Flying Down Under

The three hour layover I'm in the middle of prompted me to compose another haiku about flying in Adelaide. The title comes from the safety message that would play on Qantas flights (pronounced air-o-plane).



Subtly, Every Aeroplane is Different

Qantas flight landed
No jetway, no worries mate
Just deplane outside.

The Progeny's First Playlist

The progeny loves me. Well, I know the progeny at least loves the sound of my voice. I've been reading to Mon's belly for a couple of weeks now and without fail, we get lots of good movement as soon as my soothing baritone hits the airwaves. So far the progeny has heard articles by Bill Simmons and chapters of parenting books that Mon and I are reading to each other.

But for months now I've been trying to plan the progeny's first music playlist. One of my books for new dads claimed that infants could recognize songs that they've heard in utero. I had to try this. Obviously, choosing what the first music is that your son/daughter will ever hear, and might have a subconcious attachment to for years to come, is a big decision.

Do you choose your favorite songs of all time? Well, if you're like me they are often a little bittersweet, if not downright sad. A lot of my favorites don't have much of a beat either (e.g., One, High and Dry).

Going with your favorite new stuff is also dangerous in that it could get dated pretty quick. I'm not sure the progeny needs to be the ultimate in indie cool quite yet.

So we decided to go with four primary criteria: 1) classic/all-time band that has already proven to stand the test of time, 2) suitable subject matter for children (at least happy if not fanciful), 3) good rhythm (my dad book said that kids are drawn to certain rhythms), and 4) bonus points for a personal connection to our own childhood. Here's our list:

Brian Wilson/Beach Boys--Good Vibrations: This song hits all the criteria. Plus, Mon's favorite music growing up was the Beach Boys, so big bonus points for that.

The Beatles--Octopus's Garden: This song hits the first three criteria. The lyrics are fun and imaginative. As Mon pondered, what do the underwater effects sound like underwater?

Bob Marley--Three Little Birds: Also hits the first three. Super happy lyrics (Don't worry about a thing, Every little thing, gonna be alright). Reggae beats were also specifically noted for being baby favorites.

Turn it up to 11!

Pur vida

Mon and I went down to Costa Rica for Brett and Kim's wedding last month. It was a great trip with a perfect mix of exciting new stuff and relaxed hanging out with friends. For the exciting stuff, the guys took a surf lesson (my first time). Yes, that's really me in the picture. We also took a zip line tour through the rain forest. The progeny's first zip line--we think he/she liked it. Most of the rest of the time you could find us in the pool.

The wedding was beautiful (and hot) and the reception was tons of fun. Even the bartenders liked the music playlist.

Congratulations Brett and Kim!