Today as we continue our conversation about Character Change, we’re going to look at that moment, right after their first attempt and failure, where the hero has to consider what it will cost him to change. Ever been on a diet over Christmas season? I have a Russian friend who is a pilot, and his annual exam arrives RIGHT after New Year’s Eve. He gets h is blood drawn, and his cholesterol checked…it’s a bummer, because in order to keep his pilot’s license, he has to pass a certain level. Which means he has to diet over Christmas. Not entirely, but he has to stay away from the rich foods, and of course wine (which is big in Russian during New Year ’s Eve!). He stands at the pinnacle of […]
Read the RestArchive | October, 2008
First Down and Ten: Character Change Day Four
I love football. Hometown High School, college ball, and pro, in that order. I am a fan of Friday Night Lights, and every football movie made, (well, almost…I’m not into the spoofy football movies – it’s much too serious a sport for that!) and most of all football players! I married a football player. I like them because when they get hit, they get back up. (Probably why I like bullriders, too.). does it hurt? Yes. But the shake it off, line up and try again. They get four downs to get it right. Our local football team took a hard hit on Friday night, losing for the first time in 16 games, in the last 45 seconds. But I had to give props to both teams…they didn’t stop fighting […]
Read the RestAck! What is that Smell? Character Change Day 3
I could see the problem. Actually, to be honest, I could smell it. Seeping from my oldest son’s tomb-like room. As if, yes, there might be a corpse inside. I stood at the threshold of the doorway and peered in. He lay, a lump under his sheets, the floor of his room riddled with the debris of his teenage boy existence – old pop cans, bowls of hardened ice cream, decaying socks, his grimy attire for the last week. All of marinating in the brew of young manhood filth. He needed to clean his room. I flicked on the light (hey, it was 9am. ) “I think your room needs some attention.” Somewhere beneath the covers, he grunted. “Seriously, I can’t see your floor.” “It’s there, or you’d be falling […]
Read the RestRelease the Woobie! Character Change Day 2
Susie writes: My son has a Woobie. Remember the security blanket from Mr. Mom? Yeah, that’s my son. His Woobie is a disgusting denim comforter he sleeps with. It’s ripped in seven places. The stuffing is coming out. If I wash it, it will disintegrate in my washer. I fear the Woobie. So, while he was at school yesterday, I remade his bed. I washed his sheets. And I took the comforter and shoved it in a black plastic bag and hid it in the closet. Hoping, maybe, he wouldn’t…uh, notice? He came home, and we all had a nice dinner (borscht) and watched the debate and then…bedtime. I was reading, peacefully in my own bed when Peter walked in with a distressed look. “Mom, where is my….blanket?” He appeared about three years old. “Uh….” And here’s where I […]
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