Just another random evening

...I just went upstairs and got ready for bed. My perspective is boring. Read Carlos' post.


:P

Just another random evening

After a long day of visiting with (most of) the Garcia family in Barrie, we decide to take the “gentle” highway, 27, to attempt to avoid any mishaps (or, drunken people on the 401 during the long weekend). The kids are asleep in the back, and Kate and I are listening to the end of a Radiolab. As I slow down to make (literally) the last turn of our 1hr+ drive, we see a jeep on our left, about to make a left turn into our lane in front of us. However, we also see a white car heading towards us in the opposite lane, directly in front of the jeep. As the white car passes the jeep, the jeep drives directly into the passenger side door of the white car, which skids towards us into our lane and stops. We were almost stopped because we were about to turn right, but if we had been continuing on, the white car probably would have skidded into us. 

Kate: “Holy crap”

Me: “...really?!”

I finish that right turn and pulled over. Kate and the kids (still asleep and oblivious to what happened) stay in the car. I go over and ask if everyone is OK; a young (maybe 19-year-old?) girl pops out of the jeep (“oh my god I am sooooo sorry”) and a middle-aged guy is surveying the damage to his car. They both say they are fine. I tell the man that I saw what happened and can give him my name and number if he needs it. He obliges. The girl states “I don’t have my insurance with me” and walks down the road. The man writes down the jeep’s license plate. At this point I decide there isn’t much for me to do so I leave and take the family home.

We pull into our parking spot in the alley and hear Eminem blasting and female voices attempting to rap. Apparently our teenage neighbour is having a party in the backyard. He’s a nice kid - he asks everyone to be quiet and turns the music off so we can walk by with the kids. Once we get upstairs and settled I decide that I should go back and make sure the man isn’t screwed over by the girl in the jeep. I did not regret this decision...

I walk up to the exact same scene I left 15 minutes earlier. Both cars are in the middle of the intersection, forcing traffic to slowly divert into the bike lanes to pass by. I advise them to move their cars. At this point a bus has stopped completely and has its hazard lights on, adding to the traffic. The man chooses to ignore me and the girl “can’t find her car keys” in her giant expensive brand-name purse. She finally finds her keys, and her phone, and decides to try to call the cops and attempt to start her car at the same time. With a sigh of “not a good idea” I offer to call the cops for them. Now with the cops on the way, I wait at the side of the road. 

That’s when I meet Larry. Larry is an older gentleman with short grey hair, who is calmly smoking his cigarette and watching the events pass by. We chat a bit about what we saw.

Me: “It’s funny that we drove all the way from Barrie and almost got into a head-on collision a block from home”

Larry: “You from Barrie? My son’s in Barrie”

*insert small talk about Barrie*

The first car arrives at the scene: a tow truck. They’re like scavengers. He was going way too fast with his flashing lights going, and stops dead in the middle of the road. An eager-looking goatee-toting 20-something-year old guy jumps out: “Is everyone OK? Are you OK?”...clearly an alpha. Then he stops as if to think “this is my chance!” and decides to take charge of the situation. He scurries back to his truck to collect a fluorescent vest and a flashlight. Channelling his inner Chris Farley (picture Tommy Boy with a flashlight trying to direct traffic), he motions to the bus. The bus driver bluntly shakes his head “no”. Defeated, he turns off his flashlight and takes off his vest. 

That’s when, let’s call him, Glen, walks by. About the same age as Larry and not as well-kept: long grey hair past his shoulders and an ever-receding hairline, wearing sweatpants clearly past their prime. He has a look about him that I can only describe as “crazy eyes”.

Glen: “Hey Larry what’s going on here?”

Larry: “Just a bit of a mess”

Glen: “Oh ya...” as he slows his stride and closely watches the cops arrive

Larry: “Is Bobby still at the bar?”

Glen: “Um yup they’re still there...Uh....I got to get going, this beer in my pocket is starting to fizz up”

I glance down at his pants and see foam coming out of his pocket and a slowly growing wet spot forming underneath. 

The cops are taking statements from the two involved in the accident. The second tow truck arrives. He parks managing to block the only open lane in the intersection, and gets out of his truck. Another goatee. Noticing that the other tow truck driver is talking to the man involved in the accident, he takes the opportunity to make his way towards the young girl and her car and try to claim his prey. 

As we stand there, Larry looks over and suddenly looks shocked.

Larry: “Holy shit, I know the girl”

Me: “You do? How?”

Larry: “She dated my son for a while. Poor girl doesn’t have a chance, she’s a horrible driver. She couldn’t parallel park to save her life. The other day she came up to me and gloated ‘Im going to be on a reality show!’”

Me: “Oh ya? Which one?”

Larry: “Canada’s Worst Driver! The new season! I swear, look it up, you’ll see her”

Me: “That’s fitting”

Larry: “You know what’s worse? Her dad’s a pilot!”

Me: “I...can’t even...the irony...”

At this point I see my opening to talk to one of the cops - he takes my name and number - and it’s getting late. I say bye to Larry and head home.

Half way down the dark alley I realize the short cut is a bit sketchy but I continue anyways. Closer to home I hear rustling in the bushes and two teenagers from the earlier backyard party scurry out, slightly adjusting their clothing. I shake my head in parental disapproval. They hurry back to the backyard. I ponder how to not make it look like I’m a random guy emerging from the shadows and following them home, as I follow behind them into the backyard. They’re spooked slightly but quickly remember they had seen me walk by earlier. I head upstairs to bed.

Me: “Kate, have I got a story for you...”

Our new blog

So after a few misunderstandings because of seeing things from different perspectives, Carlos and I decided we wanted to start a blog showing situations from our respective perspectives. Whether it's a regular morning in the Garcia-Fagan household, or one of our random adventures, we're going to start writing it down. So that's it! I'm excited to start writing again and Carlos is excited to participate in this little venture. Carlos will be adding illustrations at times too, so watch for those. Maybe we'll post some pictures. Well that's all from me for now!

Top o' the morning!

My mind chooses to ignore alarm clocks subconsciously. I don't do it on purpose. I really do try to get up in the morning. Lately I've just conceded to the fact that I will never be an early riser. I'll get up early sometimes, but I definitely won't be happy about it. This hasn't been the best of situations since I became a mom. Especially a mom to 10-month-old Cahlen who likes to get up at 6am, ready to start his regular day of eating, screaming, babbling, crawling, climbing, and other baby things (read: bodily functions). At least Naiya likes to sleep in.

After sleeping through 2, maybe 3, alarms I'll open my eyes amidst the beeping and radio personality conversations to see one of three things: 1. Cahlen screaming at my face as a "good morning mommy!" as Carlos swoops him in towards me; 2. Naiya standing stoic by the bed, calmly stating that she NEEDS milk; or 3. Carlos, exasperated after 2 hours of watching morning television and attempting to keep Cahlen from eating electrical wires, saying "really, Kate, it's almost 8:30."

Then the rush begins. The blur of Cheerios, baby cereal, squealing, morning cartoons, "I don't want to", diapers, tiny clothes, cold coffee, bottles, stifled swearing after a close encounter with a stray lego piece, and the inevitable rush back up the stairs to collect the forgotten car keys, all culminates in the slamming of the car doors with the kids inside. We both take a much-needed breath of silent air.

After the hand-off to the hard-working daycare staff, and the purchase of an unnecessarily large coffee, I casually drive back home to start my day of crunching numbers, reading, and writing up results.

I'll save the description of after work for another post.

Welcome to my perspective.

Top o' the morning!

I know my day starts when I hear a faint cry in the darkness. Eventually I come to my senses and realize that either Cahlen, Naiya or both kids are calling me from the other room.

“DADAAAAAAA!”

I take a second to compose myself. Breathe in… breathe out… and we’re off.

Cahlen is the first one I see. His bright smile can always wake up from the deepest slumber. Recently he has started to stand on his crib so I see his little eyes looking at me past the railing. He’s hungry.

Naiya is usually laying in her bed, pillow over her head, telling me that Cahlen is clearly awake. I pick up Cahlen and begin negotiations with Naiya to get her out of bed (just like her mother).

“Are you hungry? I’ll get you some cheerios.”

“No”

“We can have some toast?”

“I don’t want to”

“How about some cartoons? Diego is on!”

“ok!”

She jumps out of bed and scurries past me to the living room. Clearly she has been awake for some time, but knew this way she would get her shows. Smart girl.

I stumble into the kitchen dodging toys and whatever snacks Cal has managed to throw into the kitchen the night before. I begin to make Cal’s formula bottle. He is obviously hungry… excitement gets the best of him and he smacks me in the eyes.

In the background Naiya reminds me of my promises. “Can I watch my show now?”

Blinded by Cal’s tiny blow I pour formula powder on the counter… Better clean it up or I’ll hear about this later… finish the bottle. Shake it to mix… Cal is now in hysterics. Rocking back and forth he makes it difficult to hold him with one arm. He lands a good blow on my windpipe… I take a second to compose myself.

“Can I watch my show NOW?!”

“Just a second Naiya, Cahlen isn’t help….” Seeing the opportunity Cal puts his full fist in my mouth.

I move my head back releasing Cahlen’s drooly paw from my mouth. He sees this as the perfect time to smear my face with it.

Deep breath.

I get to the couch with Naiya on my ankles begging me to keep my side of our deal. “I want to watch my show, PLEASE!”. I give Cahlen his bottle and he is finally at peace. Naiya has anticipated my next move and hands me the TV remote. “My shows please”.

I toggle through Netflix and finds Naiya’s show, Diego. I go over the theme song in my head for the 1000^th time and close my eyes. Naiya find a comfortable spot next to me on the couch. The bright rays of the sun rising on the horizon fill the room and cover me in warmth. These few minutes are the most peaceful moments of my day.

Cahlen begins to stir when he has finished his bottle. He wants to play now before he eats his breakfast. I get him over to the high chair to give myself the extra hand to prepare breakfast.

“Naiya do you want cheerios?”

“Yup and juice please!”

I go to the kitchen… a mess… I choose to ignore it. It will get done …later. I pour Naiya a bowl of cereal and take it to her on the couch. “Juice?”. Oh right… go back to the kitchen. I get Naiya’s juice and remember to get my lunch out, packed and ready to go by the door. At this point Cahlen has realized that the high chair is not as comfortable and my arms and begins to demand attention. In the background I hear the faint buzzing of my alarm clock.

“Must be 7” I tell Cal as I walk by. He laughs.

Back in the kitchen I begin to make coffee, maybe some toast and see what Cahlen needs for breakfast. I hear my alarm clock stop suddenly and I know Kate has begun to stir. Cahlen yells. He is clearly upset now so I go check on him. He wants a change. I head over to the bedroom.

I find Kate struggling to wake up. Cal begins to scream to get Kate’s attention. I begin to change his diaper. He is now more interested in the curtains and makes a dive for it. Every time. Clean and changed he focuses on waking up mommy. I walk over and hope Cal’s yelling can wake Kate up. It usually works. I use this opportunity to pass Cahlen on to Kate …then the sudden urge to go use the washroom takes over.

I manage to get a quick shower in and hope to pack up fast enough so that we can get going on time. Some how it is now 830. Cal is dressed, Kate is eating breakfast and trying to feed Cahlen, Naiya is refusing to get changed… Negotiations begin again. After giving up a few promises she is finally ready to get ready for the day. Kate and I try to balance out what needs to get done but she usually is doing 10 things at once.

We aim to be out the door by 9am, but we both have a look in our eyes that says “we’ll see about that”. As I try to get Naiya to put on her shoes, Cal is crawling away to see what the CO detector tastes like. I reach for Cal and Kate picks him up just in time. I look back to see Naiya taking off the shoes we had just got on her.

“I don’t like these”

“..but, I … which ones do you like?”

“My running shoes”

“ok”

Finally all ready to go both Kate and I pick up all the bags trying not to forget anything. Naiya cooperates and walks to the car… at her pace. We finally get to the car and today Naiya gets into the car seat all by herself. She’s growing up fast.

The ride to drop me off to the subway is usually short but entertaining. Niaya either doesn’t want to go to daycare, or to Nonni’s or wherever we are headed in the morning. By the time I get off at the station she is calm and usually begins to sing. I give Kate a kiss and the kids a wave and I’m off to another workday.

I try to find the subway car that has the working air conditioning; I usually am able to find a seat fast. I get my book out and take a deep breath. I can relax for a bit.

I tense up when the though crosses me. I close my eyes for a second and admit to myself … I forgot my lunch.

This was a good morning.