Dr. Drake.

crazedparent five: rick springfield edition

It was a bittersweet weekend as I completed my official Summer of Springfield by attending my last Rick Springfield concert this summer. This time my crazedparent sister went with me for a little road trip to the middle of California in 113 degree weather and stayed at an Indian Casino where he was  playing (and, um, also staying).  *sigh* So much fun, so much to share but alas, this time I will keep the stories to myself. You'll have to just re-live my other magic moment.

To wrap up my Summer of Springfield, this week I'm bringing you the crazedparent five: rick springfield edition. Want to know why women love this man so much? Check back every day this week as I profile five fans who are moms and share the common adoration for a certain rock star with the innate ability to bring grown women to their swooning teenage days...with just one glance.

Giveaways: update...

So I thought I had a winner for the Complete Bugaloos Series on DVD giveaway, but alas, "Scott" left the correct answer and has not sent me his address to claim his prize. Scott, you've got 24 hours to claim your DVD! Otherwise I'm sending it to my friend, Mom's Pizza Dough, who is a serious Bugaloos fan.

And I have two copies left of the Busy Busy Book available. So read the post and let me know your calendaring woes.

UPDATE: All copies of the Busy Body Book have been claimed.

A lame attempt to stir the pot...

I've been trying to do my best to avoid any posts about the whole Mommy War saga. But then I read this post by mr. nice guy (I still dig you, man!). "Writer" Amy Sohn posted a riff on why she thinks that being a Stay-at-Home-Mom "is bad for the child and bad for the mom.  And bad for society.  It’s just plain bad."

The reason I post this is not because her entire blurb is inflammatory. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. It's just that this woman, also a mom, is a professional writer. And here she is writing the most unprofessional piece of writing I've seen. It's laughable. And it's pretty clear she did it as a blatant attempt to stir the pot in an attempt to direct attention to herself (read: wants to get in on the mommy wars debate with a book deal).

My two personal favorites...

"If you are a college-educated woman with a child, you should outsource your child care. Childcare is not really as hard as it’s cracked up to be. Hand him a pot and spoon and the kid is happy. Childcare should be the province of immigrant women trying to get a leg up."

"They are sending us way, way back.  They are the reason all these kids are on Ritalin.  They are the reason young adults are depressed.  The reason the average college student talks to his parents 20 times a week."

Go read it but whatever you do, don't take it seriously. Laugh alot. And feel a little sad for her because this lady is clearly not having a good time being a mom or not allowing herself to have a good time so she can be uber cool. But her Tibetan nannies are certainly getting the best of her.