THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

Last night, we saw the film “The Kids Are All Right,” and I cannot stop thinking about it (Warning: the review in the hyperlink is a major "spoiler."). In a nutshell, it is about a lesbian couple (played by Julianne Moore and Annette Bening) with two teenage children, both of whom were conceived with the help of the same anonymous sperm donor played by Mark Ruffalo. Near the movie’s outset, the older child, who has just turned 18, decides to contact said donor. Needless to say, hilarity does not ensue, but conflict and strain soon emerge.

Throughout the course of the film, it becomes abundantly clear that the two teenage kids are, indeed, all right, but their moms’ marriage and their “dad” could not be farther from all right. While the moms’ love and devotion for their kids is palpable, what is less clear is how their marriage has evolved into what it has become- quotidian. The “dad” seems quite charming and beguiling at first, but his shortcomings soon emerge, too.

I will not give too much away, but I was left wondering many questions: How do two people most effectively evolve and co-exist as a couple? Is this something that is even possible? Do we come to appreciate what we have because we fear/know that the alternatives are plainly so much less palatable/scary? I do not have any of these answers, but this film made me wonder.

In sum, “The Kids Are All Right” was a compelling picture, although it was far from perfect. Just like all of us, I suppose...

THICK AS THIEVES

These two (twinkies in their orange coats) appear to becoming better friends and are playing together (tolerating each other) a lot more. See for yourself!

DESSERT DEFINED

So, the other night Nicholas asked us for dessert before bedtime. I offered him the options of watermelon or cantaloupe. He quickly responded, "Those are not dessert, dad! Dessert is something with sugar- like pie, or cake, or ice cream! Dessert is something that is not good for you!!!"



I guess I cannot argue with his definition. We got the kid some ice cream, and he quietly ate it up... all up.

WOLRD CUP 2026?

Left footer from Nicholas (everyone knows him by his first name only- kind of like Madonna or Ronaldo)!

Watch it bend!

Gooooaal!!!!!!!!!!

World Cup 2026, watch out!

No pressure, kiddo.

WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

Tonight we celebrated the fifth birthday of Nicholas Joshi. The above drawing was done by the head of his pre-school, who always draws a picture of the child whose birthday is coming up. It captures his essence (although the eyes do not do justice to his saucers) and his interests.


He has grown so much in the past few years, and I am always amazed by the young man he has become whenever I take the time to assess his maturation. At his birthday party this past Sunday, which virtually his entire class attended, he was at ease, carefree, and charming. He had none of the childlike awkwardness he formerly had and which I had at a much older age than him. He looked happy and full of life.

Today, he stayed home as it was Kathleen's day off and had a heck of a day. We opened presents in the morning together and then he went swimming. After dinner, we had ice cream and cake and sang Happy Birthday while he drummed for us.



A solo version of this song by Cate from this morning is shown below- "HAPPY TO YOU, DEAR BROTHER."



Later, we walked to the park. Nicholas headed straight for the highest slide and did it without a second thought. He ran across the bridge on the playground without looking down- neither of which he would have done one year ago. He looked out for his sister and wanted us all to play together- again which seemed exceptionally natural. Days like today make me realize how blessed I am to have my family and such an amazing son, who never ceases to amaze me.

The other day, out of the blue, Nicholas said to Kathleen, "Mama, when I die, I want you to put me in the fire, so you can put my ashes back into the earth." We were both blown away by this statement and taken aback. We asked him what he meant by this, and he said he wanted to be part of nature when he died. We explained how all of us will die one day and that some people do choose to be cremated. We quickly moved on to a more light-hearted topic, but, deep inside, we hoped that we would never have such a responsibility. We hoped that such an act one day many, many, many years from now would fall to Nicholas' son or daughter, who is certain to be every bit as exceptional as his/her dad.

WHAT I AM LISTENING TO NOW

No, this is not about a cool indy rock band or a new book on tape. I am listening to my children "chatter" in their respective bed and crib. The elder tries to be a voice of reason, but the younger will have none of it. Nicholas may ask for his own room for his birthday tomorrow.



They fell silent and asleep... eventually... like every night.

WHAT A FINISH

So, the World Cup came to a close last night after a tremendous goal by Iniesta (shown above) in the 116th minute. This goal in the second overtime averted the dreaded penalty kick finish and sealed Spain's fate as World Champions for the first time.

It was an amazing 4 weeks, whose highlights are shown in this recap video. See you in Brasil in 2014!

PRIMARY COLORS

Many of the teams/team names in the World Cup are designated by colors. Tonight's post is dedicated to the Spanish National Team, "La Furia Roja," or Red Fury, who dismantled a strong German squad today. This highlight video speaks for itself.

I am looking forward to the final Sunday against the Netherlands, "Oranjie," or the Orange as they are known. Unfortunately, the final coincides with Nicholas' fifth birthday party at the local pool. I pressed Kathleen to cut the party short, but she rightly refused saying that none of the moms and kids who would be in attendance cared about the game (unlike the dads who would probably be at home watching it).

My friend Brooks had the brilliant idea to record the game, which we will watch on his big screen after the party. I only hope that no one spoils the outcome for us before we can watch it! In order to ensure that that does not happen, I have an idea for the pool party- mom's only- and I say that as a football fan and not as a red-blooded man (no really, I promise!). Until then, viva Espana!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

This is a nice reading of the Declaration of Independence from all your favorite NPR personalities.

GOOAL!!!

In the past few years, I have not followed sports. I am someone who gets very emotionally involved in the teams for which I route, and it has not always been a healthy pursuit.... particularly since my teams usually lose. However, in the past few weeks I have been sucked into the madness that is the World Cup.

I first became interested in this spectacle 4 years ago after seeing the passion of my good friend Julien as he routed for "Les Bleus" from his native France. Unfortunately, they lost in the final to the Azzurri (Italy's national team) after the great Zinedine Zidane was unceremoniously sent off the pitch after a brutal head-butt penalty that earned him a red-card, or expulsion. Such is the drama that invariably accompanies each World Cup.

The first compelling story of this year's World Cup was definitely the United States. In their first match, they tied the once mighty English. They tied Slovenia in their second match, which should have been a victory had it not been for a disallowed, legitimate U.S. goal. Next, they came back to beat Algeria in dramatic fashion in stoppage time, which allowed the U.S. to win it's group. Ghana, however, ended the U.S. run in the round of 16.

There have been other amazing stories in this Cup, but few rival the talent-ridden, predestined victors Brasil and the triumphant march of the Ghanaians. Today, I went to my friend Brooks' house at 7 AM after doing everything in my power to ensure that Kathleen, single-handedly, would be able to get the kids out the door and to school before going to work. The Brasil match started off great with a beautiful goal from Robinho, and it appeared that the Brasilians, who had never lost after leading at the half, were on their way. However, it was not to be, and the Netherlands mounted a furious comeback that saw the Brasilians collapse mentally and emotionally. It was like Jack chopping down the bean stalk. Afterwards, I felt empty and in a daze.

In the second quarterfinal match, Ghana, the only African team remaining in contention, played a spirited and bold game against Uruguay. In the 120th minute, Ghana had 2 chances at close range. The last chance was knocked out intentionally by the hand of a Uruguayan player standing at the goal line. This left the hopes and dreams of the continent on the foot of the young Ghanaian star, Asamoah "Baby Jet" Gyan. He, uncharacteristically, missed the penalty kick, which sent the match into the penalty kick phase for both teams. There, Ghana faltered, and my heart (what was left of it) along with the hearts of an entire continent and beyond was broken again for the second time in a mere 5 hours.

Few things in life arouse as much feeling and passion as sport, and the World Cup brings out the penultimate emotions. The Cup only comes around every 4 years, and the hopes of young (and old) kids alike and entire countries and continents all rest on the feet (and Uruguayan hands, it would seem) of 11 men who have come together to do battle and who never cease to amaze their fans... and sometimes themselves.

The official ball for this year's World Cup (shown above) is called Jabulani, which means "rejoice" or "bring joy and happiness" in Zulu. While I am heartbroken today, the final act of this Cup has not yet been written. Whatever the outcome, football will always be a beautiful game for me, and I will be reminded of this Cup everytime I kick around the official World Cup Jabulani ball, which I ordered last week, with "Bear" Alumkal (aka Nicholas- his choice and not mine) and Cate "Baby Jet" Alumkal, her new nickname.

For now, the pitch is closed!