It's been a while since I've blogged. The wife, baby, and I are doing well and baby owl is almost four months old. I thought it would be fun to create and share a questionnaire, which I'm hoping will be a nice way to share a little bit about myself with all of my online friends. Please feel free to use the same questions and blog your own responses.
Let's call this the "Filling in the Years" post/questionnaire/survey. Depending on your age, you might respond to these as things you do a lot of currently instead of posting as past favorites.
Filling in your kid years:
What's the one television show you wanted to stay up late to watch?
Moonlighting
What two songs remind you of that period the most?
Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
What three movies created during your kid years would you still watch today?
Die Hard
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Tango and Cash
The teen years:
What is one activity that occupied a large portion of your time?
Basketball
What are two books from your teen years that somewhat defined your reading preferences today?
Sphere by Michael Crichton
Dark Mirror (Star Trek: The Next Generation Series) by Diane Duane
What were three of your favorite bands that you'd still want to see in concert today?
Soundgarden
Silverchair
Incubus
High school:
What is one song that captures your personality or musical preference during your high school years?
Pretty Noose by Soundgarden (grunge/alternative fan)
Which two items did you most commonly have for lunch?
Honey bun
Soda
What were your three favorite classes?
Photography
U. S. History
Photojournalism
Rated R Years:
What was the first concert you attended after turning 18?
Tibetan Freedom Concert
What were two trips you took without parental guidance after graduating high school?
D.C.
Atlantic City
What were three late night spots you frequented most often?
Movie Theater
Denny's
Macado's
The 20s/College Life:
What is one thing you discovered that you did not previously know about yourself?
I enjoyed exercising.
What two shows could you turn to and watch when you needed to relax?
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Friends
What three beverages became your favorites?
Water
Ginger Ale
Bourbon
Modern Times:
What is one place you've visited that you'd want to see again?
Greece
What are two places that you've never been to, but consider a must during your lifetime?
Prague
Seattle
What are three movies old or new that you have watched again and again?
Constantine
The Shawshank Redemption
Harry Potter
Random Mix:
What is one favorite activity that you've enjoyed from little tike to adult?
Seeing a movie in theater
What are two of your favorite indulgent food items?
Nachos
Ice Cream
What are three of your favorite places?
San Diego
Athens
Baltimore
You pick three questions and answers:
1.
2.
3.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Sunday, October 21, 2012
I'm a Happy Daddy
Our daughter was born on Monday. She is amazing. I don't even know how to explain it. One moment, we're anxiously awaiting her arrival and the next moment she's here. I absolutely adore every inch and pound of her and can't believe that she's a creation from my wife and me. It's such an incredibly unique feeling that is almost indescribable.
It's hard to sum up feelings on our baby owl. We both wanted children and were as prepared for her as anyone could be, even though we'd admit that we understood that you're never really fully prepared for kids. She is such an amazing little thing. I keep thinking, "She is so cute." I feel an immediate connection in the sense that I always want to look at her. If we're in the same room, I just want to make sure she's okay. I am surprised that we've been able to distinguish certain sounds so far and she is a noisy girl, but not necessarily what you might think. She loves to whimper and grunt even when she sleeps...let me correct that. She whimpers and grunts even when she sleeps and I love listening to her. I can't believe she's mine. She and her sounds make me dream even more. I dream to not only make my dreams and my wife's dream come true, but I can't wait to take care of her and help her fulfill her dreams as she gets older. Does she want to be a swimmer? Will she want to play music? Will she follow in mommy and nana's footsteps and become a teacher? Will she be a writer like her daddy and auntie?
I'm not sure what she will be when she gets older, but I'm so happy that I get to help her become that person. I waited a long time to meet the person that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with and now we both get to spend the rest of our lives helping her do the same. It'll be a long time before she starts dating, but I can't wait to be that protective guide for her. My first thought is to ball her up in a blanket and protect her for the rest of my life, but I hope the relationship I have with my wife will show her the way. I hope she sees the love we have for her and each other; I want this love to be the example. I will try to protect her as much and for as long as I can, but my hope is to provide her with the strength to look out for herself when it's time for her to move on beyond dear old mom and dad. Again, it'll be a long time before that happens, but that's what I can't wait for. I can't wait to experience the years from now until that point. I can't wait to share the laughs, the cries, the smirks, the pouts, and everything that comes with being a baby, toddler, kid, teen, and adult.
I am a first time parent and very new at this, but I definitely know what I want for our daughter. I want her to be happy. She is so precious and I just want to protect her. There will come a time when I'll need to let go of that blanket and let her watch out for herself, but I'm so happy I don't have to do that yet. I'm so happy that we get to share our love for her and give her all of the attention we want to give her. She is amazing. She was just born on Monday and I already can't imagine my life without her.
It's hard to sum up feelings on our baby owl. We both wanted children and were as prepared for her as anyone could be, even though we'd admit that we understood that you're never really fully prepared for kids. She is such an amazing little thing. I keep thinking, "She is so cute." I feel an immediate connection in the sense that I always want to look at her. If we're in the same room, I just want to make sure she's okay. I am surprised that we've been able to distinguish certain sounds so far and she is a noisy girl, but not necessarily what you might think. She loves to whimper and grunt even when she sleeps...let me correct that. She whimpers and grunts even when she sleeps and I love listening to her. I can't believe she's mine. She and her sounds make me dream even more. I dream to not only make my dreams and my wife's dream come true, but I can't wait to take care of her and help her fulfill her dreams as she gets older. Does she want to be a swimmer? Will she want to play music? Will she follow in mommy and nana's footsteps and become a teacher? Will she be a writer like her daddy and auntie?
I'm not sure what she will be when she gets older, but I'm so happy that I get to help her become that person. I waited a long time to meet the person that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with and now we both get to spend the rest of our lives helping her do the same. It'll be a long time before she starts dating, but I can't wait to be that protective guide for her. My first thought is to ball her up in a blanket and protect her for the rest of my life, but I hope the relationship I have with my wife will show her the way. I hope she sees the love we have for her and each other; I want this love to be the example. I will try to protect her as much and for as long as I can, but my hope is to provide her with the strength to look out for herself when it's time for her to move on beyond dear old mom and dad. Again, it'll be a long time before that happens, but that's what I can't wait for. I can't wait to experience the years from now until that point. I can't wait to share the laughs, the cries, the smirks, the pouts, and everything that comes with being a baby, toddler, kid, teen, and adult.
I am a first time parent and very new at this, but I definitely know what I want for our daughter. I want her to be happy. She is so precious and I just want to protect her. There will come a time when I'll need to let go of that blanket and let her watch out for herself, but I'm so happy I don't have to do that yet. I'm so happy that we get to share our love for her and give her all of the attention we want to give her. She is amazing. She was just born on Monday and I already can't imagine my life without her.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
A Few Fantastic Things to Share
It's been a very exciting summer. I'd like to take a bloggortunity to share the things I found exciting over the past month as the summer ended. I normally save the best for last, but not in this case; I'll talk about our Baby Owl. She is big and she is almost here.
We have gotten the baby's room completely ready; the crib, shelves, wall decals, the alphabet hanging on the wall, and any other thing necessary for the room. We've taken weekly pictures to show the changes, which is pretty amazing to see throughout the entire term. There's another month before the due date, but we are wondering if she'll wait that long. We were able to receive several 3D photos of her and let's just say that one of us referred to her as a baby sumo wrestler. I'm never one to point fingers...so how about I use arrows? me >>> wife
On a different side of exciting, I'd like to share some other things that have made this past month a great one. I went to my first Comic Con. It was AMAZING! There were so many fantastic things to see. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They also weren't afraid to get a little dressed up. The wide array of costumes was definitely worth the price of admission alone. There were some really fantastic outfits that were put together. It was so cool to see strangers so willing to ask each other for photographs with one another, because one thought the other's costume was spectacular. Also, I am really glad to have spent a little money to purchase my first comic books since I was a teenager. As for Comic Con, my first experience was here in Baltimore and I'm already looking forward to next year's...or one in another city much sooner. I will definitely go again.
Connected to this event, I was very fortunate to have been allowed to join in a photograph with friends. This particular photograph is very cool, because it includes Stan Lee. I can't tell you how great it was to get a picture taken with the legend. I was also wearing a particular t-shirt, which means that Stan Lee and @STLakata are in the same picture together. I'd like to thank a particular individual for making this happen. You know who you are...THANK YOU!
Next, I'm excited about a particular person following me on Twitter and Google+. Yes, this means that I'm easy to please, but it's REALLY awesome none-the-less. I am speaking about the great author, James Rollins. How cool is that? One of my favorite authors follows me. I think that's something to be happy about, which is why I'm sharing. THANK YOU for the follow!
Here comes a Twitter/Blog mention. THANK YOU to everyone involved with #GUTGAA. There are so many talented writers out there and it's been great getting to know so many of them. I am really enjoying the event and look forward to sharing more tweets or comments. This includes the conversations that have nothing to do with writing, but are absolutely dessert specific. If you start talking about ice cream, lava cake, brownies, pumpkin bars, frosting, or anything slightly related to that, there's a good chance that I've joined the conversation or lost all other thoughts beyond the realm of food.
Does anyone like gaming? I've really enjoyed watching TableTop by Geek & Sundry. Wil Wheaton hosts this show and it is so fun. It reminds me of how much I enjoy board games and how I'd love to play them more often. This is a fantastic show and I encourage everyone to take a moment to stop by and check all of the entertainment they provide. I'm fairly new to Geek & Sundry and I'm currently enjoying The Flog. You can also subscribe to their YouTube for all of their video updates.
Lastly, I've completed part two in The Weiland Kershaw Series. I released book one last year and will be releasing the second one on 9/30/12. I mention this for one reason in particular. I am so thankful for the wonderful family and friends I have. There have been so many individuals that have given so many encouraging words of support during the entire process. It definitely makes the process easier when there are so many others that are so happy for my own success. I want to say THANK YOU to EVERYONE that has been so enthusiastic and kind during the beginning of my writing career.
The end of summer had a lot of great things, and the beginning of fall will surely add some more excitement into our lives. I'm certain my wife will THANK our baby if she arrives a little early.
We have gotten the baby's room completely ready; the crib, shelves, wall decals, the alphabet hanging on the wall, and any other thing necessary for the room. We've taken weekly pictures to show the changes, which is pretty amazing to see throughout the entire term. There's another month before the due date, but we are wondering if she'll wait that long. We were able to receive several 3D photos of her and let's just say that one of us referred to her as a baby sumo wrestler. I'm never one to point fingers...so how about I use arrows? me >>> wife
On a different side of exciting, I'd like to share some other things that have made this past month a great one. I went to my first Comic Con. It was AMAZING! There were so many fantastic things to see. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They also weren't afraid to get a little dressed up. The wide array of costumes was definitely worth the price of admission alone. There were some really fantastic outfits that were put together. It was so cool to see strangers so willing to ask each other for photographs with one another, because one thought the other's costume was spectacular. Also, I am really glad to have spent a little money to purchase my first comic books since I was a teenager. As for Comic Con, my first experience was here in Baltimore and I'm already looking forward to next year's...or one in another city much sooner. I will definitely go again.
Next, I'm excited about a particular person following me on Twitter and Google+. Yes, this means that I'm easy to please, but it's REALLY awesome none-the-less. I am speaking about the great author, James Rollins. How cool is that? One of my favorite authors follows me. I think that's something to be happy about, which is why I'm sharing. THANK YOU for the follow!
Here comes a Twitter/Blog mention. THANK YOU to everyone involved with #GUTGAA. There are so many talented writers out there and it's been great getting to know so many of them. I am really enjoying the event and look forward to sharing more tweets or comments. This includes the conversations that have nothing to do with writing, but are absolutely dessert specific. If you start talking about ice cream, lava cake, brownies, pumpkin bars, frosting, or anything slightly related to that, there's a good chance that I've joined the conversation or lost all other thoughts beyond the realm of food.
Does anyone like gaming? I've really enjoyed watching TableTop by Geek & Sundry. Wil Wheaton hosts this show and it is so fun. It reminds me of how much I enjoy board games and how I'd love to play them more often. This is a fantastic show and I encourage everyone to take a moment to stop by and check all of the entertainment they provide. I'm fairly new to Geek & Sundry and I'm currently enjoying The Flog. You can also subscribe to their YouTube for all of their video updates.
Lastly, I've completed part two in The Weiland Kershaw Series. I released book one last year and will be releasing the second one on 9/30/12. I mention this for one reason in particular. I am so thankful for the wonderful family and friends I have. There have been so many individuals that have given so many encouraging words of support during the entire process. It definitely makes the process easier when there are so many others that are so happy for my own success. I want to say THANK YOU to EVERYONE that has been so enthusiastic and kind during the beginning of my writing career.
The end of summer had a lot of great things, and the beginning of fall will surely add some more excitement into our lives. I'm certain my wife will THANK our baby if she arrives a little early.
Monday, September 3, 2012
GUTGAA: Meet and Greet
Where do you write?
It varies. I write in bed or in the living room. I've even written during my lunch periods at work.
Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see?
It's the September issue of Baltimore Magazine on my bedside table.
Favorite time to write?
I'd probably have to say during the afternoon on the weekend. Actually, during the afternoon on any day, since I've had a lot of productive lunches before.
Drink of choice while writing?
I always have ice water with me. I drink a lot of water.
When writing, do you listen to music or do you need complete silence?
It can vary, but I usually have something turned on for background noise. It's usually the TV on a low volume, but no show in particular.
What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it?
I'm about to publish my second book, which is part two in a series. I guess my inspiration has come from the amount of reading I've done over the past few years. Working for a university definitely had a nice perk of checking out a lot of books out from its library. I'd written poetry, short stories, and songs in the past, but it wasn't until I had read so many great stories that it made me realize how much I always wanted to write books. I loved the idea of creating a work of dystopian fiction. I self published part one in November 2011.
What's your most valuable writing tip?
Try to think of something unique. It can be a character's name or personality, plot, location, or whatever. Let the unique guide your story.
BIO:
S. T. Lakata
Married; June 2011
I left my old job with Radford University, moved to Baltimore, and got married. My wife and I have been seeing each other since October 2008. We're expecting our first baby around mid-October. It's going to be a girl and her nickname is "baby owl."
I really enjoy to run when I can, listen to music, try new foods, and seeing friends and family. I would love to eventually be a full-time writer and have that be my career. I'm really excited about being a father. I'm happy and can't wait to meet her.
I'll be happy to answer any other questions and I'm available on other social media outlets.
Twitter - @STLakata
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSTLakata
Google+ - S. T. Lakata
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
It varies. I write in bed or in the living room. I've even written during my lunch periods at work.
Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see?
It's the September issue of Baltimore Magazine on my bedside table.
Favorite time to write?
I'd probably have to say during the afternoon on the weekend. Actually, during the afternoon on any day, since I've had a lot of productive lunches before.
Drink of choice while writing?
I always have ice water with me. I drink a lot of water.
When writing, do you listen to music or do you need complete silence?
It can vary, but I usually have something turned on for background noise. It's usually the TV on a low volume, but no show in particular.
What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it?
I'm about to publish my second book, which is part two in a series. I guess my inspiration has come from the amount of reading I've done over the past few years. Working for a university definitely had a nice perk of checking out a lot of books out from its library. I'd written poetry, short stories, and songs in the past, but it wasn't until I had read so many great stories that it made me realize how much I always wanted to write books. I loved the idea of creating a work of dystopian fiction. I self published part one in November 2011.
What's your most valuable writing tip?
Try to think of something unique. It can be a character's name or personality, plot, location, or whatever. Let the unique guide your story.
BIO:
S. T. Lakata
Married; June 2011
I left my old job with Radford University, moved to Baltimore, and got married. My wife and I have been seeing each other since October 2008. We're expecting our first baby around mid-October. It's going to be a girl and her nickname is "baby owl."
I really enjoy to run when I can, listen to music, try new foods, and seeing friends and family. I would love to eventually be a full-time writer and have that be my career. I'm really excited about being a father. I'm happy and can't wait to meet her.
I'll be happy to answer any other questions and I'm available on other social media outlets.
Twitter - @STLakata
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSTLakata
Google+ - S. T. Lakata
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
30 Weeks and Counting
My wife is 30 weeks pregnant as of Sunday. She and the baby are doing well (knock on wood) and we are really looking forward to meeting our "baby owl." Now, the nickname of our baby is for two reasons. First, we're not letting anyone know what our baby's name will be until she's here. Second, Meghan's dad said that she looked like an owl after looking at the first ultrasound picture and to be fair, her eyes were very big and had an owl-like quality to them. We both have been doing whatever we can to be prepared for her after she's delivered. We already painted the baby room last summer. We went with a neutral color, which did make it easier since we knew that we'd be trying after we got married. We have dressers, a glider chair, a book case, and a baby step stool in the room. We also have wooden letters for the alphabet and decals on the wall to help make the room cozier for her.
I am very excited for baby owl to get here. I have an idea of what to expect, but know that everyone of those notions will change once she does arrive. There are some things that I find stressful, but this is something that I'm not crazy about...yet. I do admit that I will be very protective of her, especially when the dating aspect comes into her life. I sometimes imagine the scene in Bad Boys 2, but maybe not that extreme. If you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about. I am looking forward to one thing. I can't wait to sit down with my feet kicked up with the TV on and have my baby resting on me.
Meghan has been so wonderful throughout this entire pregnancy. She's been making clothes, diapers, baby wipes, hats, a nursing cover, and flowers to accessorize. There have been a few days of major discomfort for her, but she's been amazingly tough throughout this entire process. I try to ease her pain with massages wherever she's in pain, but it's frustrating when we both know that sometimes it's not much help. Also, she's taken classes to get 30 credits beyond her Master's degree this summer. How awesome is that? She's so excited for her daughter to arrive and it makes me so happy to see that on her face when she talks about her.
We're both anxious for her to get here. We're both ready to meet our daughter. We can't wait.
I am very excited for baby owl to get here. I have an idea of what to expect, but know that everyone of those notions will change once she does arrive. There are some things that I find stressful, but this is something that I'm not crazy about...yet. I do admit that I will be very protective of her, especially when the dating aspect comes into her life. I sometimes imagine the scene in Bad Boys 2, but maybe not that extreme. If you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about. I am looking forward to one thing. I can't wait to sit down with my feet kicked up with the TV on and have my baby resting on me.
Meghan has been so wonderful throughout this entire pregnancy. She's been making clothes, diapers, baby wipes, hats, a nursing cover, and flowers to accessorize. There have been a few days of major discomfort for her, but she's been amazingly tough throughout this entire process. I try to ease her pain with massages wherever she's in pain, but it's frustrating when we both know that sometimes it's not much help. Also, she's taken classes to get 30 credits beyond her Master's degree this summer. How awesome is that? She's so excited for her daughter to arrive and it makes me so happy to see that on her face when she talks about her.
We're both anxious for her to get here. We're both ready to meet our daughter. We can't wait.
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