Saturday was Guy Day. We dropped off my wife at the Mall and I got to take all three of my boys to the comicshop for Free Comic Book Day! The boys had a blast. One was able to pick out toys from around corners and hide on the opposite side of the tshirt rack sufficiently enough to cause me panic. The youngest wanted only to be held and high enough to see the books on the top shelf. God forbid I set him down on ground level. An the eldest wanted only Pokemon cards while trying to assist me in keeping "sneaky man" away from the gumball machines. Barring one little crying fit (status quo for those of you with kids) the boys had a great time! Seeing them run around and look at the books and merchandise with the same excitement that I had was very fulfilling. The owner was especially generous with the comics for the boys giving them not one comic but a whole bag of All Ages books! Whata good guy!
But I also picked up True Story, Swear to God: 100 Stories from Tom Beland. I could not read my FCBD comics until I was finished with this book. One of my Top 10 picks for 2004. This book is truely amazing. Beland touches on everyday life and points out the humous aspects that we all should be laughing about. Mixed with sincerety and heartwarming tales of romance, family and loss, 100 Stories in not to be missed!
This was also the weekend of the County Fair. Mmmm...food stands, rides, petting zoo, pony rides, the works! We stpend the day there with family. The whole crew of us digging in on sliced beef sandwhiches and greasy curly fries. I wished I could have taken a picture of my vegetarian brother standing in line at a steak stand (mounted steer horns and all for decor). But he was only ordering a monster helping of sauteed mushrooms. Watching the kids on the rides is the most fun. Their little faces all flushed with happiness jumping around in inflatable bouncy things and knowing that they all will be sleeping through the night!
I have a fear of heights though. But I wittled it back a few notched by doing the impossible. Yes, I saw it looming there in the distance, taunting me. But as we move ever one ride closer my bravado strengthened. Today would be the day. I would climb the Rock Wall. My brother and I took each side of the monster and I treid not to think about the height or my fear as the attendent strapped me in the harness and told me how to get down (of which I heard absolutely nothing). I jumped right into the climb not thinking or pacing. At the half way point I just about dropped off. My fear getting the best of me. But I did continue. About three quarters up I debated dropping again. But I saw my wife at the bottom cheering me on. Instant Bravado! I looked up again and saw only three rocks stood between me and ringing the bell at the top. After holding position for a few moments I struggled up the last three handholds, rang the bell and defeated a portion of my fear. Then I had absolutely no idea what to do. I looked down and the attendent was repeating his earlier instructions. I leaned back holding the cable and after all that, after defeating the monster with my wife looking on...I fell flat on my rear end! Luckily no one pointed it out. And my wife and family congratulated me. As the attendent removed the harness he asked if I'd like to try one of the harder climbs. With my arms throbbing in pain and cramps immenent in my feet I passed on the free second climb. It was just a nice reward knowing I could have done it again.
You Dig?