Working Nine to Five...

What a way to make a living!

Actually only the song title applies to me because I actually like my new job unlike that whiner Dolly Parton. That's why I didn't write over the last few days, I was busier than usual.

Well, actually I just got addicted to CityVille on Facebook. I jest, not really. But it is pretty good for a Facebook game. 

Where was I? Oh yes, the new job. Since last friday I've gone out to work in central London going back to being a full-time game designer since Blake was born. Yes, I did some part-time teaching over the last two years and worked from home as freelance and on my own projects, but it's not the same as going out every day for the entire day. Also, in this job I don't get the plentiful holidays that come with teaching or working freelance. So it's a big change for all of us, but now that Blake is two and a half and all grown up (well, almost), I feel ready for this.

The worst part is undoubtedly being away from Blake for most of the day, especially since he's usually still asleep when I leave the house, but at the same time it makes coming back home to him (and that other guy, the one I married) all the more exciting. It already became a routine: As soon as I put the key in the door the dogs go crazy and rush to me and then I have to make my way through them to get to Blake who's grinning with sheer joy. I pick him up and have to hold him for at least fifteen minutes. I don't even get to take off my warm coat or bag. I remember as a kid being so excited when I'd hear the jingle of my dad's keys when he got home in the evening and how my brother and I would rush to hug him (and claim the snacks he always brought us). Now I'm the father on the other side of the door and it's so unreal to me.

It's a big change for Blake who's used to spend most of his time with me, but he's taking it like a champ. He gets to spend more time with Miron and I think it's great for both of them. In a couple of months he probably won't even remember me. 

I gladly take over Blake duties as soon as I get home, giving him dinner, playing with him and giving him a bath. These aren't chores, they are treats awaiting me at home.

Another great aspect of going out to work full time every day is that weekends once again feel truly special. I kinda missed that special friday feeling and since my job is pretty darn cool I don't get the monday blues.

Another down side is that now I have much less time to work on my own personal projects, but it just means they'll just take a little longer. I hope to have lots of exciting things to reveal here on this blog both from my new job and my own projects. It's better to be too busy than not busy enough. That's how serial killers start out. They're like, hey, there's nothing good on TV, maybe I should go kill some half-naked campers. 

Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not my thing.

--Mickey

Itsy Bitsy Spider : Exclusive Web Premiere!

Blake has really got into Itsy Bitsy Spider recently. We have to do it several times a day whenever the mood strikes, and that's almost always. During breakfast, during bath time, during, well... Everything.

Blake's new iPod can record video so I found out he actually recorded himself practicing the routine! Yes, he's a two and a half year old who records himself. I bet he'll have his own video podcast by the time he's four. Writing blogs with words is so 2010.

Anyway, here's the video:

Note the artistic lighting and camera angle. I have a lot to learn from the maestro.

And here's the full performance. You've seen it here first. When me and Blake will tour the world you'll be like "hey, I was a fan before they were famous". You don't have to comment about my singing voice. I already know it's amazing. Hopefully with this video out there in the open I'll finally get discovered by a talent scout.

We do birthdays, bar-mitzvahs, weddings and bachelorette parties. We accept all major chocolate bars and tummy rubs.

--Mickey

Three Down, Three Hundred and Sixty Two To Go.

OK, 2011 hasn't been too awesome so far. That's good. I would much rather the year wouldn't peak too soon. By all means let it burn slowly.

The thing is, Blake woke up with a high temperature on Christmas morning and has recovered since, but his illness has passed to me via Miron. As a result, with the exception of one night walk with the doggies last night, I haven't left the house at all this year.

It's not all bad. In fact, it's a lot of not bad.  While I feel a bit groggy the medicine takes away most of the symptoms and I get to have big naps with Blake in the middle of the day, play videogames (Blake demands at least once a day that I'd play Forza Motorsport 3 on the X-Box 360 and I must oblige) and watch lots of TV shows on my computer. I watched so much CSI over the last few days Blake must think I've been Skyping a lot with his Uncle Horatio from Miami.

There's actually a lot on my plate for 2011, so much that it's a bit overwhelming when I try to think about all of it in one sitting, so this lull is actually quite welcome. The calm before the storm or some nonsense like that.

The highlight of 2011 so far? The Chinese food we ordered in today.

Before I wrap up this post, here's a picture of a lettuce I got from google image search:

I'm sick, give me a break. It's the best I could do for now.

--Mickey