Our son has taken a few steps here and there on his own over the past week (holy cow!), but cruises like he's got roller skates on. Recently, while he was cruising the couch, I made a noise so he would know I was behind him. He turned his head and instantly smiled, before turning back around to make a mad dash for it. Now imagine me slowly crawling on my knees as I watch my 10 month old son get a kick out of just being there. Each little section he would stop to turn, and rush forward again, all while laughing, giggling, and snorting as his daddy followed him on his trip.
If you don't think this is one of the most amazing moments of my life, that just means you haven't met me yet.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Parenting Time
In the past few months, there's been less and less time during the week to see my kids. Baby moby goes to bed between 5:30pm and 6pm each night, so most nights he's hit the sack by the time I get home. Usually, I can see big girl, but the past few weeks even she's been avoiding naps which means she's exhausted before I get home.
Even though I get sad when I don't see them, days like today make up for the lost time. I left work early, stopped by my local comic book store, picked up dinner, and met the wife and kids at home around the same time. During the few hours I got to spend with them, I watched little guy laugh up a storm as Meghan hopped up and down in front of him. Little girl ran back and forth in the living room, talked to me about her day, and read some books with us. All of this was mixed around both kids eating a TON of food for dinner.
I understand that there are times when I don't get home from work soon enough to see the little ones, but days like today put a wide smile on my face. It definitely helps that my wife is an excellent mother and talks about dadda when I'm not home in time. On a side note, when Meghan was on the way to drop off the kids at daycare yesterday, baby moby was saying "dadda dadda dadda." Apparently, little girl's response was, "Marshall said 'da da da.' No Marsh, say 'ma ma ma.' Do it Marsh. Do it, do it, do it."
It's these moments that I get to share with my wife, even when I'm not there, which makes me feel like I am there. It's not easy being away from the kiddos, but taking advantage of every other second is what I try to do.
Even though I get sad when I don't see them, days like today make up for the lost time. I left work early, stopped by my local comic book store, picked up dinner, and met the wife and kids at home around the same time. During the few hours I got to spend with them, I watched little guy laugh up a storm as Meghan hopped up and down in front of him. Little girl ran back and forth in the living room, talked to me about her day, and read some books with us. All of this was mixed around both kids eating a TON of food for dinner.
I understand that there are times when I don't get home from work soon enough to see the little ones, but days like today put a wide smile on my face. It definitely helps that my wife is an excellent mother and talks about dadda when I'm not home in time. On a side note, when Meghan was on the way to drop off the kids at daycare yesterday, baby moby was saying "dadda dadda dadda." Apparently, little girl's response was, "Marshall said 'da da da.' No Marsh, say 'ma ma ma.' Do it Marsh. Do it, do it, do it."
It's these moments that I get to share with my wife, even when I'm not there, which makes me feel like I am there. It's not easy being away from the kiddos, but taking advantage of every other second is what I try to do.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Go-to for Comic Books and Enthusiasm for Me: Amy Dallen
My nephew recently asked for help with finding comic books for him. This was HUGE for me. I grew up with comic books in my early-to-mid teen years. My knowledge of comic books used to be decent, but after many, many years, my time and desire to keep up dwindled. Recently (the past five years or so), I've decided what I want to be when I grow up; that's a writer. In loving to write and read and watch many things on the creative side, this obviously led me back to the wonderful world of comic books. And this world is ENORMOUS! I love the artistry, amazing colors, and storylines.
So, after collecting comic books again for the past few years (and a few Comic-Cons under my belt), this ask for help from my nephew should be a breeze, right? I am absolutely thrilled that he asked for my help, and I'm absolutely excited to have done some research and purchased a few (dozen) comic books for him. However, I must admit that my enthusiasm for comic books has been reinforced by an individual that I really enjoy following through social media. Her online presence with her love of comic books and everything tangled in-between makes me feel like I'm watching a best friend tell me about herself.
Amy Dallen is FANTASTIC! Her love and enthusiasm for comic books is so evident on her Geek & Sundry vlog, "Talkin' Comics." Let me get something straight, my knowledge of comic books is probably less than 1% of the overall scope of everything that is available. She seems to be on top of everything and perhaps that's why she's employed at House of Secrets. Anyone that comes into this shop and has a question, she can probably answer it without any hesitation whatsoever.
One of her most recent vlogs discusses comic books suitable for all ages. Wait, that's what I'm looking for with my nephew! Exactly. Amy knows the world of comic books and shares that knowledge so everyone can enjoy them; she might even sing a song here and there to express her excitement even more so.
Amy Dallen is a member of the Geek & Sundry Vlog family, and has been featured on the main channel too. She has produced over 50 of her wonderfully fun and informative episodes and it has become a must-see show for my online viewing.
Here is one of my favorite episodes when she interviewed stars at the Captain America: The Winter Soldier World Premiere. I had fun watching this, because you could see how much fun she was having at this event.
If I have to recommend comic books to anyone, I will tell them about Amy Dallen and her hit vlog series. Her knowledge and enthusiasm makes me want to be equally informed about the comic world, and it also keeps me excited with what I do. I love to write and create new characters and storylines, and a person like Amy keeps that love of writing alive, because when I see her excitement, it makes me realize I have the same excitement for writing books, blogs, and everything else associated with putting pen to paper (eh, or fingers to keyboard). @Enthusiamy's personality radiates and I only hope I can express the same enthusiasm with everything I do.
If you're looking for other avenues to follow Amy Dallen online, check out the following sites:
Twitter
YouTube
Google+
Talkin' Comics Weekly (via Geek & Sundry)
Talkin' Comics (via Geek & Sundry Vlogs)
For some clarification, Geek & Sundry has a main channel that includes shows like TableTop, Space Janitors, Caper, and many other programs, while Geek & Sundry Vlogs presents a ton of people that produce their own video blogs on a variety of topics. Amy Dallen's Talkin' Comics was popular enough to land her spots on both channels. Yeah, that's pretty cool.
So, after collecting comic books again for the past few years (and a few Comic-Cons under my belt), this ask for help from my nephew should be a breeze, right? I am absolutely thrilled that he asked for my help, and I'm absolutely excited to have done some research and purchased a few (dozen) comic books for him. However, I must admit that my enthusiasm for comic books has been reinforced by an individual that I really enjoy following through social media. Her online presence with her love of comic books and everything tangled in-between makes me feel like I'm watching a best friend tell me about herself.
Amy Dallen is FANTASTIC! Her love and enthusiasm for comic books is so evident on her Geek & Sundry vlog, "Talkin' Comics." Let me get something straight, my knowledge of comic books is probably less than 1% of the overall scope of everything that is available. She seems to be on top of everything and perhaps that's why she's employed at House of Secrets. Anyone that comes into this shop and has a question, she can probably answer it without any hesitation whatsoever.
One of her most recent vlogs discusses comic books suitable for all ages. Wait, that's what I'm looking for with my nephew! Exactly. Amy knows the world of comic books and shares that knowledge so everyone can enjoy them; she might even sing a song here and there to express her excitement even more so.
Amy Dallen is a member of the Geek & Sundry Vlog family, and has been featured on the main channel too. She has produced over 50 of her wonderfully fun and informative episodes and it has become a must-see show for my online viewing.
Here is one of my favorite episodes when she interviewed stars at the Captain America: The Winter Soldier World Premiere. I had fun watching this, because you could see how much fun she was having at this event.
If I have to recommend comic books to anyone, I will tell them about Amy Dallen and her hit vlog series. Her knowledge and enthusiasm makes me want to be equally informed about the comic world, and it also keeps me excited with what I do. I love to write and create new characters and storylines, and a person like Amy keeps that love of writing alive, because when I see her excitement, it makes me realize I have the same excitement for writing books, blogs, and everything else associated with putting pen to paper (eh, or fingers to keyboard). @Enthusiamy's personality radiates and I only hope I can express the same enthusiasm with everything I do.
If you're looking for other avenues to follow Amy Dallen online, check out the following sites:
YouTube
Google+
Talkin' Comics Weekly (via Geek & Sundry)
Talkin' Comics (via Geek & Sundry Vlogs)
For some clarification, Geek & Sundry has a main channel that includes shows like TableTop, Space Janitors, Caper, and many other programs, while Geek & Sundry Vlogs presents a ton of people that produce their own video blogs on a variety of topics. Amy Dallen's Talkin' Comics was popular enough to land her spots on both channels. Yeah, that's pretty cool.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
TableTop by Geek & Sundry: Best Online Program
You might believe my love of Star Trek: The Next Generation skews my opinion of the show TableTop, hosted by Wil Wheaton. Yes, TNG is my favorite show. No, Wil Wheaton, cast member of the former hit show, does not dictate my opinion on what I believe is the best online program today. It just happens to be an added bonus that he co-created this genius show.
Actually, I've felt this way since the show originally aired. Now, TableTop has started Season 3 and they started with a very fun game (that I had never heard of) called Tokaido.
I won't go into the details of the game, because I've never played the game or know the rules well enough after watching it be played on the hit show. I will say that TableTop brings a great experience to everyone that loves to hang out with friends, play board games, and learn something new along the way.
For me, I learn something almost every episode because my gaming experience is limited. I grew up on Nintendo and Super Nintendo, with games like Super Mario, Zelda, and Kid Icarus, and board games like Trivial Pursuit and Life. As I've gotten older, I realize how much I enjoy playing board and card games with my friends, because there are a combination of things that happen usually. First, we spend the afternoon or evening catching up on past events since last seeing each other. Next, we figure out what game(s) we're going to play, which then turns the evening into a different event each time because each game has its own makeup. Is it strategy-based and pits each player against each other? Is it collaborative as the group tries to defeat the evil board game monster? Is it a fun guessing game involving playing cards with fun images?
Lastly, playing board games is something I relish in a very selfish way. It allows me to have a sense of camaraderie with my wife and friends that like the same things. Granted, my wife will usually watch us play unless it's a card game, but card games are kind of how we met on a beach trip with friends a long time ago, and then those same card games allowed us to catch up when those said friends got married. Then we started dating and the remaining glorious history of our relationship sprung from there. Okay, I threw some personal history in there; now back to TableTop.
TableTop is a show on Geek & Sundry, created by Felicia Day, which allows its viewers to watch Wil and a few guests play a game. At the beginning and throughout the show, the rules are explained so every person watching can better understand the mechanics of each game.
What do I love most about TableTop? The interaction between all of the players is so fun to watch, and it reminds me of when I play with my friends. Everyone is there to have fun and play a game, possibly for the first time, and they'll probably settle down to play again further down the road. I enjoy watching the enthusiasm when they play; it's contagious and it makes me want to find out what game they'll be playing next or what games other viewers play in their spare time.
This is just one writer's opinion. I'm not employed by Geek & Sundry. I'm not paid to feel this way or write this piece. I just really love TableTop and look forward to the next episode, and the next season after one concludes. Season 3 was made possible by fans of TableTop who donated money to fund its production. How amazing is that? It's pretty amazing! So many people have spent time and money to support this entertaining show that also happens to springboard a positive message. It is absolutely okay to enjoy spending time with friends and play games. It allows everyone to be themselves, or pretend to be someone else; depends on the game. TableTop encourages inclusion among its guests and viewers, and I believe Wil really understands the role that board games can play in our lives.
Board games are meant to be fun. They can be extremely competitive, but it can be done in a way that isn't threatening or demeaning in any way. Game play can also be very laid back and allow friends to play a game without having too much strategy, which can allow for friends to banter back and forth about other topics. In my life, I love hearing about my friends' work and their trips to conventions in their spare time; it makes me feel like so much time hasn't passed since our last encounter. I believe this show represents a kindness that can be forgotten in today's electronic world. Guests of the show can be scientists, writers, actors, tattooed, dyed hair, and overall represent a diverse population, which expresses the true nature of the show. TableTop is meant to incorporate everyone and never exclude anyone. If you like to play board games, then watch this show or seek out local games. It's meant to promote friendship and friendly-spirited game play.
My wife's a teacher. I'm a writer. I have friends that are physicists, college students while working full-time, in law enforcement or military, teachers, counselors, work in higher education, recreation, sales, and some are in the art world. The point is that we've all played games together at some point and it remains a vivid memory to this day. That's the point, isn't it? The moments we share will be there to remember and to do all over again.
That's what TableTop represents to me.
Actually, I've felt this way since the show originally aired. Now, TableTop has started Season 3 and they started with a very fun game (that I had never heard of) called Tokaido.
I won't go into the details of the game, because I've never played the game or know the rules well enough after watching it be played on the hit show. I will say that TableTop brings a great experience to everyone that loves to hang out with friends, play board games, and learn something new along the way.
For me, I learn something almost every episode because my gaming experience is limited. I grew up on Nintendo and Super Nintendo, with games like Super Mario, Zelda, and Kid Icarus, and board games like Trivial Pursuit and Life. As I've gotten older, I realize how much I enjoy playing board and card games with my friends, because there are a combination of things that happen usually. First, we spend the afternoon or evening catching up on past events since last seeing each other. Next, we figure out what game(s) we're going to play, which then turns the evening into a different event each time because each game has its own makeup. Is it strategy-based and pits each player against each other? Is it collaborative as the group tries to defeat the evil board game monster? Is it a fun guessing game involving playing cards with fun images?
Lastly, playing board games is something I relish in a very selfish way. It allows me to have a sense of camaraderie with my wife and friends that like the same things. Granted, my wife will usually watch us play unless it's a card game, but card games are kind of how we met on a beach trip with friends a long time ago, and then those same card games allowed us to catch up when those said friends got married. Then we started dating and the remaining glorious history of our relationship sprung from there. Okay, I threw some personal history in there; now back to TableTop.
TableTop is a show on Geek & Sundry, created by Felicia Day, which allows its viewers to watch Wil and a few guests play a game. At the beginning and throughout the show, the rules are explained so every person watching can better understand the mechanics of each game.
What do I love most about TableTop? The interaction between all of the players is so fun to watch, and it reminds me of when I play with my friends. Everyone is there to have fun and play a game, possibly for the first time, and they'll probably settle down to play again further down the road. I enjoy watching the enthusiasm when they play; it's contagious and it makes me want to find out what game they'll be playing next or what games other viewers play in their spare time.
This is just one writer's opinion. I'm not employed by Geek & Sundry. I'm not paid to feel this way or write this piece. I just really love TableTop and look forward to the next episode, and the next season after one concludes. Season 3 was made possible by fans of TableTop who donated money to fund its production. How amazing is that? It's pretty amazing! So many people have spent time and money to support this entertaining show that also happens to springboard a positive message. It is absolutely okay to enjoy spending time with friends and play games. It allows everyone to be themselves, or pretend to be someone else; depends on the game. TableTop encourages inclusion among its guests and viewers, and I believe Wil really understands the role that board games can play in our lives.
Board games are meant to be fun. They can be extremely competitive, but it can be done in a way that isn't threatening or demeaning in any way. Game play can also be very laid back and allow friends to play a game without having too much strategy, which can allow for friends to banter back and forth about other topics. In my life, I love hearing about my friends' work and their trips to conventions in their spare time; it makes me feel like so much time hasn't passed since our last encounter. I believe this show represents a kindness that can be forgotten in today's electronic world. Guests of the show can be scientists, writers, actors, tattooed, dyed hair, and overall represent a diverse population, which expresses the true nature of the show. TableTop is meant to incorporate everyone and never exclude anyone. If you like to play board games, then watch this show or seek out local games. It's meant to promote friendship and friendly-spirited game play.
My wife's a teacher. I'm a writer. I have friends that are physicists, college students while working full-time, in law enforcement or military, teachers, counselors, work in higher education, recreation, sales, and some are in the art world. The point is that we've all played games together at some point and it remains a vivid memory to this day. That's the point, isn't it? The moments we share will be there to remember and to do all over again.
That's what TableTop represents to me.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Super Hero Movies: A Look at Black Widow
I wonder at what point will we no longer have to say, "I wish they'd make an X super hero movie already." When will it be okay to say, "Did you see the new Black Widow movie?!" instead of "When are they making a female super hero movie?!"*
As well, what's wrong with Falcon becoming Captain America? Is it because you don't like his wings? Should Captain America not fly?
Was there this much outrage when Robin became Nightwing, another Robin showed up to become Red Hood, while another Robin showed up; did I miss anything? Oh yeah, there's also Red Robin.
For today's topic, let's focus on the lack of super hero movies. Yes, they have Wonder Woman scheduled, as well as Captain Marvel. I'm wondering what formula is being used to determine who gets a super hero movie and when they feel it will be the best time. Changing the question* we ask about today's super hero movies will only change when someone makes a decision to want to make it and then follow through with it.
Obviously, there are many challenges if many people say "no" to your ideas, but how many people that ask for these movies would eventually get a "yes" because so many actually want to make these said movies?
One "knock" on Scarlett Johannson's Black Widow getting her own movie, "Well, she doesn't have any super powers." I guess I missed the memo that said Batman and Iron Man have super powers. They're really smart, have money, and use a lot of gadgets and tech to get the job done. Yeah, I guess that doesn't sound like Black Widow...
Is it possible that some are waiting because they want to release a perfect super hero movie, such as Black Widow? Sure, it is possible. Is it possible they're waiting for the right time, as in popularity within the comic book world, to create a Black Widow film? No, I don't believe that one. Since when do fans somehow become the reason we're waiting on these things?
Do fans get to choose scripts and why characters get killed in movies? Do fans get to choose what actors play the roles in these films? Granted, my goal isn't to make this only about Black Widow. I'm also thinking about Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, Storm, and other potentially awesome big screen hits, but it's easier for me to focus on one at a time.
Yes, fan consideration is a great reason to help determine if profits will be earned by a film, but doesn't a proven character help in earning that trust. Black Widow could have her own movie series independent of the current Marvel Cinematic Universe. There could be an origin story with her learning the ropes from Nick Fury. There could also be a Nick Fury movie showing the ropes for an eager Phil Coulson, but let's stay on track. She could have an entire spy series designated to predate the MCU. Wouldn't that be something worth doing? I really liked the Bourne series (only saw the Matt Damon trio), and think it would be pretty cool to see Marvel's take on such a series with Black Widow.
Here's a full list of other super hero movies (that may or may not be in production) I would like to see:
What super hero movies would you like to see?
As well, what's wrong with Falcon becoming Captain America? Is it because you don't like his wings? Should Captain America not fly?
Was there this much outrage when Robin became Nightwing, another Robin showed up to become Red Hood, while another Robin showed up; did I miss anything? Oh yeah, there's also Red Robin.
For today's topic, let's focus on the lack of super hero movies. Yes, they have Wonder Woman scheduled, as well as Captain Marvel. I'm wondering what formula is being used to determine who gets a super hero movie and when they feel it will be the best time. Changing the question* we ask about today's super hero movies will only change when someone makes a decision to want to make it and then follow through with it.
Obviously, there are many challenges if many people say "no" to your ideas, but how many people that ask for these movies would eventually get a "yes" because so many actually want to make these said movies?
One "knock" on Scarlett Johannson's Black Widow getting her own movie, "Well, she doesn't have any super powers." I guess I missed the memo that said Batman and Iron Man have super powers. They're really smart, have money, and use a lot of gadgets and tech to get the job done. Yeah, I guess that doesn't sound like Black Widow...
Is it possible that some are waiting because they want to release a perfect super hero movie, such as Black Widow? Sure, it is possible. Is it possible they're waiting for the right time, as in popularity within the comic book world, to create a Black Widow film? No, I don't believe that one. Since when do fans somehow become the reason we're waiting on these things?
Do fans get to choose scripts and why characters get killed in movies? Do fans get to choose what actors play the roles in these films? Granted, my goal isn't to make this only about Black Widow. I'm also thinking about Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, Storm, and other potentially awesome big screen hits, but it's easier for me to focus on one at a time.
Yes, fan consideration is a great reason to help determine if profits will be earned by a film, but doesn't a proven character help in earning that trust. Black Widow could have her own movie series independent of the current Marvel Cinematic Universe. There could be an origin story with her learning the ropes from Nick Fury. There could also be a Nick Fury movie showing the ropes for an eager Phil Coulson, but let's stay on track. She could have an entire spy series designated to predate the MCU. Wouldn't that be something worth doing? I really liked the Bourne series (only saw the Matt Damon trio), and think it would be pretty cool to see Marvel's take on such a series with Black Widow.
Here's a full list of other super hero movies (that may or may not be in production) I would like to see:
- Captain Marvel
- Black Panther
- Doctor Strange
- Wonder Woman
- Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants
- Spider-Woman
- Rogue, via Ms. Marvel storyline
- Gambit
- X-Men: Apocalypse
- WildC.A.T.S.
- Storm
- Iron Man 4
- Inhumans (connected to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
What super hero movies would you like to see?
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