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Welcome to danaCreative.net
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My Blog
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I started keeping this blog as an attempt to make lemonade with the lemons life tossed my way.
Coincidentally, some entries are a bit more sour than others.
Although the blog entries have slowed down in frequency, I still enjoying writing and posting as
often as I can. It's hard to believe so much time has past since my first blog post back in November of 2004. Time definitely flies when you're having fun.
Thank you all for the continued support, encouragement and inspiration. I hope
you all keep reading, keep smiling, and keep cashing those bribe checks I've been sending.
For all you newcomers, thank you for taking the time. I hope you enjoy the nonsense that rattles
around in my head. Oh, BTW ..... don't forget to sign my guestbook!
Please note the blog entries are listed in reverse chronological order.
To view previous entries to my blog, please follow the date links at the bottom of this page. Thanks.
Click here to see me hard at work.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Mad Weekend
You say you smile when you look at me
The boy next door looking innocently
Don’t jump the gun, baby, not so fast
‘Cause
everybody knows nice guys finish last
I think I’m done with playing that game
Looking so coy as I ask a girl, “What’s
your name?”
No success with the nice guy routine
Gonna’ play it all cool, even learn to be mean
Unlike those ladies
that 'aint got no faith
I have belief in myself and I know I can wait … for
The situation when the time is right
And
take a hot senorita for a fabulous night
No looking back, just forward and cruise
I got lots of love to offer and nothing
to lose
You say you’re scared and I understand
But that fear is keeping you from having your man
Carpe Diem is what
Chuckles would say
So I’m making up my mind to live for today
Watching ‘em line dance at the Dallas Bull
Elbow to
elbow ‘cause the place is so full
Damn she’s hott, maybe I’ll take her home
At least buy her breakfast and then move
on … to a
Margarita momma sittin’ right on the beach
So many hard bodies that are well within reach
The sand is soft
and the stars are out
It’s a sexy-ass feeling and there just is no doubt
About what I want to do when she holds my hand
Kiss
her soft on the neck and lay her here in the sand
No time now and we’ve gots to roll
In the sweet, black stretch ‘cause
we’re looking to troll
Living life large and in a different way
From the same ‘ol same of the every day
Of working
nine to five while I get my geek on
Now I’m in this limo and I’m gett’n my freak on
The hours fly by and I’m feeling
spent
I hope I still got dollars just to pay the rent
But that don’t matter now ‘cause I’m having fun
Lounging by
the pool, taking in the sun
My buddy’s grilling burgers underneath the tree
And I’m tearing up his lake while I’m riding
his jet ski
I’m having so much fun like there’s no tomorrow
No hesitation, no regrets and no more sorrow
You know
that this weekend was such a blast
Spoiled only by thoughts of the recent past
But life goes on and I’m gaming tonight
My
boys are in action and they’re looking just right
It’s not a cure ‘cause it’s not a disease
You have to live your own
life and do what you please
There is a little secret about getting through
It’s staying very tight with those close
to you
‘Cause there’s nothing better than the love of friends
Who are there for you always, from beginning to end.
11:35 am est
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
For the Kids
My daughter Natalie had her dance recital this past weekend. This was her third year taking part in the large recital
put on by all the participants of Miss Jane’s Class, and she was simply spectacular. And given that this was her third
year participating, she received a trophy at the recital. As she stood on stage, trophy in hand, I felt an overwhelming
sense of pride. It was as if my chest were going to explode. And at that moment, all the time, effort, cost and
frustration that go along with being a parent just faded into nonexistence. It was all worth it. It IS
all worth it.
This got me thinking about how much we, as parents, do for our kids. It’s been said that part of being a parent is
making sacrifices, both big and small, for your kids. I think that is true. More importantly, however, is making
sure your kids are not aware of these sacrifices. It’s not that you don’t want them to appreciate your efforts, but
rather you don’t want them to grow up with a sense of guilt because of the things we give up for them.
I think the day-to-day sacrifices are almost not worth mentioning. Missing a ballgame to attend a recital.
Not going out with the fellas because of a birthday party. Having to drive across town to pick up the 2 or 3 friends
that are coming over to ruin your quiet time with a sleepover. I am smirking as I write this because all these ‘tasks’
are what make up the adventure that is parenting. They should be enjoyed because you do them not for you, but for them.
There are times, however, when life throws you into a situation where the sacrifices are not so small. I am referring
to the moments when we are asked to put dreams, aspirations, careers or any other thing of great importance in our lives aside
for the sake of our kids. And the problem is that this does not happen all the time, which makes dealing with such a
decision so difficult. How much money is enough money to uproot your kids and move to a new city? How do you weigh the
job of a lifetime versus the comfort zone of your children? How do you forego a shot at complete happiness and fulfillment
so that you can ensure happiness and fulfillment for your child?
Like so many things in life, it’s situational and there are no absolutes. Each individual handles these matters differently,
and what works for one does not necessarily work for another. I think the goal is to understand that as internally painful
as it may be to make such a sacrifice, there is a consequence that serves the greater good that is a child …. your child.
It’s incredibly difficult to find that balance between putting yourself or your kids first, and I think this is one of
the greatest challenges of being a parent. And it’s made harder by the fact there is no scorecard, and the end result
may not be known for years and years to come. It’s about having faith in doing the right thing, and being happy in the
knowledge that you are doing the right thing.
Kristin, I am not sure if you will ever read this, but you should consider yourself extremely lucky to have
a mother as wonderful as the one you have. I hope and pray you grow up with nothing but appreciation, fondness and love
for both your parents and everything they have done, and will continue to do, for you. And remember, the best way to
repay them for their love and sacrifice is to grow up happy, pursue your dreams with reckless abandon, and make them proud
in all that you are and all that you do.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Beach Bum
I took the day off today and headed to the beach. Those were not the original plans, but it’s good to be flexible
and spontaneous when things don’t work out, and I DO live in Florida, so what the hell! I am embarrassed to admit I
had not been to Clearwater Beach since the Clinton administration. Yep, it had been that long. But what a glorious day
this turned out to be.
The weather was perfect. It’s amazing how the sun can be so blinding off that soft, powdered-sugar-like sand.
The breeze coming off the water never stopped blowing, and God bless all the tourists who come to our beaches in their very
tiny bathing suits. Let’s just say the sun was not the only thing blinding out there!
Given that it was Monday, there was plenty of space on the beach. I found a nice spot to park my gear and crash.
I know that objectively it does not make any sense. The idea of lying under the sweltering sun, baking as the UV rays
bounce off the water and sand. But what a peaceful and calming feeling it is to fall asleep on the beach. The
sound of the water crashing on the shore always seems to drown out everything else.
After the first of many good and relaxing naps, I went for a walk. As I walked and walked and walked, I realized
how symbolic my little trek had become. Whereas my nap on the sand helped me reset my mind and not think of anything,
this walk helped me reset my soul. It allowed me to actually and metaphorically put things behind me. I was able
to walk away from the noisier and more crowded hotel area and along the beautiful houses that adorn Clearwater Beach.
Furthermore, the walk helped me realize that in order to move forward in life, I need to put behind me the circumstances and
issues that are weighing me down. And I think I did some of that today.
I found my way back to my stuff and spent the next couple of hours taking in all the beach has to offer. A casual
swim, a tantric stare into the horizon, another lazy, under-the-sun nap. As I was leaving, I passed along a couple that
was getting married on the sand behind one of the hotels on the beach. I thought about how courageous you have to be
to plan a wedding on the beach given there are so many things that can go wrong. But I guess that part of being in love
is having the strength to put your faith into the idea that everything will work out.
And sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. There are no guarantees in life, but every now and then you get
blessed with perfect weather, perfect conditions and perfect results. Like Wayne Gretzky said, you miss 100% of all
the shots you don’t take. So whether you are planning for tomorrow or reacting to today, have faith in your feelings
and go for it all. Life is short and “What If’s” don’t make you wiser, just older.
KML…..always remember that the answer to whether or not your path is the right one lies not in the thoughts
and opinions of others, but only in your heart. May God’s grace guide you on your journey, and may happiness pave the
road ahead of you, now and forever.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
The Magic of Disney
I took my kids to see Disney on Ice last night and it was spectacular. I consider myself a pretty creative guy,
but the folks at Disney have it down to a science. It’s amazing what those Imagineers can do. From their movies
to their theme parks to television programming, the enterprise that is Disney just astounds me.
But getting back to last night, I am still in awe at how well they took the story of Finding Nemo and transformed it
into an on ice production. As someone who’s seen the movie about 80 million times, I was curious as to how they would
recreate the phenomenon while on skates. Well, my curiosity was definitely satisfied, and I left the event thoroughly
impressed and entertained.
From the costumes to the skating routines to the props used to make the story come to life, I was awe struck. It’s
amazing how they can take three-quarters of an ice rink and ACTUALLY make you believe you are staring into a fish tank!
I think I was most impressed by the two-person Bruce the Shark. To perform a routine while skating in tandem with someone
else left me flabbergasted. Definitely worth the price of admission.
And these are the things we do for our kids, right? Sure, that’s my excuse but I think I enjoyed it as much as
my kids did. Of course, there are the parental matters, such as snacks and merchandise, to which I need to tend (damn
those marketing people!). For example, this is me as I step up to the counter. “I need two snow cones, one in a Nemo
cup and the other in a little Crush dude cup. I also need cotton candy, popcorn and a second mortgage. Um….. you
take plastic, right?” As an aside, never get your kids snow cones at events like this. It simply ends up all over
their shirts.
I do need to mention that not all of the entertainment was on the ice. As was the case with the previous Disney
on Ice events and the Wiggles – yes, I took my kids to see the Wiggles – last night was a complete MILF-fest. At times
it was tough to keep my eyes facing forward. “What are you looking at, Daddy?” “Um….. I’m looking for ……
um …. the lemonade man. Yeah, that’s it! The lemonade man. I’ll get you some lemonade right after this thong…
I mean song.”
Cotton candy and eye candy aside, it really was a great night. I don’t get to do too many things like that with
my kids, and I will make an effort to take them out more often. It’s very easy to fall into the same ‘ol pattern of
taking them to dinner at McDonalds or popping in a DVD. Being out and experiencing new things with them is what will
foster the great memories they will eventually have of their childhood. And just like all things Disney, I hope all
their memories of being kids and growing up are simply magical.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
The Darkness
There he was again, lost in the darkness. He had been here before. He knew it. He could sense it.
Yet there he was, in the narrow corridors of this dark labyrinth, unsure of which way to go.
He did not want to go back. He tried that once. Twice actually. Or was it more than that? He
could not remember for he had been navigating his way through this maze for what seemed like an eternity. Still,
he did not know how to go forward. It seemed that everything he did correctly was not enough to produce a solution to
his problem. He did not control his own destiny, and he felt as if someone else were pulling the strings.
Yet this puzzle that consumed him was not always dark and dreary. There were moments were he was able to find light.
Enough light to see the beauty around him. The ornate patterns in the marble floors. The art carved into the stone
walls. It was amazing. It was spectacular. Words cannot describe the breathtaking nature of all that surrounded
him. Then just like that, it would be dark again.
He was baffled by how quickly he could go from a sense of peace and calm to feelings of panic and despair. He did
not understand how this situation, a situation into which he forced himself, got so bad. He was on the verge of losing
hope. Of losing faith. Of giving up.
But he’d been down that emotional road before, and somehow he always seemed to end up back here. He had to keep
pressing forward. This was his mission, his objective. This was his ultimate goal, and he knew he could never
give up. Like so many dreamers and risk takers before him, he lived on the idea of a life outside the maze. He
fantasized about the little, day-to-day things that would seem so spectacular when contrasted against the darkness of his
current situation. He dreamed of relishing in appreciation those things that so many took for granted. Although
he had failed before, he knew he could succeed if given the chance. He would succeed. There was no doubt in his
mind.
But he had to get out of the darkness first. He knew the door was there to be found, but where? When?
He just had to be patient. He had to remind himself this struggle was worth it. It had to be. He had come
so far, and at one time so close. “Just keep moving” he’d tell himself. “Just keep believing.”
Now, if only fate would be so kind.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Land of the D
As a fan of all sports teams from my hometown of Miami, I have to say this is a very exciting time for all of us.
The Heat just completed a sweep of the Washington Wizards, and even though the Marlins have lost their last 3 games, they
are still 4 games above .500 and boast one of the most exciting teams in the National League.
And the energy and excitement of these franchises, along with the other teams in South Florida, have one thing in common.
If sports in Miami were like Sesame Street, this year would be brought to you by the letter ‘D’.
Let’s begin with the fact that the city of Miami is in Dade County. Yes, I know that technically
the county was renamed several years ago (to Miami-Dade), but it will always be Dade County to me. Or is that Wade County,
as in Dwayne Wade, the sophomore sensation that makes the Heat electrifying, and so far in the playoffs,
unstoppable. D-Wade has not only given basketball fans something to cheer about over the past two seasons,
he has carried his team on his back while Miami’s other superstar, also known as The Diesel, has missed the
last 2 games.
The Marlins are also generating a buzz, primarily because of another 23 year-old sensation named Dontrelle
Willis. The D-Train has run through opponents, posting the best pitching record in the NL (7-0) and
an anemic ERA of 1.08. That’s better than Roger Clemens, and it should be mentioned the Marlins have 3 of the top 11
pitchers in the NL when it comes to ERA. Who needs solid Defense when you have Dominating
pitching?
Quite amazingly, D-Wade and D-Train were born only 5 days apart in 1982. So far, that year has been a vintage year
for Miami Sports fans. Coincidentally, the Miami Hurricanes won their first College World Series in 1982, with the football
program winning its first national title the following season. With 9 national titles in 23 years between them, Hurricanes
baseball and football have helped establish UM as a powerhouse in Division I (D-I) athletics.
I wish I can say something about the Florida Panthers, but as we all know the NHL made this season Disappear
over a salary cap – excuse me, cost certainty – Dispute. The only thing that is certain is that hockey
fans feel that both players and owners are all a bunch of D-Heads!!
Then there are my beloved Dolphins! We all know last year was a Disaster, filled
with both Disappointment and Disbelief. But any true Dol-Fan will
tell you that we are looking forward to this season with Desirous eyes to see what new coach Nick Saban and
1st round pick Ronnie Brown can do. And although no one can Divine the outcome of the season, a playoff
appearance, which at one time was Demanded, would simply be Delighful.
Getting back to D-Wade, I believe he has the potential to become THE next major icon in South Florida
sports history. If there is promise of another athlete joining Dan Marino in Miami's pro sports pantheon,
that promise lies in Dwayne Wade.
Finally, I need to wrap up this entry with a mention to another D man, Mr. Dan
LeBatard. Back in February I barked about how Alonzo Mourning should not rejoin the Miami Heat. Long story short, I was wrong. 100%, undeniably
and unquestionably wrong. Dan LeBatard, who is not hatable no matter what Tony Kornhieser may say, had it right all
along. And BTW, Mr. LeBatard, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the shirt you were wearing on PTI on Friday.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
What A Trip!
In lieu of creating an enormously long entry, I recapped my trip to Key West with an entirely new web page. I am
sure you will enjoy! Please check it out.
Tuesday, May 3, 2005
A Look
Ronan Keating sings a beautiful song that is on the Notting Hill soundtrack. “When You Say Nothing at All” is the
name of the song, and it’s amazing. About as amazing as those silent glances described in its lyrics.
There is something incredible when you can communicate with someone simply by looking at them. The raise of a brow.
The slight display of a smirk. The immediate intensity of a scowl. These actions speak volumes, especially when
they come at just the right moment.
It’s a parent telling a child, “Don’t you dare……!” It’s a quarterback telling his receiver, “Go deep on this one.”
It’s a boss telling her subordinate, “Now do you understand what I mean?” It’s a man telling his lover, “You are absolutely
amazing.”
And although these situations occur in all facets of life, it’s those romantic situations that are extraordinarily special.
It’s the unspoken words that tend to be the most deep and fulfilling. It’s the glance from across the room that touches
you most. It’s allowing your soul to be encapsulated by another. It really is amazing when you think about it.
Just like how everything seems to slow down during a car accident, it’s as if our minds are operating on a different
level. Is it that for a moment we are surpassing the self imposed limitation of using only 10% of our brains?
Or is it that we are able to harness something spectacular when we combine brain power with the power of the soul? When
we let go of all that is unimportant, make time around us stop, and focus on the energy of love and life.
It’s amazing how you can live a lifetime in the seconds of a stare. I think Levi’s once made a commercial on this
premise. Two young adults in an elevators share a glance, and in an instant they see each other dating, falling in love,
getting married and having children. It’s silly and breathe taking at the same time. It makes absolutely no sense,
yet we’re left wishing we could experience that trill. That rush. That OMG feeling inside our gut.
Sometime we go days…weeks….months without that magic in our lives. Sometimes we forget what it’s like to be amazed,
and we convince ourselves that the magic is gone. That the bag is empty. We tell ourselves that what once was
is lost in the past, a glimmer in the recesses of our memory.
But then again, all it takes is one look.
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