Today’s Music: The Shook – Window
(Because how often do you hear a banjo on a wah-wah pedal?)
Days Til Spring: TWO!!!!!
And if you can, please help out Merbear.===========================>>>
Tomorrow I’m going to step way out of my comfort zone. I’m going to an orientation for Big Brothers Big Sisters. They are an organization that pairs mentors with children who, for whatever reason, could use one.
It’s not a tremendous time requirement – they ask for four hours every other weekend. They want the mentors (Bigs) to provide support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive examples.
(Fortunately, I have a whole bag of GOOD LORD, DON’T DO THIS!!! examples.)
Like this.
But completely different.
I don’t know if I can clearly articulate why I want to do this. I don’t see myself as particularly altruistic, or someone who thinks “I must give every last bit to help everyone else!!!”, and there are those who could probably put forth good arguments that I’m a dick.
I don’t know. I’ve always thought of myself as “just this guy”, and that’s enough for me.
I’ve had my struggles, but overall, my life hasn’t been overly difficult. As a Straight White Male, I live on what John Scalzi calls the easy setting. But I know that’s just because of luck. Spin the wheel in either direction, just a little, and either by birth or consequences of a myriad stupid decisions, my life could have been a lot harder. I don’t begrudge anyone else their success, and I’m not competitive enough to want to keep anyone else down so I can do well.
I think if you do well and I was there to help you out along the way, that’s enough for me. So why not lend a hand to a kid that needs one?
At the orientation, they’ll give us an idea of the kids we might be dealing with, of what we can do with them, and I probably what the boundaries are. They’ll pair me up with someone that shares my interests – hopefully the kid will like science fiction, (good) music, food. Maybe I’ll have something useful to the show the kid.
I have no idea.
But I know that however it goes, it will be worth the effort.
Who knows, maybe he’ll even have a thing for Hawaiian shirts!
Guapola 
Yay for you touching a kid’s life with your awesomeness. Keep us posted?
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Thanks Jaded. I’m looking forward to it, and hopefully will post the hijinks to ensue…
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You are exactly the person to do this – kind, compassionate, funny, and cool. And don’t say, “I’m just this guy.” Own it!
Rock on, Guap!
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Thanks Samara! But I am just this guy.
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We’ll just have to agree to disagree!
Btw, this is an organization close to my heart. I had 5 brothers and my dad passed away when we were young.
Over the years, several of my siblings had “Big Brothers.” Great program. Thanks for giving back.
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Hope I can be near as helpful to the kid I’m paired with as they were for your brothers…
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is an incredible program! You really will touch a life in a positive way but I assure you….yours will be touched as well. I cannot wait to hear how this all plays out. I think you will be a fabulous mentor but be prepared to learn from your little brother.
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I expect I’ll be amazed and blown away by doing the program, and I hope to get as much out of it as the kid.
(Who knows, maybe we’ll bond over cooking and pink salt…)
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This is a very generous thing to do. You seem like a pretty agreeable bloke so I think you’ll wear it well. You could change a life. It might even be your own! And just think of the fantastic blog posts we’re all in for. (See how I found something in it for me, too. Heh.)
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Thank you Sir!
Oh, I’m doing this entirely to enrich your reading experience.
Was there ever any doubt? 😉
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This is brilliant. Kudos to you my friend 😀 Best of luck and please let us know how it goes xxx
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Thanks Dianne. It will probably take some time to start. They’ll need to interview me, then do a background check, which I understand is extensive.
(That’ a good thing too, since it’s children.)
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This sounds wonderful – good luck!
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Thanks JM. I really have no idea what I’m walking in to.
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Please keep us posted!
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I don’t know you well, Gaup but you are my hero for the month. Connection — that’s what it’s all about. I’m really looking forward to reading about this experience.
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Thanks Eva. Connection is a perfect way to describe it.
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Ok, first let me say that you had me at banjo…and wow. That song rocked my morning!! Thank you for that!
Second, I admire anyone that donates their time to a child in need. The children you’ll “work with” NEED someone WITHOUT an agenda to just be their friend. It sounds like your intentions are genuine and for that…you are awesome my friend. Please keep us posted!!
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Wasn’t that a fun song?
I think it’ll be good for me and the kid to be able to just sit back and shoot the breeze, and maybe tell him something useful from time to time.
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It really does “take a village”….
Welcome to the neighbourhood, El G.
R.
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And I will be that village’s idiot!
No wait, that’s not right… 😉
Thanks Jots. Any neighborhood you’re in is a great place to be.
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Wow, great post.
And on a serious note, I said it before but I’ll say it again. You’re a proper stand-up guy, Guap. And this is definitely something I’d like to get into one day. When I eventually grow up and don’t need a Big myself that is.
Just don’t do any of the stuff they did in Role Models.
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Thanks Sean. I’m hoping me still being a big kid will actually work to my advantage for some of this.
I was going to restrict myself to the last twenty minutes of the movie. You know, where all the mayhem works out.
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Good call.
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And in one short blog post you’ve managed to restore my faith in humanity. You’re a good egg.
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Which came first, the humanity or the egg?
HAHAHAHAH-
*stumbles away for coffee*
Thanks Nancy!
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That is going to be one lucky kid!! This post started my day on the right note, I’m so happy you are doing this for an organization I really believe in. He will be a much better person for having spent time with you. 🙂
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I shouldn’t be surprised that you have an affinity for them, Poly.
Thanks so much for the vote of confidence!
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My friend Kenny Munshaw wrote a song with The Tenors (formerly Canadian Tenors) called I Thank You for the BBBS Organization to raise money. It’s a beautiful song.
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This is a great idea, Guap. I’m sure you’ll make a positive impact on a child’s life. All you have to do is care.
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Thanks TD. From what the program says, they just need people to show up and be there.
I can do that.
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Exactly. They just need to know someone cares about them.
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This is great. My friend worked for a charity who did this for kids without father figures and assumed i would be a good candidate, you just had a few hours a week to take them out and do something fun. At the time I knew my habit of getting spontaneously drunk the night before would hamper me committing to being there the next day so wouldn’t have been fair.
Love to hear how it goes.
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Thanks Joe.
I think this will go better now that I’m older (and soberer) than i used to be.
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My thoughts exactly!
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The world needs more people like you, Guap. Much love to you for doing this.
The world also needs more Hawaiian shirt aficionados, so it’s a win-win.
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Ha! It will be like Boys Town, with a tropical wardrobe!
Thanks so much, NAPR!
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FANTASTIC!
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Thank you, Snaapypants!
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Awesomeness!! I hope the orientation goes well and that you get paired with a great kid. Whatever you do though, do not show him that picture of the dude in that horrendous mankini! 🙂
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I figured I’d start him easy with a hawaiian shirt, work our way up to the mankini.. 😉
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One of my good friends take a huge part in Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He says that the organization saved him as a kid.
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I’m hoping I can provide even a small fraction of what your friend got out of it.
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That’s really nice. I know there are a lot of young people who could use a good role model in their lives. You don’t have to be altruistic or even mature (look at me) to make a difference to a kid.
Also very cool that you put the button up to help my buddy Mer.
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I also think I’ll be able to relate to the kid, you know, being childlike myself.
WHEEE!!!!!
Zoe asked to mention Merbear. How could I refuse?
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Guap, you’re a pretty fuckin’ cool guy with a huge heart ~ if I were a kid in need, I’d be delighted and thrilled to have you as a ‘big brother’ –
You are completely amazing.
Love & mush,
Rutabaga
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Thanks Ruta!
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – if you and I were in the same room, we would rapidly achieve a critical mass that would be hilarious for all.
except the insurance companies.
hehehe
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Mawhahahahahaha
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This post started my day with a smile. It’s fabulous that you’re willing to step up to the plate to help a young person get a good start in life. Well done, you! I look forward to future posts about your exploits with your new Little Bro. Of course, I wouldn’t be a real Canadian if I didn’t suggest Live Child Fooseball as a good introductory activity!
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Fortunately, NYC is approaching the warmer months.
Maybe do the fooseball as a last meeting thing? 🙂
Thank you!
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First off, let me say that anytime you can find a way of connecting the movie “Slingblade” into a post, you win mega points in the “weirdly disturbing yet cool” category. =) You the man, Guap ! =)
But seriously, the way you can impact a child is nothing short of miraculous, and I think you are going to be awesome in this venture !!!!! =) It is a great thing to share of yourself, especially with someone who needs the interaction a little more than your average kid. =)
Good on you, and have a wonderful time… ! Here’s to life’s next great adventure ! =)
ps- can totally see you with a mini-me, all decked out in Hawaiian print. =)
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When I decided to post this, that pic jumped instantly to mind!
It sounds like the organization also has effective techniques for drawing out a kid who needs it, so it will be nice to have their resources as I do this.
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That is really awesome. I’m excited for you to do this. This week I had a child spend the entire week with us. She is a friend of my daughters. She was invited for one day but she didn’t want to go home. I wanted to just listen to her and be there for her. You can make a difference in people’s life if you just take the time with children. At least that’s how I feel. Proud of you.
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I really like the idea of being there for a kid who needs it, without being full-time responsible for them.
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I am so f&%$@#g proud of you right now…
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Thanks Art!
(How exactly do you pronounce that?)
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Any way you want to.
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Can I pronounce it man and wife?
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That would be cool
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Kudos to you for taking the time to shape the future of this country. If more people cared enough to pay attention the world would be a better place.
Now I must go in search of a wah-wah pedal for my banjo. Who knew such a thing was possible? You’ve boggled my mind today, G 🙂
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It never even occurred to me to run a banjo through effects.
Now I’m wondering if they added distortion and reverb!
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Didn’t sound like distortion, just reverb. Experiments are needed 🙂
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Interesting to see you do this. Very good as well I believe! Maybe it’s just because you want to share all your wild stories? 😉
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I think most of my wild stories would best be told to a kid as cautionary tales.
Very entertaining and embarrassing cautionary tales.
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Guap, you will be the best Big! Between your love of music, crazy, and your sense of humor, your Little will be a lucky one. As will you.
Do not teach him to drink naked for a few years, though.
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Thanks Elyse! I’ll think I’ll start the kid off with music, and work our way up to public nudity.
(I have a schedule and everything!) 😉
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Sounds like a terrific plan.
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This is awesome, Guap! Good for you. Nothing really feels better than giving.
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Thanks Amy. if nothing else, when my ticket is punched, at least I’ll be able to say i did something good while i was here.
(Besides loving my wife.)
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You’re awesome, Guap. You have your priorities straight.
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I always wanted to do that myself, but never did. Good for you…
Biscuits and mustard, mmm hmmm.
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I’m hoping there will be at least one trip to a restaurant for those!
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Awww, seriously so sweet. Whoever they pair you with is a very lucky child.
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Thanks Beth. I’m looking forward to meeting the kid…
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Yay you. Great idea and maybe it will inspire others to do the same?
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Maybe. I thought about doing it for years, and finally figured why not.
Now I just have to go through the interview/background check.
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This is so cool, ElGuap! I have always wondered about doing something like this. Do you get to take the kid to movies and outings? Keep us posted, I would love to hear more!
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They have a whole bunch of suggested activities, including free/discount tickets for events.
One of the nice things for me will be seeing things I’ve alreadly seen through the kid’s eyes.
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Wonderful! I hope you both have lots of fun.
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Thanks so much, Carrie!
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Definitely let us know how it goes! I’ve thought about doing something like this, but I’m sick all the damn time and I’m afraid that makes me really unreliable. I should look into a different way to help. Look at that, you’re an inspiration! 😉
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I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while. I guess I just felt it was time.
Hope you find something that suits you perfectly!
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“I think if you do well and I was there to help you out along the way, that’s enough for me.”—Love this line! Altruism at it’s finest (even if you don’t think you’re altruistic, which you are, but you’re wonderfully humble, too). You will undoubtedly make a fabulous Big Brother. Good on you!
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I’m horrible at tooting my own horn, and much prefer to be “just this guy”.
I expect the kid will be fantastic too. I mean, how could he not?
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What a great thing you’re doing! Maybe you can even teach him how to blog if he has an interest in writing. 🙂 It’s such a great outlet.
For the love of God do not wear a Hawaiian shirt or teach him that it’s a good thing!
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That’s a great idea! I’ll suggest it to him if he seems like he has any inclination towards that!
But if he doesn’t know about Hawaiian shirts, how will he unlock the true splendor and glory of life???
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There’s many other ways of unlocking splendor and glory, one of them is to never be exposed to Hawaiian shirts…
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Spoken like someone who sounds like they’ve never seen the right Hawaiian shirt.
Tomorrows post pic will be dedicated to you. 😀
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Oh nooooo!!!!!
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Tis the season! (Almost.)
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Noooo never the season for that!
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A little dayglo…some palm tree patterns…See it in your mind!
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Well I do now, not that I wanted too!
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The butterfly is now the grasshopper. My work here is done.
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SIGH!
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I am SO PROUD of you, Guap! Wow, what a lucky kid he will be to pair up with you and share some time, fun, and role modeling. I can think of at least a hundred reasons why you would be a good Big, but I think you wrote it yourself in this post; especially that 2nd paragraph after the picture. Obviously we have never met in person but I know from our blog interaction that you are a man of integrity, sensitivity, adventure, and honor. Those are qualities that are rare and often missing altogether in adults and I applaud you (with vigor!) for choosing to share yourself with a child whose life may not have received the same opportunities you had. Can’t wait to read about it, too!!! xxxL
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Thank you Laura! I hope after doing this, the world will end up with two slightly better people – me and the kid.
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You rock! That simple.
I volunteer at Hospice every week, because that’s my gig. I feel good every time I leave there. I know I’ve helped someone else, and I love the work I do. I also help teens with their college apps (tutor them in writing), and love that as well. It’s so clichéd, but we really do get so much from giving.
I really believe that there is a kid out there who’s life is about to get a whole lot better… knowing you, and knowing that you care enough to connect. Having worked as a therapist with troubled teens, for years, I can tell you that you are doing something really needed, and really special; there are far too few of you… and your life will never be the same again either. You rock!
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That’s fantastic, Dawn! Seriously, I’m reading here what you do, and looking at it as a model for me.
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Thanks Guapo… but we’re all models in our own way. I’ve always wanted to do the Big Sister, Big Brother club… I’m so excited for you! Didn’t mean to toot my own horn, but it came out that way.
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Not tooting at all!
(You can’t help it that you’re that awesome!)
and I finally updated my blogroll. A bit.
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Ok, ok… you win. WE’re awesome! 😉 Have a great day Guapo!
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Dude, best of luck with things. I think you are a good man for helping out like this. And you’re right, things could have gone either way long ago, and that could be us needing some support.
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Thanks. It’s good to remember that I’m just lucky in my circumstances, and maybe I can pass some of that luck on to someone who needs it…
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Well, my estimation of you was already high, and it’s grown since then… plus you sent me that Smithson photo… priceless.
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Sadly, I’ve had Bonnie Tyler – Holding Out For A Hero stuck in my head all day.
Now that’s suffering for my art!
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I love that song! Loved it since I was a kid! But I’m not sure she was talking about Smithson…
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What else could have meant???
If you haven’t seen it, please enjoy the literal video rendition of total eclipse of the heart.
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What the heck was that… okay, hilarious. When you said literal, I thought you meant they would do a video showing literally the things in the song, but this is much better. Now they have to do one for Holding Out for a Hero.
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The literal video for A-Ha Take On Me is also funny, but so many are just bad.
I think that was their only…reinterpretation of Ms Tyler.
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Guap, mate, I was a youth worker for over 20 very stressful, very satisfying years, I then migrated to being Pastor for 5 very stressful, very (unsatisfying doesn’t cut it) depleting years…now I’m just a guy with a normal job and 4 teenagers who want to hang around and bring their mates over. I have a feeling you are going to love this! Good on you man. Respect REDdog
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Wow! That’s a lot of time in. This is a year-at-a-time gig, but I imagine it will have changed me long before then…
thanks, RD!
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Looking forward to what you’ll have to share about it all, Guap, I expect we will all be humbled a little along with you. Gods luck, my friend. Respect REDdog
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This should be very interesting. Am looking forward to your blog about this organization, and your impressions. I have a feeling you have lots to contribute to young people in need of someone to talk to and who will listen.
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thank you. I still have to be interviewed and screened, but I’m looking forward to joining the program.
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Woohoo! One of these kids has no idea how wicked cool his life is about to become. Talk about a great mentor! You can teach him about computers, introduce him to surfing, show him how to do a naked bar slide… okay, maybe not that one.
Congratulations, and good for you on choosing to step out of your comfort zone.
(Can I sign up to be a little brother, in hopes of getting a crazy, fun big brother like you?)
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Thanks Brian.
And if we’re ever in the same area at the same time, YES!
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Good for you to be doing this, El G. I’m sure you will be a great mentor, and whichever kid is lucky enough to get you, will really benefit from the experience. Of course, there’s always the possibility that he will be able to teach you something too. 🙂
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Thank you! I think it’s more than likely he’ll teach me something. One of the things I like about kids is that they have completely different perspectives, and don’t yet know that some things can’t be done.
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Funnily enough I was thinking of doing something similar here in Australia called Aunties and Uncles. It’s the same concept, mentoring and spending time with kids from about 5-12 years old. I looked into it and decided to volunteer at my local children’s hospital instead. I start my training tonight!! I might still get involved with Aunties and Uncles and I’d love to hear your experiences! it’s an awesome thing to do 🙂
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Cool! Have fun with your volunteering! we can trade stories after we’re both up and running.
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That is so great! I think you’ll find it very rewarding and I think he will be a very lucky kid!! 😀
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Thank you! Fortunately, I have very valuable lessons from the Drawing Lady I can teach him.
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Uh oh. Well if you get kicked out of the program, we’ll know why!
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What everyone else said…you are perfect to be a ‘big’!
That will be one lucky kid, to learn about music, sci-fi, Hawaiian shirts, and FUN, from the Guap.
Perfect!
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When you put it like that, it’s going to be the oddest mentoring gig ever.
(And the most fun!)
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There will be much to learn from you my great friend and the unknown elements of this bonding will offer so much more, after all when someone reaches out and there is help given freely it gives a lot more than just encouragement. It gives a positive vibe to every hour spent, I mean some kid’s go through life without being able to adjust to the outside world, they are lonely and stand back from the crowd when all it needs is a bit of encouragement, a push towards gaining confidence.
Offering yourself forward in this way will add a guiding light and a tremendous richness to any kid’s life, of that I have no doubts my great friend. Your knowledge and wisdom will enhance those young minds, nurturing them and feeding a desire to learn more.
You are one in a million Guap and
I am honoured to call you my friend.
Andro
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Thanks so much, Andro. My thinking is along those lines too, but not as eloquent.
Likewise, and the honor is mine.
(But you can keep the extra “u”.) 😉
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This is the first time I’ve heard of this organization, we don’t have it here. It sounds like a great initiative !
And there is no one better than you to be a part of this. We are our own worst critics. You are going to rock this Gaupo ! Fingers crossed . I hope this turns out to be an awesome experience for you 🙂
P.S I can only wish there is something like Big Sisters as well 😀
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Thank you!
I went to the orientation last night. They’ve been doing this for 110 years, and it sounds like they have great results with the the program. Should be fun to be a part of it.
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Woah, no wonder it has such great roots. I hope it turns in one of the best experiences of your life 🙂
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Good for you!! You’re inspiring me to think about how to help in my community, which is a good thing!
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That’s great! I hope you find something that suits you!
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Yay! I’ve found someone who can take on my teenage daughter!!! Buying the ticket RIGHT NOW. She is just going to LOVE New York! Seriously, best advice I can give you (somebody’s got to do it) Just be yourself! Cheesy but so true. Although that’s not quite working for the teenager – OK, I retract that!
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Ha! I would love to have your kid here for a week. Get to see my city through the eyes of a foreign teen? At last! I’ll get to look like I actually know what goes on in NYC.
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Coming right up!
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Have you ever read Helen Hanff’s Apple of my Eye?
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No, I just looked it up.
It’s true, NYers rarely do the tourist things. Which is too bad – some of the attractions are impressive. Except for being clogged with tourists…
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I can completely relate. I haven’t walked up Table mountain for about ten years, actually no I went up with the Cable Car last year, but because it was a school outing and I got to do it for free!! Maybe we should swap!
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I think this is a great idea. There are lots of cool fun things you can do with kids, and you’d be surprised how little it takes to make the whole world different for a kid. I like working with kids because it gives me the chance to act like a kid and do things like color, jump rope, watch kids movies, play games, etc without any judgement. While I’m just having fun, it sometimes makes a big difference for them to see someone cares what they have to say and wants to be around them. It’s simple, but sometimes surprisingly meaningful. Have fun with it!
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Thanks! I think acting like a kid will easy for me. It’s the more responsible stuff that makes me nervous. I think as long as I listen to the kid and don’t try and force him to be a certain way, I should be all right.
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While I have never been a Big Sister, I have been a stepmother to lots of kids & I sometimes think this is just as important. Kids want to know there is always someone out there who cares about them (whether you’re related by blood or not), someone who is interested in what they like (I even learned how to play Dungeons & Dragons to help the son of a boyfriend between H1 & H2), someone they can look up to & who will be consistent with them. Model the way they should act, don’t just tell them. You will be great Guaps & any young man would be lucky to get you as a Big Brother.
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Thanks Benze. I’m hoping it will be a good experience for both of us!
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I wish you much success and thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone. My brother’s Big Brother made a big difference in his life.
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Thanks so much, LaVagabonde.
I have my interview with them this weekend. Looking forward to it.
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