May Day has a long and notable history as one of the world's principal festivals. The origin of the May Day as a day for celebration dates back to the days, even before the birth of Christ. Its origins date back to the Druids of the British Isles, and became a very popular feast time for the Romans during their occupation. Gradually, it came to be regarded more as a day of joy and merriment for the kids, rather than a day of observing the ancient fertility rights. By the Middle Ages every English village had a Maypole. More recently it has been co-opted by the Socialist and Labour movements in commemoration of the working man.
For none of these reasons and only because it was a beautiful spring day that happened to fall on May 1st, our close friends Michael and Christine decided to have a barbecue.
For Emery this was to be his first social outing. We quickly learned that having a child mean that your best plans need to be flexible. This being his first social outing meant we wanted him to look perfect.
Our plan was to leave at 3:00 to be there by 4:00. We started by giving him a bath and dressing him in his "Sunday Best". Shortly before we were ready to leave he needed to feed, and during that process he pooped his diaper to over flowing. This resulted in him needing a second bath and a completely new set of cloths. Long story short we arrived at the Scott's an hour late.
The highlight of the day was when Michael read us a poem that he wrote entitled Ode to Parenthood.
Ode to Parenthood
by Michael Scott
(ode, definiton - A lyric poem of some length, usually of a serious or meditative nature and having an elevated style and formal stanzaic structure)
This is dedicated to Rodney and Jeaniene in honor of their new family member Emery James Shupe
Adult shmadult... your lives as you knew them are over dude and dudette!
Spare time and sleep are now the two most valued commodities in the world. More valuable than gasoline or crude oil...
BEEEEPPP....
WE ARE INTERRUPTING THIS EMAIL TO BRING YOU AN URGENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
THIS IS NOT A TEST!
REPEAT.... THIS IS NOT A TEST!
WE ARE INTERRUPTING THIS EMAIL TO BRING YOU AN URGENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The ministries of Health and Families, Social Services and Housing, Education, Justice and oh what the heck Transportation too have issued this important warning.
DO NOT READ THIS DOCUMENT IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY A PARENT!
DO NOT READ THIS DOCUMENT IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY A PARENT!
DO NOT READ THIS DOCUMENT IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY A PARENT!
DO NOT READ THIS DOCUMENT IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY A PARENT!
The future of the human race depends on it!
THIS CONCLUDES THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
WE NOW RETURN YOU TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED EMAIL MESSAGE
BEEEEPPP....
... more than silver, gold or even cash...more valuable than clothing, food, beer (heaven forbid), and yes even more valued than sex!
You will endlessly hunt for these commodities, day after day, week after week, and never find enough of either. Always looking for that few minutes rest or foregoing a shower before bed to read or send email.
At first you think not "things seem to be running fairly smoothly" you say...
but that is just the euphoria from the miracle of birth, the newness and novelty of all things baby, and the frequent revelations and disbelief that there is a new person on this planet, placed here by YOU.... LIVING IN YOUR HOUSE! not just a temporary guest but PERMANENTLY!
It will happen.. in a while...and that is just fine...both you and Jeaniene craving sleep and spare time.
Just a few minutes here or a half hour there to get that thing done or to put up your hair.
You will sacrifice sleep late at night,
Yes you will,
you're eyes will be bloodshot as you cry "Help Dr. Phil"
You will compete with each other for a microcosm of time, passing your child back and forth like bad wine Back and forth, back and forth and back goes he again, your attempts to capture freedom are all just in vain.
There is no spare minutes for the either of you, not to rest or go shopping, not to watch movies or go poo!.
You will get tired and run down... your patience will thin
and you'll snap at your spouse over the slightest of sin
feeling overwhelmed at any moment or two,
uncertain, and unsure of just what you should do!
And of course there exists no energy reserves
not to clean, not or dust,
not to serve nice hors d'oeuvres
So entertaining is out of the question for sure
same for swimming, curling, baseball, or the sport de' jour
With ZERO patience on hand,
you'll soon find you can't stand,
minor differences once accepted between woman and man
Even cute eccentricities are inflated colossal,
causing fighting and cursing to St John The Apostle
Your relationship will now be given a test,
A TEST BEYOND ALL, YES THIS TEST IS THE BEST!
"Sounds ominous" you say?
Don't worry there's a way
it just takes 'bout 20 years plus or minus a day
... so at times when you're in a compromising situation
when you feel rage exhaustion panic confusion and frustration
oh! and don't think these can't occur all at once
Just remember this...........
Every parent has traveled the same stretch of road
We all have done it, bearing similar load
Some out of wed lock, some with a ring
Some very poor, some rich as a King
and we all say, WE SAY EXACTLY THE SAME THING.
"THAT IT IS WORTH IT!"
If you don't believe me then there is proof I do say.
If it's not worth it then why do some find their way
to have two three four five children these days.
Congratulations!!! to both of you and welcome to the club.
Check out the pictures in the
Photo Gallery.
Well today was my first day back on the squash court since injuring my eye. And yes I was wearing my goggles. It has been almost a full two months since I have done any sort of a workout, and it certainly felt that way. On the positive side my partner also hasn't been doing much exercise in that time and is equally out of shape. I know I'll be a bit sore tomorrow but that is par for the course. Next week I hope to get at least two games in so I can start getting back to were I was before the injury.
HERNANDEZ-WRIGHT _ Maria passed away unexpectedly May 16, 2005 during childbirth at BC Women and Children's Hospital. She is survived by her loving husband and soul mate of sixteen years, Stephen (Wright); her beautiful newborn son, Nathan Gene Wright and her close loving family; parents Eugene and Annette, sisters Janice and Annabel, grandparents Juan and Nati, uncles, aunts and cousins. Though her life was cut short at the young age of 32, she touched the lives of many. Those who knew her will remember her for her strength, independent nature, generosity, deep love for her family and lifelong hopes for a family of her own. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Andrews Church, 480 E.47th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. Interment will follow at Ocean View Burial Park. Prayers will be held in the Church on Monday, May 23, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to a Visitation to be held at Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, B.C. on Saturday, May 21, 2005, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Maria, your memory will remain in our hearts forever and your spirit will live on in the gift of life you have given. With your guidance from up above, Steve and your family will watch over your precious baby. Take comfort that your child will come to know you and love you as much we do. We have cherished having you in our lives. You will always be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother. We miss you dearly. May you rest in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, information for donations will be available at the Service.
Well today was the birth of 
