;)
Tuesday
Jul222008
13,148.96 Days Later
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 10:19AM
All day, every day, we interact with other people. Maybe the guy at the bank doesn't make much of an impression, but maybe the checker at Safeway makes you feel something. You never know where it's going to happen or when. It could be on the stoop of an apartment building, at a bar, or while you're pumping your gas, but all around us are people, and sometimes a person's spark jumps out to you, and sometimes, if you're really lucky, you're just open enough to catch it.
And then, on rare occasion, you get to cross paths with someone who is made out of nothing but Aluminum and Nickel and Cobalt, and everyone who crosses his path is pulled to him by a force that they can't even explain. Someone who is a living, breathing magnet. Someone who is beautiful and kind and amazing and authentic and just the type of person that, once you get him, you know you're never letting him go.
Maybe you'll meet him at the dollar store, maybe at the swimming pool with your kids, or maybe, just maybe, if you're really insanely lucky, maybe one day, he'll stumble across your blog and leave you a comment.
Today is the birthday of my very favorite dad blogger, BusyDad. If you've read his blog, if you've met him in person, if you've ever talked to him, you'll know that he's one of those people, the kind you just can't live without, the kind that makes you smile even when you don't think you can, who draws you in and keeps you there.
Now that I've met him in person, now that I've sat in a room with 8 other people watching him interact with them, I can tell you that what I imagined is totally confirmed; he laughs with his whole body, he listens with his eyes, not just his ears, he is kind and caring and gentle and silly and charming and, and this is the kicker, he can totally roll with a bunch of drunk chicks who really like hip hop and period talk, and not even flinch. That boy is pure gold, I tell yah.
Before he left to catch his entirely too early plane out of San Francisco on Saturday morning, a friend and Jim and I had a little time with just the three of us. We walked through a city none of us knew, all three of us essentially strangers to each other, and it really felt like we had known each other for a lifetime after only 20 hours together. Maybe that's the joy of reading people's blogs, the way you can take someones life into your heart before you ever get to take their hand into your hand. Or maybe we were all destined to know each other. Who the hell knows?
What I do know is that I am glad BusyDad found the courage to leave me a comment one day a long time ago. I am glad that I followed it back to his site. I am glad that we accidentally met, and that we allowed our friendship to grow. I am glad that we write a little blog together, and that we are parents at the same time, and that the paths of our lives get to not just cross, but intertwine for a while.
And I'm most glad that he's super stinking hot, because really? You could dip Steve Buscemi in all the chocolate and sprinkles you want, he could be the sweetest man on earth, his veins could pump Nutra-Sweet, but yeah, he'd still look like Steve Buscemi. Call me shallow. Bygones.
Happy birthday, my old friend, my new friend. I hope I don't annoy you to much, because I kinda think you're stuck with me for a long time comin'. Thanks for all that you are, all that you do, for your humour and your kindness and your unconditional friendship. It means more to me, to all of us that you touch, than you could ever hope to know.
And then, on rare occasion, you get to cross paths with someone who is made out of nothing but Aluminum and Nickel and Cobalt, and everyone who crosses his path is pulled to him by a force that they can't even explain. Someone who is a living, breathing magnet. Someone who is beautiful and kind and amazing and authentic and just the type of person that, once you get him, you know you're never letting him go.
Maybe you'll meet him at the dollar store, maybe at the swimming pool with your kids, or maybe, just maybe, if you're really insanely lucky, maybe one day, he'll stumble across your blog and leave you a comment.
Today is the birthday of my very favorite dad blogger, BusyDad. If you've read his blog, if you've met him in person, if you've ever talked to him, you'll know that he's one of those people, the kind you just can't live without, the kind that makes you smile even when you don't think you can, who draws you in and keeps you there.
Now that I've met him in person, now that I've sat in a room with 8 other people watching him interact with them, I can tell you that what I imagined is totally confirmed; he laughs with his whole body, he listens with his eyes, not just his ears, he is kind and caring and gentle and silly and charming and, and this is the kicker, he can totally roll with a bunch of drunk chicks who really like hip hop and period talk, and not even flinch. That boy is pure gold, I tell yah.
Before he left to catch his entirely too early plane out of San Francisco on Saturday morning, a friend and Jim and I had a little time with just the three of us. We walked through a city none of us knew, all three of us essentially strangers to each other, and it really felt like we had known each other for a lifetime after only 20 hours together. Maybe that's the joy of reading people's blogs, the way you can take someones life into your heart before you ever get to take their hand into your hand. Or maybe we were all destined to know each other. Who the hell knows?
What I do know is that I am glad BusyDad found the courage to leave me a comment one day a long time ago. I am glad that I followed it back to his site. I am glad that we accidentally met, and that we allowed our friendship to grow. I am glad that we write a little blog together, and that we are parents at the same time, and that the paths of our lives get to not just cross, but intertwine for a while.
And I'm most glad that he's super stinking hot, because really? You could dip Steve Buscemi in all the chocolate and sprinkles you want, he could be the sweetest man on earth, his veins could pump Nutra-Sweet, but yeah, he'd still look like Steve Buscemi. Call me shallow. Bygones.
Happy birthday, my old friend, my new friend. I hope I don't annoy you to much, because I kinda think you're stuck with me for a long time comin'. Thanks for all that you are, all that you do, for your humour and your kindness and your unconditional friendship. It means more to me, to all of us that you touch, than you could ever hope to know.
Reader Comments (46)
That was a beautiful post. And Happy Birthday to Busy Dad. I'm over on recommendation from LatteMommy, and I'm very glad I came. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Jainas last blog post..http://girl-with-the-camera.blogspot.com/2008/07/changing-colors.html" rel="nofollow">Changing Colors
All three of you suck. I missed the goodbye-BD-walk away. Booooooo!!!!!
Jim is an amazing person. Meeting him only solidified what I knew. I cannot wait for next year. Oh yes, and very hot too.
Happy, happy birthday Jim!
Marias last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ImmoralMatriarch/~3/342212027/" rel="nofollow">Stop Hatin’.
Getting over my total insane jealousy to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUSY DAD!
(You may think I'm kidding around with the jealousy, but I am SO TOTALLY NOT.)
He has always reminded me of a good friend that I used to work with (ironically in So. Cal). He is one of *those* people, too.
Awww... shucks. I tried to claim him as my eBoyfriend, but I guess you've had him all along.
A Whole Lot of Nothings last blog post..http://awholelotofnothing.net/list-o-crap-i-like/" rel="nofollow">List O’ Crap I Like
Cheers.
Zoeyjanes last blog post..http://mommyismoody.com/2008/07/22/shopping/" rel="nofollow">Shopping
Hey just a heads up that you need to correct your link to the BusyDadBLOG - right now it's just BusyDad, and forwards to an unrelated site. Luckily I'm smart enough to track down this BusyDad guy, but I just thought I'd let you know about that link.
Found you via Are We There Yet, ages ago, but just now re-found you via there again, and this time I added you to my Google Reader so I can check in on a regular basis.
ToadyJoes last blog post..http://toadyjoe.com/?p=1803" rel="nofollow">Ethan & Grandma
BusyDad is a totally cool guy. I've only known him for a short time, but he's definitely one of those dudes who can interact with the ladies and gain their trust almost immediately, while at the same time hang with the guys and talk sports. Happy Birthday to BusyDad.
Oh, and Mr Lady, your writing is truly amazing. I work a pretty busy 9 to 5, but I always stop what I'm doing when one of your posts pops up to read it. In the end, you will probably get me fired, but thats cool....no hard feelings.
PS - Oh yeah, and BusyDad can totally kick anyone's ass with his five finger exploding heart technique.
matts last blog post..http://redsparks.com/playpen/2008/07/17/the-playpen-in-motion-tuna-boats/" rel="nofollow">The Playpen in Motion - Tuna Boats!
What a great post and tribute to your friend. So, this BusyDad? I think I'll cruise on over and introduce myself. Wish him a happy birthday and all. Plus you said he's hot. Don't worry Mr. Schmitty...I'm just looking! ;)
Mrs. Schmittys last blog post..http://aschmittylife.blogspot.com/2008/07/every-mom-should-own-one.html" rel="nofollow">Every Mom Should Own One
Great post. I won't expect the same treatment tomrrow on MY birthday, but then, I wasn't at BlogHer either. I think it's great that you guys got to meet and spend some time together. Remember a while back when you and Busy D took a fledgling little newbie blogger under your wings? Thanks. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you two.
And now I sit and sigh.
Fluck I miss you guys.
And Happy Birthday PH. Happy Birthday.
Kims last blog post..http://www.joggingincircles.com/journal/2008/7/22/blogher-part-three-why-i-went-to-blogher.html" rel="nofollow">BlogHer- Part Three- Why I Went To BlogHer
Your blog just ate my comment. *sigh* Good thing I dont mind re-writing it on this occasion!
This was very beautifully written Lady. Serious. Everything you said is so true. Having had the pleasure of meeting Jim and the infamous Fury, I can say that they are everything that he blogs. He is honest, and good, and so REAL and when you read him, you get exactly what he is. I'm lucky to consider him a good friend.
As for him being dead s-e-x-y? Well all I can say is that Lisa is one lucky woman!
PS - Its insanely awsome to run into him randomly. Especially at the lab when you are nervous about the upcoming b-l-o-o-d draw.
PPS - I love you ML, you are awesome.
Those were the only words I could see that could be causing this horrific event of your blog hating me.
Misss last blog post..http://ruraandmiss.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/haha/" rel="nofollow">Haha
yet another reason why i am being smothered by the green-eyed monster this morning.
awesome post. happy birthday, bd.
the planet of janets last blog post..http://fromtheplanetofjanet.blogspot.com/2008/07/oh-youve-got-to-have-friends.html" rel="nofollow">Oh you've got to have friends....
I'm kind of speechless. No, not kind of - absolutely. All I can do is read this over and over. Just thank you. For EVERYTHING.
BusyDads last blog post..http://www.busydadblog.com/entries/still-reeling.html" rel="nofollow">Still Reeling
Awesome post for an awesome guy! So glad you guys got to physically meet!
amys last blog post..http://amysbratpack.blogspot.com/2008/07/it-happened-one-every-night.html" rel="nofollow">It happened one every night
So sweet and exactly why I love this blogging thing. The non-bloggers don't know what they are missing!
ourcrookedtrees last blog post..http://ourcrookedtree.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-is-in-his-bed-tonight.html" rel="nofollow">What Is In His Bed Tonight?
Great post. BusyDad is one cool guy. Hope he has a great birthday!
VegasDads last blog post..http://ivegasfamily.blogspot.com/2008/07/kung-fu-toddler.html" rel="nofollow">kung-fu toddler
Hey! Remember me, BusyDad? I'm the total asshole working "Security" for the cocktail party at the nightclub in SF that couldn't sneak you in even though you flew in JUST to go because I was being observed by the most type A person in the world.
I am lame.
However, I am happy that they let you in (because, dude. What party would be complete without Mr. Lady?) and wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Loralees last blog post..http://loraleeslooneytunes.com/2008/07/22/sideblogabsence-fallout/" rel="nofollow">Sideblog:Absence fallout
Happy Birthday BD.
So true Mr. Lady. Any man that can hang with the likes of us is truly awesome. Miss you all.
ohmommys last blog post..http://www.classychaos.com/2008/07/giveaway-and-last-mention-of-blogher08.html" rel="nofollow">A Giveaway and the Last Mention of BlogHer08
Happy Birthday to BD (again, how many times have I said that today? never too many, I guess...)! I'm so glad that you guys got to meet in person this weekend - it's not hard to see what good friends you guys have become, and I think all good friends should get to go out on the town in person at least once in their lives.
And can I say that you write the best birthday posts ever. Damn, I totally should have fessed up to you about my birthday when it rolled around. I need to work on my penchant for flying under the radar...
Latte Mommys last blog post..http://lattemommy.blogspot.com/2008/07/move-over-cool-chicks.html" rel="nofollow">Move Over Cool Chicks...
Jimmy is so much my favorite! I would shout it from the roof tops. Seriously. Michael doesn't even really know him and he likes him from the few blog comments he's read of his over at my place.
Secret Agent Mamas last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretAgentMama/~3/342791101/" rel="nofollow">Project 365 (334/365)
Hey Lady! I found you through BD. I'm just a lurker....but I always feel welcome at both of your blogs. You both ROCK! Peace, Mike.
I've never had the privelege of meeting BD but can see all the qualities you list every time I read his posts...he's the bomb! And so are you!
Tammys last blog post..http://thopgood-mylife.blogspot.com/2008/07/hubby-and-i-had-24-hour-date-starting.html" rel="nofollow">Our 24 hour date
Lady, you have this thing. This special talent for taking the essence of a person, bottling it up, and then spilling it out on the keyboard. It's a gift I tell ya!
You rock, as usual. I think BlogHer made you an even better blogger (is that even possible?!?)
And Happy Birthday BusyDad!
flickrlovrs last blog post..http://idblogthaton.blogspot.com/2008/07/guest-post-thats-too-cool-for-title-or.html" rel="nofollow">The Guest Post That's Too Cool For A Title (or: Proof That Barefoot Foodie Is Hilarious)
hey, lay off steve buscemi, he is so totally hot. i esp. like his voice.
he's...different. glad you are back safely and had a good time i hope.
You, Kim and Jim got to hang out....I'm definitely jealous. Sounds like you guys had a great time! People meet for a reason, you know, at times in the most unexpected places, like through a blog. If there was ever a doubt that real friendships can be formed through blogging, all a person has to do is read this post to see the truth. Great post!
Jeremy (Discovering Dad)s last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DiscoveringDad/~3/341141680/" rel="nofollow">Top 10 Summer Activities for Dad and Kids
Busy Dad rocks hard.
That is all.
I just wanted to come over to say that your reading during the keynote at BlogHer had me in tears. I was so honored that you shared your story with all of us. That raw emotion, the honesty, it's all so overwhelming, and yet...so very brave. I was stunned by your courage and happy to just be a part of it all. Thanks for getting up there and doing what you did.
I'm sad we didn't get to meet in person so that I could say all of this to you, but I'm glad to have found your blog to share my thoughts with you now. :)
danas last blog post..http://thedanafiles.com/2008/07/21/airport-randomness/" rel="nofollow">Airport Randomness
You ARE shallow, and I love you.
Momo Falis last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Momo-Fali/~3/342714115/say-hello-to-my-little-friend-sequel.html" rel="nofollow">Say Hello To My Little Friend - The Sequel
BusyDad, my hot, kickboxing hero.
This post... fantastic. You lucky, lucky Mr. Lady.
Happy Birthday BuzzDeee....
Karen MEG (pomtini)s last blog post..http://gliks.blogspot.com/2008/07/this-just-in.html" rel="nofollow">This just in...
What a great tribute. Glad to know your impression of him from his blog was validated in person. That is really fabulous! Happy B-Day BD.
Tara R.s last blog post..http://ifmomsaysok.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/random-wednesday-what-were-they-thinking/" rel="nofollow">Random Wednesday ~ what were they thinking?
So even though I did not have the pleasure of attending BlogHer I have seen so many blogs that describe so many new (to me) blogs and I am happy about that! You were one of the most talked about so far.
I will be back to visit!!!
Oh and the post you shared. Very emotional. Awesome.
How sweet a tribute! Congrats on Busy dad being all that you expected and more (hot!) and Happy Birthday Busy dad!
tenakims last blog post..http://therapyfortena.blogspot.com/2008/07/sleep-is-overrated.html" rel="nofollow">Sleep is overrated
Hi,
Just delurking to say hi, and love the blog. Keep it up!
Tammys last blog post..http://yukonmom.blogspot.com/2008/07/physical-phitness.html" rel="nofollow">Physical Phitness.
Hi...echoing Tammy's comments above. Love the blog! Love your writing!
Awwwww, off to wish that guy a Happy Birthday right now!
Carries last blog post..http://www.stopscreamingimdriving.com/2008/07/wax-on-wax-off.html" rel="nofollow">Wax On Wax Off
So THAT'S who everyone meant when they were talking about the hot dad blogger at BlogHer.
Backpacking Dads last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BackpackingDad/~3/343200940/do-you-duck-and-cover.html" rel="nofollow">Do you duck and cover?
Happy Birthday Busy Dad.
Backpacking Dads last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BackpackingDad/~3/343200940/do-you-duck-and-cover.html" rel="nofollow">Do you duck and cover?
Word on Buscemi.
OK, I am just getting to know you and BusyDad and such, but I can tell from your writing that you are some rock-solid kick-ass people. And I love seeing the bloggy love.
manager moms last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/BwvF/~3/343762072/ive-had-time-of-my-life.html" rel="nofollow">I've Had The Time Of My Life
It is so important to tell people when they are appreciated and loved and just that you're happy they are them. Very, very nice.
Eve Greys last blog post..http://heyyahosers.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-want-to-walk-in-open-wind.html" rel="nofollow">I want to walk in the open wind
Happy birthday, BD!
Deb (Missives From Suburbia)s last blog post..http://missivesfromsuburbia.blogspot.com/2008/07/suburban-strike-synopsis.html" rel="nofollow">Suburban Strike Synopsis
I think Busy Dad celebrated his Birthday early!!
Happy Birthday, BD.
VDogs last blog post..http://www.vdogblog.com/2008/07/alltopkirtsy-party.html" rel="nofollow">The Alltop/Kirtsy Party
Wow what a terrific and heartfelt post. Happy birthday Jim. Very cool that you, Jim, and Kimmylynn got along so great.
Yes, he IS hot. And sweet and wonderful and kinder than he gives himself credit for!
Aprils last blog post..http://formerlyaprildawn.blogspot.com/2008/07/199th-post.html" rel="nofollow">199th Post
Way too many "Long story, another day" in this post.
Here's a link for all you readers who can't wait:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeblemonkey/2684411706/sizes/l/
What happened to the RMBB? What business end?
Actually, both of these comments were meant for the blog post you erased (but made it through to feed readers).