Dad Entry #150

I wonder who Michael's first crush will be? Or, more specifically, I wonder what familiar or striking qualities will draw him in? Quiet and cute? Strong and loud? Makes the best paper airplanes? Loves dissecting owl pellets? Capable of naming, both alphabetically and chronologically by appearance in Clone Wars episodes, every single Star Wars bounty hunter? (Holy shit, he'd be a goner.) One would think a sweet face could play a part. I'm sure the truth lies in a magical mix of things obvious and not so obvious, things apparent and other things odd, diverse, and difficult to specify. Is there someone, already, who quickens his pulse and flushes his cheeks? Do you remember your first crush? Around Michael's age, I was enchanted by a neighbor and classmate named Desiree. Oh Desiree, I tried so very hard to impress her. She didn't notice. It's about that time for Michael.

Megan loves to decorate Christmas trees. It's reason number seven million and something that I love her. Megan's brother, however, doesn't help much. I think it's time for coal in his stocking.

Following my last post I searched for "Zubaz" on eBay. I couldn't resist. I watch horror movies on occasion too. I detest but completely understand, and often add to, gapers delay on Chicago highways. As expected, eBay had several items like "Dallas Cowboy Zubuz RARE Extra Large" up for auction. Rare? I hope so.

I played pickup basketball with a herd of nine-year-olds last night. It was an optional practice for Michael's team. Comparatively, of course, I was a giant (always nice when playing bball) but I never blocked any shots or did anything obnoxious. Michael's a good shooter. He sank around ten baskets; he just needs the ball delivered to him, somewhat softly and accurately, when he's wide open. Lucky for him he had an assist-focused teammate. I ran the show like Steve Nash. The kids quickly realized I wouldn't shoot though - I only passed (beautifully, I must say) - so they adjusted; they jumped in passing lanes and blanketed open players. They were smart and scrappy and smothered each other on defense. There were pile-ups and scrums. At least once, I pivoted or turned too quickly and flattened a poor kid nearby. Multiple times, little players were hit in the face by flailing limbs or errant shots, rebounds, or passes (but never by me). They shook off tears, and got right back in the mix. Kids are resilient. They constantly show things like energy, effort, eagerness, excitement, earnestness. And that's just the E's.