I Am That Dad!!!!

Shelby At Life Is Good 2010

Oh, sweet Jesus am I "that dad!" This picture should tell you a little bit, but I'll take it a few steps further for the sake of clarity:

• I am "that dad" who likes his daughter and is pretty sure the feeling is reciprocated. 
• I am "that dad" who dropped out of high school and is eternally grateful for that decision.
• I am "that dad" who believes the parent/child relationship is about the relationship between two autonomous human beings, not a power play to show who's boss or a way to form a person into my image.
• I am "that dad" who thinks spare the rod/spoil the child was a child rearing philosophy created by a d******* f*** so insecure about his own place in the world, he felt it necessary to bully a person for whom he was supposed to provide protection.
• I am "that dad" who is looking forward to his daughter's teenage years
• I am "that dad" who sees every day as an opportunity to become closer to his family
• I am "that dad" who f***s up more than he would like but can admit his shortcomings

I love this carnival! It got me all fired up, my list could be endless. Thanks for the idea Ronnie and Flo!

Ah, The Music Of My Youth!

Abbi and Alec at Metallica

Yesterday I received an e-mail from Alec Traaseth (very cool guy) informing me of a concert this October featuring Anthrax, Slayer, and Megadeth. Last year Alec, his sister Abbi, and I saw Metallica together and had a blast. We had discussed the possibility of seeing some more metal shows in the future so this one makes sense.

Recently I had a conversation with Shelby, my 11 year old daughter, about what some of the music scene was like when I was a teenager. I was born in 1968, so my musically formative years took place between 1982 and 1986. I spent a great deal of time in record stores which specialized in imported metal albums and would often try to impress my friends with a band so obscure they had yet to hear mention of their name. We all played the same game so it was rare that anyone would get stumped.

After annoying Wendy and Shelby with snippets of pre- I Am The Man Anthrax, pre- South Of Heaven Slayer, and a little taste of Peace Sells from Megadeth, I decided to compile a list of albums (yes kids, albums- ask your parents what that means) I absolutely wore out as a 14-16 year old. The albums I listened to while locked away in my room with headphones on. The ones that created a bit of hearing damage. Albums which defined my disturbed adolescence and provided me with some fuel to get through some pretty rough patches.

Me at Metallica

My tastes have changed over time, but when I think of these records, I can't help but smile. I would love to hear some of yours, maybe we will give each other some fond memories. Today, at 41, I am certainly not trying to impress anyone. But I must admit I feel kind of cool as I write this list. It doesn't matter how many you write, just share what comes to mind. I can't wait to read yours!!!

1. Kill 'Em All by Metallica. This album changed my life. I got it as a blind recommendation from a buddy and wore it out after a few weeks. Whiplash and Seek and Destroy were stand out songs for me.
2. Ride The Lightning by Metallica. Simply awesome.
3. Master Of Puppets by Metallica. To me, the greatest speed metal album ever. 
4. Diary of a Madman by Ozzy Osbourne. Randy Rhoads was my favorite guitarist
5. Holy Diver by Dio. Not a bad tune on it.

I know there were others, but these stand out right now. Share your list, I look forward to reading it.