A Splintered Mind

This article is cross-posted over at Dad-o-matic This month marked a milestone for us. My oldest daughter, Brin, received her driving learner permit. It was also memorable for another reason: We tried seven times to get it. You might think that the poor dear had difficulty passing the test, but that wasn’t where the problem lied. She passed the test with one try. It was getting our act together that was so problematic - almost as if the entire family was conspiring to prevent this wonderful event from happening. The first time - recorded on video no less - we theatrically entered the DMV only to be turned away at the screener. We didn’t have Brin’s social security card. We just assumed we had it. Brin had grabbed the entire binder of personal family documents. Everybody’s social security card was in there except hers. Instead of entering the brave new world of adulthood with hands on a steering wheel, Brin experienced the adult world of bureaucracy at the Social Security office. Two ho...

Architectural Abstract in Shadow Originally uploaded by Darkstream . Just before stepping into the Restaurant That Shall Not Be Named, I looked around for areas of high contrast to photograph because the sun was setting and the sky was overcast. I found this.

Yesterday was an interesting day. I was both busy and distracted. I can't say I accomplished a great deal, but I did things. When I wasn't watching the girls while my wife scooted about town, I forced myself to face fears. I posted an audio blog that featured me playing a tinwhistle . (You have no idea how hard it was for me to do that), and I participated in video chats on Seesmic.com (That was even harder). All in all, it wasn't a bad day if you ignore all the mindless socializing online, reading news, blog tweaking, and trips to the eye doctor. Not a great day then, upon reflection. Not great in comparison to the deeds of mighty men, or at least men with more than half a brain. Not great according to the pathetically unchecked todo list I was supposed to polish off. Not great then, but definitely groovy. Remind me to tell you about my impulsive trip into Hooters some day… But I digress. I aim to make today a great day. I have a whole home to myself as my wife & gir...

Somnambulist Shadows Originally uploaded by Darkstream . Even now I type this at the unholy hour of 4:17am, and yet I am wide awake.

Over the past few months I have addressed your questions in the comments sections and made promises to dedicate articles to some of the questions you have raised. Then I forgot. It's that cursed AD/HD thingummy. You'd think I would have learned my lesson and written the questions down or, even more helpful, started the articles as drafts with nothing but the questions recorded so I wouldn't forget them. Alas, I'm just not that organized. If you can remember which topics I promised to cover that I haven't written about already, please let me know here in the comments. I know there are a few topics left uncovered. Will vs. Wallow part four is still waiting to be written, for example. This is also a wonderful opportunity for you to pitch ideas to me. Just be kind: Reader1: Hey, remember you promised to write about Miley Cyrus nude again? Me: No, I'm sure I've exhausted that particular subject. Reader1: No, really. You promised to write about her relation to Mo...

My Woeful Tale about ADHD and Background Noise. One aspect of AD/HD that drives me bonkers is my inability to close out background noise. In fact, a better way to describe it would be to say that foreground and background noise switch within the addled confines of my mind. This is one reason I despised taking exams at the testing center during my time at BYU. After passing through metal detectors and receiving a deep body cavity search, my pockets would be emptied out by use of gravity waves. These waves would be generated by very tall athletes lifting me heavenward by the ankles while shaking me roughly. It is assumed the accoutrements of deception would fall to the ground. I lost more pocket change that way. Once I survived the gauntlet of hands and had my backpack x-rayed for radio devices, I would be allowed into the testing area with a simple No. 2 pencil and what was left of my dignity. There I would begin my test and experience the new assault: silence. This was a silence ...