Building A Better Dave » Life

She Said Yes

Dave — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:55:27 +0000

Today I talk about me popping the question last week to “The Nurse” and she made me very happy by saying yes. Today I talk about the absolute guys view to engagement ring shopping. There is a strange aerobic dance that women do when they put on a ring.

She loves choices. I mean she LOOOOOVVVES choices, and I love that she loves choices. I am a very lucky man. We will be tying the knot on June 20, 2008.

Yes I got on one knee. It was nothing too fancy (I had fancier ideas, but if I didn’t give her this ring soon, I was going to be in deep trouble).

Music “She’s the Girl” from Bartdorf & McClean
Batdorf & McLean
“She’s The Girl” (mp3)
from “Don’t You Know”
(ItsAboutMusic.com)

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Kids Are Like Electric Football

Dave — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:37:53 +0000

Today I introduce you to my new Great Nephew. He sure is little. It really drove home the point of how absolutely life changing kids are. I can honestly say that at age 43 I’m glad I don’t have this kind of responsibility that is soooo 24/7.

I talk about how “The Countess” has made the “Show Choir.” This scared me as if she had not made it, I would’ve been there for the melt down, and I want the best for all of “The Nurses” kids (and I’m not sure I could take watching the meltdown from the front row). Luckily I got to be part of the celebration.

One thing as I “Hang out” with children of all shapes and sizes, I can see where the roll of the parent really comes into play. Kids have their own personality. It sure seems like they are preprogrammed to go in a certain direction. It reminds me of “Electric Football.” A game my brother and I got for Christmas (pre-Atari). This game had some vibrating device on the bottom, and a flat (or supposed to be flat) surface that the players would stand on. You could adjust some stuff on the player, and point them in the direction you wanted to go. You had the perfect plan. Then you would turn on the electricity and half the team would fall over, another 20 percent would go in circles, and many of the player would end up in the corner driving straight into the wall because the surface wasn’t flat. As a parent (coach) you picked them back up and pointed them back in the direction you wanted to go, turn on the electricity and hope things turn out for the better.

Music “He’s My Baby!” from www.donaoxford.com (phenominal pianist/singer/songwriter). From the Podsafe Music Network at www.podsafemusicnetwork.com

Drive By Schooling

Dave — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:51:41 +0000

Today I talk about one of my life’s most embarrassing moments. I made a huge mistake, and I thought about not talking about it on the show. However, the “teacher” in me took over and I thought “If someone can learn from my mistake, it’s worth it.”

All signs point to me not passing a class this semester. While I’ve always had good grades, this semester I’m not going to be able to come in at the last minute and save the day. While most politicians don’t understand the concept of accepting your responsibility, I’m here to say “no excuses” and say this was ALL MY FAULT.

I’m very upset that I somehow lost my mojo, I took on things I shouldn’t have, and I should’ve said NO when I said yes. I kept thinking I would get back to school and get caught up. I wonder if subliminally that when I go so far behind, if I just didn’t give up. I think I always could get caught up eventually, and I just flat out ran out of time.

I have done nothing but examine this semester over the last few days trying to figure out what went wrong and why. The biggest thing was I needed to print out the syllabus and put it into my calendar so I could keep track of assignments and know when quizzes were scheduled. Who’s fault is that? MINE. You might say, “But Dave you’re too busy.” I need to learn the word “NO” and USE IT. School and graduation is now priority number 1. That will never change.

So bad things do happen to Dave Jackson. I’m not a super hero who can save the day. Its one thing to get wounded in battle, and it’s another thing shoot yourself in the foot. I don’t like to suck. I hate being average, so to FAIL a class makes me want to die. It’s like Dave Jackson died. I – David Jackson – don’t fail. Well I used to be able to say that. This sucks.

If you don’t learn the word NO, you will learn it when people say it to you as in “No you can’t graduate,” and “No, the class is not offered again this year.”

So now it’s about learning from your mistakes (the only thing positive you can do at this point), and take action. I’ve got a few weeks till Summer session starts. I’m going to come out of the gate like a steamroller from HELL. I know years from now this won’t matter, but right now I’m pretty disappointed in myself. The good news is this has awakened the “real” Dave Jackson.

He has risen – Halleluiah

MUSIC

“NO EXCUSES” from the Band Braquet ( www.braquetband.com ) courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network (www.podsafemusicnetwork.com ) buy their CD from CDBaby.com

LYRICS – ” No excuses for us. Time has come to do what we must.”

Other Sites Mentioned: www.gaincontrolofyourday.com

It Ain’t Easy Being Green

Dave — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:26:48 +0000

Today I tell the story of trying to help my niece as she is in labor. The bad news is Hospitals make me physically sick due to some psychological reason beyond my control.

It is very strange as my new great nephew was born on the same day my Mother died 19 years ago (in the same hospital). It made for day full of many emotions.

I also speak about how I regret not asking my Mother to quit smoking more frequently. Quiting smoking is very hard to do. My ex-wife tried every method and the only that worked was the quick keysystem (when she used it it was called something different).

This system slowly weens you off cigarettes using a computer that fits in your hand, You can but it at Amazon.com

Relationship 2.0

Dave — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:48:55 +0000

So my trust went left of center this weekend as I let some small circumstances get the best of me and get “in my head” making me act like someone I don’t want
to be. I’m not very proud of myself.

In the end, my “suspicious” attitude showed “The Nurse” how much
I TRULY cared, and that made her happy (not a recommended
practice). In the end we put all the cards on the table, and came back
with “Relationship 2.0″ Its stronger, faster, and built to last.

Guys if you find yourself suspicious, its best to get the information directly from the source,
instead of finding bits and pieces and trying t connect the dots.

MUSIC “I Believe in Us” by Marc Doiron off of the Podsafe Music network (music.podshow.com)
Buy his music at cdbaby.com you can also buy the download of the single in itunes

or buy the entire “Time in Precious” album

DRAMA STEW

Dave — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:03:52 +0000

Today we welcome a new listener – and then piss them off. Wonderful.

This podcast is kind of “my diary.” But not really the truth. You only get MY side of the story so you know there is another two thirds of the story. So my last podcast where
I got to be a “Dad” for a day. It was a joke. It was a strange moment, and
a great memory as the “Countess” won her talent show.

Well double agent 0017 somehow accidentally played that episode for THE BIOLOGICAL FATHER. NICE. I understand her loyalty, but if she had not shown him, he never would’ve known. Now we have a lovely bowl of DRAMA STEW. Am I mad? No. I pretty much expected it. Besides she loves cheese (an inside joke). It’s not like we didn’t know it was going to “accidentally” get back to him.

So why was it such a big deal to be Dad for a day? Because I don’t have kids, and won’t have any.
That door has closed. I spent 10-15 thousand dollars trying to bypass the natural obstacles my ex-wife had. So I understand how children are a gift. They are not things you can buy at Wal Mart. So any time I get a glimpse of what it’s like to be “Dad” it’s an honor. The other night I was a hero getting printer paper at 10 PM.

So while it’s fun to play Dad, I will never be. There is no competition. I don’t have the right genes, and I lose every time. All the Father’s Day cards will go to you. All I can do is love the kids like they are my own, try to guide them to success, and to be the best people they can be. So they can avoid any mistakes I’ve made.

It could be worse. I know someone who had a good relationship with their ex until they remarried. Then
the new spouse didn’t like the kids, and made them feel unwelcome in their new home. It put a large strain on the relationship between father and children. I still don’t understand it, or my friend. The good news is your ex-wife is dating someone who adores your children, so while others worry at night (my Brother’s ex-wife’s boyfriends were a treat ) you do not. I am not trying, or can I ever, take your place.

On a less dramatic topic, the nurse and I had a great weekend of communication. I had been busting my butt, and it turns out that everything I was doing was appreciated, but not really wanted.
It sounds stupid, and it took a while to figure out, and it has left the nurse and me even stronger.

Guys don’t try to understand the female brain. Women realize guys are knuckle-heads. Guys
try to do something for your significant other that leaves evidence. Stick a post it note in their car. Leave a note in their purse (but no snooping). Maybe you can leave them a voicemail if they are at work.

Dad for a day

Dave — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:35:00 +0000

Today I talk about how “The Countess” and I performed in a talent show.
It was amazing, and I am so proud of her. It was great to make a
memory with such a great kid.

Then I thought about it. As much as we know parents can influence
their kids. Does that mean as adults we influence our parents? I mean
who can drive you more nuts than your kids (or your parents). So as

much as parent should take advantage of every minute they can spend with their children, are
we doing the same thing when our parents are growing older?

The one thing I know is I got to make a great memory with a great kid I enjoy watching
as she grows into a lovely young lady.

POPO Reads the Christmas Story

Dave — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:38:54 +0000

Today I tell the story of Christmas Eve. For a child this was known as “Hours of Torture” followed by some presents. The “finish line” of the waiting for presents was Grandpa (better known as POPO – “poe poe”) reading the Christmas story.

So when my Grandparents left of to go live with relatives in Texas I had my Grandfather read the Christmas story into a cassette tape. I had lost this tape for years. I really thought I had lost it. So I have received a great present this year by having the voice of my Grandfather back in my life after many years of absence. Welcome to the Podcast POPO.

Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks so much for listening.

The Christmas tree From Hell

Dave — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 05:48:48 +0000

My Grandfather was one of the first people to have an artificial tree. He had a unique way of decorating it. It sticks in my mind even though it was so many years ago.

Music “What Child is This” Jimme Bratcher www.jimmiebratcher.com from the Podsafe Music Network music.podshow.com

Merry Christmas, SMILE!

Dave — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:32:09 +0000

Yesterday I talkeds about Surprising your parents on Christmas. As I got older I took this to a new dimented level. I would talk pictures of my parents as they took their first steps out of their bedroom (yes that’s really my Dad). Nothing like facing a flashbulb at 6 in the morning.

Music: Jimmie Bratcher (www.jimmiebratcher.com ) from the Podsafe Music Network. (Song “What Child is This”)

Santa’s Workshop

Dave — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 05:23:30 +0000

Today is Day #9 in the Twelve DAVES of Christmas. Today I talk about how we turned the tables on our parents and had a Surprise for them when they woke up. This is a tradition that would take a horrible turn in the near future (tomorrows show). But it did teach me that it doesn’t take much to stand out in a crowd.

Music “What child is this” from Jimmie Bratcher (www.jimmirbratcher.com ) from the Podsafe Music Network music.podshow.com

Grandma’s Role Call

Dave — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:39:42 +0000

http://www.betterdave.com/ is the home page of the Podcast.

Welcome to another installment of “The 12 Dave’s of Christmas”

I talk about the spooky basement with the hand grenade, the shell, and the doorway to hell. A great place to play on Chrismas day.

Music: “what child is this” by Jimmie Bratcher from the Podsafe Music Network (www.jimmiebratcher.com and music.podshow.com )

SANTA WAS HERE

Dave — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 05:37:42 +0000

Welcome to Building a Better Dave “12 Dave’s of Christmas” where to day I talk about the joy of waking my parents up when myself (and my brother and sister) had found out that Santa had come!

Music “What Child is this” from www.jimmirbratcher.com and the Podsafe Music Network. (music.podshow.com )

Grandpa’s Toboggan Shoot

Dave — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:44:04 +0000

Welcome to the “12 Daves of Christmas” where over the next 12 days I will be relating Christmas themes memories. Today I relive the tale of almost decapitating my cousing Kevin.

Please note this picture is not my Granpa’s Hill (his was steeper).

Music
What Child Is this from Jimmie Bratcher from the Podsafe Music Network

OH HAPPY DAY!

Dave — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 06:13:17 +0000

Show #55 from http://www.betterdave.com/

I’ve been saying “It’s going to Get Better” for quite a while. “The Nurse” and I were coming to a crossroads if something didn’t change, and we got some great news in regards to my college career (and how long it will last).

MUSIC
“In Time” from Bari Koral by the CD at CDBaby.com
The Figt Song from the Super Suckers
Oh Happy Day by Shelly Wilson by her CD at CDBaby.com

Dumb as a Crayon

Dave — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 01:36:31 +0000

Teenage boys can be stupid. I talk about a tale that happened right in front of my face, and why I use books to lie to myself. Website is www.betterdave.comMusic From the Podsafe Music Network http://music.podshow.com

The Leaving Trains “Dumb as a Crayon”

Outlawing Broccoli

Dave — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 04:54:41 +0000

Dave talks about having a “hero” moment with “The Senator” (the 10 year old son of his girlfriend). It was an amazing moment.

Music From the Podsafe Music Network

http://music.podshow.com

Superhero from Anthony Stauffer and Holy Smoke

I’ll Be Right Back

Dave — Thu, 03 May 2007 16:47:26 +0000

Just a quick blurb to let everyone know I’m going to be taking a small hiatus as I prepare for my final exams (a week, maybe ten days). Don’t worry. All is well.

Music
by Leerone – “All is Well” from the Podsafe Music NetworkÂ

Buy her CD at CDBaby for $6. or for more info go to www.leerone.com