On this past Tuesday, the 3rd annual celebration of Johnstown's Vision 2025 was held at Ace's in Cambria City. My wife and I proudly were a part of that celebration. In a room of hundreds, we listened and learned. The Vision 2025 initiative is full of buzz words and phrases - "capture teams", "life sustaining landscapes", and "youth engagement", to name a few, but it all comes down to community members coming together. That is how you capture, sustain, and engage.
So, we are the buzz and that is empowering. In that celebratory room and around Johnstown, you can see positive change. As a volunteer for the Bikes and Trails capture team, I have had the honor to chuck wood, sling mud, and dig dirt with a bunch of guys I never met until trail work began. Breaking new ground is never easy, especially when you are standing on a precarious hillside. Chainsaws have a buzz too.
On Saturday, I teamed up with a band of brothers to continue to build the Inclined Plane Trail. The end result is going to be an adventurous track for mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and nature lovers. Saturday's trail work was intense, ambitious, and unified. It was certainly manual labor, but it felt more like maniacal love - for outdoor adventure, for creating something new, and building a path for the future. A shout out to the guys I dug beside on Saturday - it was fun to dig deep and dream big.
I'm not sure what Johnstown will look like in 2025, but I know what Ace's looked like on Tuesday. I know what the trail looked like on Saturday. I like what I see.
Feel empowered. Capture. Sustain. Engage.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Saturday, January 13, 2018
A 3 Year Journey
Upon turning 3, my daughter announced she wanted to remain 2. This predicament threatened the celebratory nature of a standard birthday, especially that of a child. Eventually, she worked through denial and danced the night away.
In her 3 years of life, 3 things stand out the most - health, music, and laughter. Those 3 things are important and here is why:
Health
There has been a lot of sniffles, sobs, and snot along the way, but all and all, I am grateful for my daughter's health. We have had some nasty falls and close calls. We have endured ear infections, boo- boos and battle cries. I recently did a load of laundry with a diaper in the washing machine. While discovering this immense OOPS, my daughter was attempting to rip down her Barbie house. The clothes were salvaged. The house did not collapse. My mental health was weakened. Only the strong survive.
On one of our last adventures together before my daughter reluctantly turned 3, we went to Seven Springs. We completed a Dad-Daughter triathlon - swimming, mini-golf, and bowling. Her health and growing mind and body were on display. She is an eager and excellent swimmer. She has no golf etiquette and she would rather be a groundskeeper. She spent most of her time picking rocks out of the 18th hole cup. And her bowling game - carefree and dangerous. I look forward to more triathlons.
On her birthday, she got a doctor's checkup. She stood 3 feet tall with a cough. She did not care about her congestion. She was thrilled she could now qualify for more amusement park rides due to her stature. She gave me a huge hug and coughed on me. It was beautiful.
Music
From an early age, my oldest daughter has loved music. The Muppets version of Bohemian Rhapsody is where it all began. When her little eyes met Animal's, a drummer was born. Her "drummer face" is a defining characteristic - a no nonsense, passionate expression. While Animal is her idol, local musicians have blazed her musical trail. A Dan Becker CD has become our Subaru soundtrack. Our daughter frequently requests "Fly Away" as the Outback is in motion. On her 3rd birthday, Dan elevated Happy Birthday with a ukulele. Inside Mill House Cafe, a 3-year-old girl got a special performance.
And hours later, The Evergreens made her birthday party. This local duo brought our house down with a birthday set list that included the Sesame Street theme song, Taylor Swift, and John Denver. In what feels like a long time ago, my wife and I heard The Evergreens play and we were hooked. Now they are our friends and inspiring a 3-year-old to beat to her own drum and keep that musical mind at work. As our family danced to "Leaving on a Jet Plane", a Brownstown basement was full of smiles, wonder, and love. Music brings people together.
Later that week, my daughter was on stage. She does not shy away from the spotlight. For years, Jill and Leah Gontkovic have been harmonizing at the Holiday Inn. Our daughter first heard this sister duo before she could crawl. Now, she walks on stage and chats with the girls in between songs. These are her people - kind, musically gifted Johnstowners.
Thank you Dan, Laurel, Amanda, Jill, and Leah. Keep playing and we will keep coming.
Laughter
My first three years as a father have been full of laughter. On her birthday, a Wednesday, I used a vacation day. Standing near the bathtub, I implored my birthday girl to wash herself - no one wants to stink on their big day. This was in the morning and at a time when she still wanted to be 2. She politely then violently refused to get a bath. With watery eyes and no chance in hell of getting in the water, she screamed at me, "JUST GO TO WORK, DAD! GO TO WORK!"
She eventually got in the tub and I did not go to work. We had a great day together - me, her mom, her baby sister, family, friends, neighbors, musicians, and the friendly staff at Laurel Pediatrics. On the same day I couldn't convince her to get a bath, she asked her doctor to "keep checking me up", essentially feeling like she was not getting enough medical attention. Our daughter is funny and parenting is nuts.
At church on Saturday night, the priest talked about finding moments of silence and there was an intention for those living in chaos. If you have lived in a home with small children or are currently living in one, you know chaos reigns and silence is a myth. While the priest is talking about silence, I am in a pew of chaos. It is my life. Finding time for reflection is important, but I'm holding on tight to my funny children.
It has been a chaotic and blessed journey. I feel good about the birthdays ahead. Cheers to good health, good music, and a good laugh.
In her 3 years of life, 3 things stand out the most - health, music, and laughter. Those 3 things are important and here is why:
Health
There has been a lot of sniffles, sobs, and snot along the way, but all and all, I am grateful for my daughter's health. We have had some nasty falls and close calls. We have endured ear infections, boo- boos and battle cries. I recently did a load of laundry with a diaper in the washing machine. While discovering this immense OOPS, my daughter was attempting to rip down her Barbie house. The clothes were salvaged. The house did not collapse. My mental health was weakened. Only the strong survive.
On one of our last adventures together before my daughter reluctantly turned 3, we went to Seven Springs. We completed a Dad-Daughter triathlon - swimming, mini-golf, and bowling. Her health and growing mind and body were on display. She is an eager and excellent swimmer. She has no golf etiquette and she would rather be a groundskeeper. She spent most of her time picking rocks out of the 18th hole cup. And her bowling game - carefree and dangerous. I look forward to more triathlons.
On her birthday, she got a doctor's checkup. She stood 3 feet tall with a cough. She did not care about her congestion. She was thrilled she could now qualify for more amusement park rides due to her stature. She gave me a huge hug and coughed on me. It was beautiful.
Music
From an early age, my oldest daughter has loved music. The Muppets version of Bohemian Rhapsody is where it all began. When her little eyes met Animal's, a drummer was born. Her "drummer face" is a defining characteristic - a no nonsense, passionate expression. While Animal is her idol, local musicians have blazed her musical trail. A Dan Becker CD has become our Subaru soundtrack. Our daughter frequently requests "Fly Away" as the Outback is in motion. On her 3rd birthday, Dan elevated Happy Birthday with a ukulele. Inside Mill House Cafe, a 3-year-old girl got a special performance.
And hours later, The Evergreens made her birthday party. This local duo brought our house down with a birthday set list that included the Sesame Street theme song, Taylor Swift, and John Denver. In what feels like a long time ago, my wife and I heard The Evergreens play and we were hooked. Now they are our friends and inspiring a 3-year-old to beat to her own drum and keep that musical mind at work. As our family danced to "Leaving on a Jet Plane", a Brownstown basement was full of smiles, wonder, and love. Music brings people together.
Later that week, my daughter was on stage. She does not shy away from the spotlight. For years, Jill and Leah Gontkovic have been harmonizing at the Holiday Inn. Our daughter first heard this sister duo before she could crawl. Now, she walks on stage and chats with the girls in between songs. These are her people - kind, musically gifted Johnstowners.
Thank you Dan, Laurel, Amanda, Jill, and Leah. Keep playing and we will keep coming.
Laughter
My first three years as a father have been full of laughter. On her birthday, a Wednesday, I used a vacation day. Standing near the bathtub, I implored my birthday girl to wash herself - no one wants to stink on their big day. This was in the morning and at a time when she still wanted to be 2. She politely then violently refused to get a bath. With watery eyes and no chance in hell of getting in the water, she screamed at me, "JUST GO TO WORK, DAD! GO TO WORK!"
She eventually got in the tub and I did not go to work. We had a great day together - me, her mom, her baby sister, family, friends, neighbors, musicians, and the friendly staff at Laurel Pediatrics. On the same day I couldn't convince her to get a bath, she asked her doctor to "keep checking me up", essentially feeling like she was not getting enough medical attention. Our daughter is funny and parenting is nuts.
At church on Saturday night, the priest talked about finding moments of silence and there was an intention for those living in chaos. If you have lived in a home with small children or are currently living in one, you know chaos reigns and silence is a myth. While the priest is talking about silence, I am in a pew of chaos. It is my life. Finding time for reflection is important, but I'm holding on tight to my funny children.
It has been a chaotic and blessed journey. I feel good about the birthdays ahead. Cheers to good health, good music, and a good laugh.
Monday, January 1, 2018
2018: Parent and Pray
On the first day of 2017, I had one daughter and killed a deer with my Subaru. On the first day of 2018, I had two daughters and zero kills. The stress level was about the same. Welcome to parenting.
Before and after this New Year, I found myself in the company of parents much like me - husbands and wives in their 30s, trying to sort through the madness. On December 27th, my wife and I had dinner with two other couples at Rizzo's in Windber. Without our kids, we talked mostly about our kids. On New Year's Eve, my wife and I went to a friend's house and all the kids were there - 6 of them between the ages of 3 months and 3, produced by 4 different couples.
My resolution this year is this - I want to be a good husband and father. I want to stay connected to those other parents in their 30s. We are like wolves. We travel in packs and howl at the moon because our kids won't go to bed.
At Rizzo's and my friend's house, this is what I learned.
1. Dinner without your kids is weird.
Once you are accustomed to eating while holding, feeding, or entertaining your kids, eating without them is bizarre. You don't know what to do with your hands. It's hard to find a posture that actually feels comfortable. I'm used to getting up 13 to 14 times during a meal. How am I supposed to sit here the entire time with the luxury of both of my arms?
2. Talking about pregnancy can happen at anytime.
I realized this the moment I started talking about childbirth on New Year's Eve. It was with two other Dads and we were watching hockey. Go Pens.
3. There is comfort in knowing someone else sleeps poorly.
You never want a friend to be sleep deprived. That's not friendly. But, it is nice knowing someone else is staring at the ceiling at 3:00 A.M.
4. School is scary.
Scary in the sense of expensive and confusing. How much will college cost in 15 years? What is common core math? Can I opt out of common core math and live an uncommon, mathematical life? I'm putting this out there and one day my kids can read it - I hated math class. But, girls, if you can get a college scholarship doing math, love it. Love that math.
5. Dad pain is real.
It's in the back, head, knees. It's all over. During a colossal clean up effort on New Year's Eve, a 3- year-old launched a puzzle out of a fire station (not a real fire station). It hit me in the shin. It really did hurt. I didn't say anything. I just sat there for a second. I focused on breathing, like they taught us in pregnancy class.
6. Swaying becomes natural.
Standing still is a lost art for the 30-something parent. Church is usually where the swaying intensifies, but it evolves into a universal phenomenon. Try to Snapchat a parent standing still. Your phone will die before you find one.
7. Midnight means nothing.
Whether it's the 1st of the year or your typical Thursday, midnight holds no significance. It's just another cycle on the clock. Yes, we let the kids do a countdown and pretended it was midnight. It was actually about 8:30. Happy It's Still 2017!
8. Planet Earth is awesome.
Every night for the past two weeks, I put my children to bed and get super pumped to watch the second installment of Planet Earth, the breathtaking documentary series, currently on Netflix. And every night, I fall asleep in some mesmerizing moment in Mother Nature. My eyes close in the rain forest. Two hours later, I'm on a mountain and have no idea what time it is.
9. Planet Earth is better than having a pet.
My family has no pets at this time. I love dogs and would one day think of getting one, but this is not that day or year. I listened to other parents talk about their pets while their watching their kids. Even as they talk about their pets, they are potentially losing track of their kids. I don't want to imagine a world where I have to let the dog out after the kids go to bed. I just want to watch a lion hunt a giraffe and call it a day.
10. Parent and Pray.
God is good and being a parent is great. It's the craziest, most challenging, mind bending thing I've ever done.
Time to sleep to Planet Earth. Goodnight, Johnstown. Make 2018 your best year ever. Or, maybe, just take it one day at a time.
Before and after this New Year, I found myself in the company of parents much like me - husbands and wives in their 30s, trying to sort through the madness. On December 27th, my wife and I had dinner with two other couples at Rizzo's in Windber. Without our kids, we talked mostly about our kids. On New Year's Eve, my wife and I went to a friend's house and all the kids were there - 6 of them between the ages of 3 months and 3, produced by 4 different couples.
My resolution this year is this - I want to be a good husband and father. I want to stay connected to those other parents in their 30s. We are like wolves. We travel in packs and howl at the moon because our kids won't go to bed.
At Rizzo's and my friend's house, this is what I learned.
1. Dinner without your kids is weird.
Once you are accustomed to eating while holding, feeding, or entertaining your kids, eating without them is bizarre. You don't know what to do with your hands. It's hard to find a posture that actually feels comfortable. I'm used to getting up 13 to 14 times during a meal. How am I supposed to sit here the entire time with the luxury of both of my arms?
2. Talking about pregnancy can happen at anytime.
I realized this the moment I started talking about childbirth on New Year's Eve. It was with two other Dads and we were watching hockey. Go Pens.
3. There is comfort in knowing someone else sleeps poorly.
You never want a friend to be sleep deprived. That's not friendly. But, it is nice knowing someone else is staring at the ceiling at 3:00 A.M.
4. School is scary.
Scary in the sense of expensive and confusing. How much will college cost in 15 years? What is common core math? Can I opt out of common core math and live an uncommon, mathematical life? I'm putting this out there and one day my kids can read it - I hated math class. But, girls, if you can get a college scholarship doing math, love it. Love that math.
5. Dad pain is real.
It's in the back, head, knees. It's all over. During a colossal clean up effort on New Year's Eve, a 3- year-old launched a puzzle out of a fire station (not a real fire station). It hit me in the shin. It really did hurt. I didn't say anything. I just sat there for a second. I focused on breathing, like they taught us in pregnancy class.
6. Swaying becomes natural.
Standing still is a lost art for the 30-something parent. Church is usually where the swaying intensifies, but it evolves into a universal phenomenon. Try to Snapchat a parent standing still. Your phone will die before you find one.
7. Midnight means nothing.
Whether it's the 1st of the year or your typical Thursday, midnight holds no significance. It's just another cycle on the clock. Yes, we let the kids do a countdown and pretended it was midnight. It was actually about 8:30. Happy It's Still 2017!
8. Planet Earth is awesome.
Every night for the past two weeks, I put my children to bed and get super pumped to watch the second installment of Planet Earth, the breathtaking documentary series, currently on Netflix. And every night, I fall asleep in some mesmerizing moment in Mother Nature. My eyes close in the rain forest. Two hours later, I'm on a mountain and have no idea what time it is.
9. Planet Earth is better than having a pet.
My family has no pets at this time. I love dogs and would one day think of getting one, but this is not that day or year. I listened to other parents talk about their pets while their watching their kids. Even as they talk about their pets, they are potentially losing track of their kids. I don't want to imagine a world where I have to let the dog out after the kids go to bed. I just want to watch a lion hunt a giraffe and call it a day.
10. Parent and Pray.
God is good and being a parent is great. It's the craziest, most challenging, mind bending thing I've ever done.
Time to sleep to Planet Earth. Goodnight, Johnstown. Make 2018 your best year ever. Or, maybe, just take it one day at a time.
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