Confessions of an Irresponsible Dad

Okay.....okay......yes.....I am a bad father. I lost Owen in the play area of the mall for a good 60 seconds and I can not explain the feeling of panic that I felt. I wanted to move, but a sudden sense of shock came over me. I literally was freaking out on the inside. I wanted to call, scream, make a scene or something, but nothing happened. I just froze there. I remember him being in front of me...and as i looked down for a second, and then I looked up, he was gone and nowhere to be found. There were lots of kids screaming and running around, but I just couldn't find him.

I wanted to call Michelle and tell her I can't find Owen, but what would that to her. She'd probably yell at me! Or soemthing....and how can I blame her, right? We gave her the freedom to roam around the mall and shop. I was supposed to be the responsible father. But I felt the worst feeling those 60 seconds. A short time after that...Owen resurfaced from the invisible world, and at first, I wanted to get mad at him for disappearing on me, but then I realized he was just being a kid and playing. I was the one who lost track of him. I was the one at fault. I was distracted. How can I possibly blame him?

I did have the chance to talk to him about not talking to strangers. I told him to be careful who he talks to and he is asked to go with them, he should say NO. I guess my job is to make sure he doesn't ever gets put in any dangerous situation.

This was one of the first few experiences that I have had as a father that got me to think how scary the world we live in can be. How you can't just assume that no one will ever harm your child. I guess the fact that I am responsible for another being, such as my son, gives me the opportunity to learn and to grow...to protect and to look after.

I don't want to experience that ever again!

Leave me alone Uncle Vergil!

I thought this was a hilarious video clip!

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier

I think this is what we're doing this weekend!

See you there!


Here's the info....

The Most Spectacular Holiday Event of the Year Begins its Eighth Magical Season with New Attractions and Over 170,000 Square feet of indoor Family Fun

There's something for everyone!




Free Admission - *Wristband purchase required to participate in rides and activities.

Activity Wristband Pricing - This year, our gift to you is the gift of savings! Our new lower prices are:

Basic Activity Wristband $12.00 per person (includes all rides & activities except ice-skating)

Premium Wristband $16.00 per person (includes ice skating)

Family Free Parking Pack - Purchase your "Family Free Parking Pack" which includes 4 premium wristbands and Free Parking for one low price!

$57.00 — (valid only Dec. 7-11 and Dec. 14-18)
Includes 4 Premium wristbands and Free parking! *
$64.00 — (valid only Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13, Dec. 19- Jan. 4)
Includes 4 Premium wristbands and free parking! *

This is what it's all about

Illinois family-owned company thanks employees with giant bonuses

The Associated Press

WAUKEGAN, Ill. -- Year-end bonuses are rare these days. But a family that founded a ball bearings manufacturer in suburban Chicago is giving eye-popping bonuses this year.

A total of $6.6 million is being shared by just 230 employees.

Some workers at Waukegan-based Peer Bearing Co. couldn't believe their eyes when they opened checks for $10,000 and more. Amounts varied and were based on years of service.

Dave Tiderman (TEE'-der-man) says he thought the decimal point must be in the wrong place when he saw his $35,000 check. He's assistant product manager at the company, where he's worked his way up from the warehouse since 1985.

Peer Bearing was sold to a Swedish company earlier this year. Danny Spungen (SPUN'-jen) says his grandfather launched the company in 1941. He says it was a unanimous family decision to thank employees with the bonuses.