Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Who Is Daniel Cook?

I witnessed something this morning that disturbed me.

One of the benefits of being on study leave has been getting Kassidy from her crib and then snuggling with her on the couch watching Treehouse. (I should clarify that it is not Barney, and Boobah that I consider a benefit, but the Kassidy part) After Boobah was over (thank God!!!) I felt her body tense during the intro of the next program, so I glanced over towards her, and I witnessed an expression that was both chilling and disturbing. It was a look I have not seen from her before, especially not directed towards me....face flushed, eyes glassy, huge grin....at the tender age of 20 months I think she has experienced her first pangs of love.... for some red-headed 6 year old punk, named Daniel Cook who can't seem to find a shirt in his closet that is not orange!!

In my heart I knew this day would arrive but I had expected it to be at least fifteen years from now, and I have been totally caught off guard. I am compelled to get to the bottom of a few serious questions:
1) Who is this Daniel Cook?
2) How did he get his own show?
3) What subliminal messages are being carelessly broadcast over the airways during his show that stimulate and manipulate the hearts and emotions of thousands of young innocent girls like Kassidy across this nation.
4) What skeletons lay hidden in this young man's closet ? He is a bit too charming, a bit too larger than life !

So I did search on Google and discovered a couple interesting things. The first search entry was his official website...the kid has his own website ! Not only is he poisoning the airwaves, he is now creating havoc in cyberspace ! The second search item was a bit more alarming...I clicked it and read the following. "My name is Daniel Cook, and I live on Death Row in Arizona. I am 40, have blue eyes, brown hair, weigh approx 170 lbs, nearly 6 feet in height..." Is this a mere coincidence or perhaps a bit of foreshadowing of things to come for our little Daniel. This brings me full circle to my initial question...WHO IS THIS DANIEL COOK CHARACTER ????

Apparently Daniel cook flys planes, learns to draw, meets the mayor, makes chocolate truffles, learns to figure skate, tries new foods, makes balloon animals..etc., etc.,etc. The real kicker is he has his own show and website !! This six year old has accomplished more in his short life than I have in 35 years ! How does this happen ???? Where is the justice!! At age six, he's out learning to make and eat chocolate truffles, and flying airplanes, meanwhile at age six, I was learning how to do barn chores and clean my room... WHERE IS THE JUSTICE !!!

What is this program teaching my daughter...that the only boys of substance out there are experienced in the arts, sciences, and hobknob with dignitaries, and such. I have half a mind to call up James Dobson and inform him that it is not Spongebob Squarepants who is the real threat to our children, but a shady red-headed boy named Daniel Cook.

For those of you who think I may be a bit jealous, perhaps you are right, but you can never be too careful !

A concerned, protective father

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Brainstorm

That is what my head feels like today. I am on the verge of writing the biggest exam of my life for which I have studied literally hundreds of hours for, and I feel I am far from being well prepared.

I am also a couple weeks away from opening my physio practice and because all reno's are behind schedule, I'm still in the middle of renovating the space.

Have you ever been so overwhelmed by how many things you have to do that all you can do is stand and stare at nothing , not knowing where to start? That was me today.

This afternoon I had a colleague of mine over to quiz me for the exam and there was so much going on in my head I couldn't think, let alone answer... Most of the answers are in there somewhere but there seems to be an output malfunction.

I received a demo of the clinic management software I will be using in the mail today and after a brief runthrough, I accepted the fact that I really don't know what the heck I'm doing when it comes to accounts payable, receivable, etc. etc.,etc.

I received a call from a supplier today informing me I will have no treatment beds for opening day.....that could be a problem....

Stressed, you ask ?? Well yes, a bit I suppose, but that is what you get when you leave your comfort zone.
Excited ??? Yes, very much so.
Overwhelmed ?? I've had a few moments of self doubt, but I know I will learn what needs to be learned, and I'm quite OK with making mistakes.

Despite all that is going on, I read a quote yesterday that put things in perspective.

"...it is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, and spends himself a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."
-Theodore Roosevelt-


In some ways in my career, I feel that I have spent a good portion of my time in the safety of the sidelines but I get he feeling I am now walking out into the arena.

I have chosen to put a copy of these words in my office where I can read them every day.