I keep some kind of a theme here, when writing about fathers' blogs. Each is very unique, don't get me wrong. Some work very hard to maintain their individuality, while others dive in to embrace their roles as Dads. (No value judgments here, by the way. I'm probably a little bit of both.) Some are funny, other very honest and even sad. Some write essays, others mainly use photos to show their feelings about fatherhood.
But there is a theme. There is the idea that we all have something in common. Sure, bloggers are in general introverts, and men kind of keep their thoughts to themselves anyway (also in general), so it's not very common for men to chat about fatherhood out there in the real world... But by connecting to each other on blogs (and on Twitter. I'm completely sold), we can be almost normal, and that situation we suddenly find ourselves in--namely, fatherhood--actually starts making sense.
But Josh from Dad Street has much more in common with me.
Josh has two kids, just like I do. Both of them add up to 39 months, which is very close to my own kids' 36 months.
What's even stranger is that he has one dog who's 4 years old, which is exactly equal in energy levels to the combined energy of my two 16 year old dogs!
And Josh has lived in Israel and in Baltimore before settling in California. Which is very similar to my situation. The only difference is that I would LIKE to live in California.
Both of us let our kids wander at Target, because it's more fun than sitting in carts.
And both of our older kids are amazing dancers. He refuses to admit it, just like I do with my boy, but I'm sure Josh's girl got her moves from her father.
Really, I'm a new reader, but it's clear from the first sentence you'll read that Josh writes in a very honest way about fatherhood, about his kids, about that whole Balancing thing we do even if we don't know we do it, and about modern life and its contradictions.
And he says Crap a lot.
Wow, I am extremely honored and humbled that you would write something about me! I'm just surprised that anyone even comes to my site. Yeah, it's definitely a work in progress as you can tell by my cheesy free header! lol I suppose, I just dove right in with my posts and figured I'd get around to making it look pretty.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really awesome the similarities we have and would love to share our experiences together, to learn from each other and to support each other. Seems that the Moms out there have such great networks and connections. Us Dads are people too with the same needs for networking and support. The fact that you took the time to not only read my blog but to comment on it on your own site is very humbling for me.
I look forward to seeing what other things we have in common as we both strive to share our similar and unique experiences alike with others out here.
Thanks for the great tip! I will add you both to my reading list. I would love to invite you both to consider reading and cross posting at the group blog I edit, fatherfolk.com. The content is generally a little less about personal experience than some blogs, and more of a place to share tips on food, finance, parenting, homebrew etc. I would love to see you there and thanks to both of you for such great and personal writing!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Aaron
http://fatherfolk.com
You just don't know how women feels to see dedicated dads like you and Josh. I can't really generalize but that's how I feel seeing dads who loves their children so much and wholeheartedly spend quality time with them. I wish my husband in the future will be like that. :)
ReplyDeleteDadStreet, glad you liked it. And hey, a free header is still a step above the header that came with the template (like mine).
ReplyDeleteAaron, thanks for reading and commenting and everything.
Beth, thanks! And good luck!
Great video, such a contrast her going wild to the music, and him just sitting there enjoying it in the comfort of the stroller. I'm headed to Dad Street right now to read the rest!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! And your daughter can really dance.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lee and John! So glad you enjoyed it and we hope to see you at DadStreet as well as over here at this great site!
ReplyDeleteBeth, that's very sweet of you to say! I'm sure your hubby will be very special!
WOw, this was post was really great. You're an inspiration to all fathers. It's great to see fathers who can balance their time for their family and for their blogging passion. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI love reading blogs from Dads for a couple of reasons.
ReplyDelete1. Its cool to read someone you relate too (I have two sons, 8 and 3)
2. Plus, I'm just tired of the bad image dads get in the media, though some of that is deserved no doubt.
Keep it up. I'll be back
Thanks, everyone. I appreciate all the comments, and I hope you take the time to visit other blogs I've mentioned before.
ReplyDeleteI am very close to my dad and I appreciate everything that he has done for me. I appreciate the sacrifices, the love and the support. He also has his flaws, but the thought that he gave me everything that I have in my life makes it all go away. Great post! A tribute to all great dads over the world!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this post. It is so hard to be a dad. You have to be strong. Reading this post my eyes teared for joy. A Father would often speak this way and the way you do. I hope that all father totally embrace their responsibility.
ReplyDeleteThe video of the kids is just so lovely. I liked it a lot.
ReplyDelete