Breakfast for Dinner

The girls and I spent about three hours walking around in the blistering sun eating fried crap on a stick and petting camels. That’s right, The Great State Fair of Texas. I had never been to the State Fair before, so I decided it was about high time I made it, and the girls deserved a treat for adjusting to their new schedules.

We got to the parking lot for the fair around 12:20, and managed to meander our way to the ticket booth by 1 p.m. We had to park about three miles away, and the line for the shuttle would have taken longer than the walk, so we opted to hoof it. I hoisted Wu Tang onto my shoulders, and she proceeded to pet my beard like a puppy as she always does when I let her ride. It was a brutal walk, but we got lucky when we got in line to buy tickets. A nice Japanese woman had extra tickets from her school district and slipped them to me as we got in line, so I only had to pay for my admission, a cool $14. (more…)

Last night’s potluck was a smashing success. We had around 20 people in and out and a ridiculous amount of great food. A special thanks to Allen for smoking ribs, Meredith and Carolyn for the great desserts, and as always Jefe for manning the grill and all his prep work.

The girls had a great time seeing their friends from Austin that they don’t get to see nearly enough, and I had a wonderful time relaxing with good friends, new friends, and a couple guys I’d never met before in my life. It was by far the biggest turnout yet for a potluck here, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves enough to come back again in the future. The weather was hot as always but not unbearable and for the most part the bugs kept their distance.

I don’t think I’ve had a better evening in years. Check out the photos from last night, by visiting my Picasa album.

Two of my friends finalized their divorces in the last couple weeks, and mine is officially nearing its end, so this weekend’s potluck is going to be a full blown celebration of the single parent. Steaks, chicken, hot dogs for the kiddos, and the beer will flow like wine once the children are snuggled up in their beds. It’ll be nice to feel like there’s something to celebrate.

I’m even thinking about baking a cake. I’m not sure how to decorate a “Happy Divorce” cake. Anyone have any ideas?

Of course, it’s not really a happy occasion, but definitely a relieving one. Hopefully, we can send the two newest hot single moms in Denton out into the world in style.

Wherever you are this Saturday, tip your glass to single parenthood. There will be about 10-15 people here in my backyard doing just that.

I loved Ms. Single Momma’s post Screw You, Disney so much that I just had to contribute a spin-off.

My daughters are at that age where their make believe lives revolve around princesses and princes. I have seen so many movies with happy endings I should work in a less than legitimate massage parlor. How do I compete with Prince Phillip, Eric, and the aptly named Charming? (more…)

Many of my married friends are keen to tell me how lucky I am to be a single dad. I could argue and tell them how much work it is getting the kids ready in the morning and down to bed every night. I could say how hard it is to make ends meet on one income. I could talk about how it’s hard to date because my girlfriend has a kid too and it’s hard to schedule time. I could show them the backseat of my station wagon (affectionately named Yoshimi by my Flaming Lips-loving seven year old) where the box of crayons melted in the 100 degree Texas heat. But, to be honest, they’re right. Life is pretty sweet. (more…)