A different view
Jun. 18th, 2007 11:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
greatbearI'm reading where Bob Barker, who recently retired from his host post on The Price Is Right is now endorsing Rosie O'Donnell as a replacement. It's strange how a game show can have an impact on me that has lasted over the years. Many was the time, while off of school on summer vacation or home with an illness or any other time that would net me daytimes at home during the week. The teevee would inevitably be on, and I'd drop in on it from time to time. I used to watch TPIR often, honing my skills on the value of goods ranging from dish soap to station wagons. I got very good at it, and to this day I feel the show helped educate me on being a smart shopper. With Mom's insight on all things financial (she was an accountant) I learned to live within my means, prioritize purchases, save as much as I can, etc. I watched the last TPIR the other day and, as I did as a kid, yelled "A NEW CAR!" when it was unveiled as the next big prize. What memories.
I got to thinking. Bob Barker taught me more than my father ever did. Such was where my head was on Father's Day. Father's Day was usually when I actually got some sort of gift, usually tools or something else 'manly' because I was always the man of the house in my life. I think I did pretty good on my own in that respect. Mom could only do so much, seeing that my 'father' left when I was only five years old. I had to grow up early and awkward, and that was not a bad thing. While I might have had to give up some of my childhood at an early age, I made up for it and dragged a bit of my childhood with me into adulthood. I can be silly (Jeff will attest quite loudly), I like toys, be they from Mattel or Snap-On, and I still have a bit of the childlike wonder of the world residing behind the cynicism that middle age inevitably brings. I even have an occasional tantrum. Would I go back and change any of this if I could. Nah. Except maybe try and find someone for Mom that would have treated her like she deserved, unlike prior to my fifth year. Mom really never was left wanting, at least she told me this. I often wonder if she was really letting on with everything.
Sadly, I cannot change the past. I can only shape the now.
Bob Barker's voice rattling off actual retail prices for things like shampoo and showcases put me in a nostalgic mood, and I realized that this is yet another end to yet another era. Thanks, Bob.
THose of you who have dads that were a strong influence in your lives, I'm very glad for you, but not really envious. Except for the love, something that I never got from my father. There is a reason for that, but I am not going to post it here. Maybe some day. My only real regret? It was never learning to love myself.
Anyway, let's hope Rosie finds something to do, be it the next TPIR host, or whatever. Since leaving The View, the ol' gal's looking kinda rough:
Happy (belated) Father's Day.
I got to thinking. Bob Barker taught me more than my father ever did. Such was where my head was on Father's Day. Father's Day was usually when I actually got some sort of gift, usually tools or something else 'manly' because I was always the man of the house in my life. I think I did pretty good on my own in that respect. Mom could only do so much, seeing that my 'father' left when I was only five years old. I had to grow up early and awkward, and that was not a bad thing. While I might have had to give up some of my childhood at an early age, I made up for it and dragged a bit of my childhood with me into adulthood. I can be silly (Jeff will attest quite loudly), I like toys, be they from Mattel or Snap-On, and I still have a bit of the childlike wonder of the world residing behind the cynicism that middle age inevitably brings. I even have an occasional tantrum. Would I go back and change any of this if I could. Nah. Except maybe try and find someone for Mom that would have treated her like she deserved, unlike prior to my fifth year. Mom really never was left wanting, at least she told me this. I often wonder if she was really letting on with everything.
Sadly, I cannot change the past. I can only shape the now.
Bob Barker's voice rattling off actual retail prices for things like shampoo and showcases put me in a nostalgic mood, and I realized that this is yet another end to yet another era. Thanks, Bob.
THose of you who have dads that were a strong influence in your lives, I'm very glad for you, but not really envious. Except for the love, something that I never got from my father. There is a reason for that, but I am not going to post it here. Maybe some day. My only real regret? It was never learning to love myself.
Anyway, let's hope Rosie finds something to do, be it the next TPIR host, or whatever. Since leaving The View, the ol' gal's looking kinda rough:
Happy (belated) Father's Day.
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no subject
Date: 2007-06-19 04:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-06-19 10:12 am (UTC)I'm a wee bit envious, as I'm still on working on a final TPIR show/kinda Father's Day-related post of my own. [In other words, you beat me to it!! ;-)
However, what you had to say about your father (AND mother) comes through as honest and genuine. Brave, too. Don't sell yourself short, though: I don't know what kind of a guy your father was, but from what I've read here, I think he'd be pretty proud how you turned out. You should be, at any rate. Thanks again.
no subject
Date: 2007-06-19 01:26 pm (UTC)I would add the whole growing up too fast thing resonates with me too - and I had a mother and a father; it happens when your parents act like children with each other, fight and things are chaotic and fractious, you become an adult sooner for safety reasons.
I missed part of my childhood as a result, but like you I have a love of silly things! I never grew up in part, a trait of many gay men also. I can go back to that sensible serious (but rather lonely) child/adult, though if I need.
Me Attest ?
Date: 2007-06-19 01:59 pm (UTC)As you know my toy store is any kitchen appliance store(I know how gay) but you allow me to go have fun with what is my area. As earlier stated you make out pretty well when I go toy shopping.
As for your father I know most of the story and understand your feelings. Just remember you may not have YOUR father but you will and have become an adpoted son to mine. Dad thinks of you as more of a son then his one son. He thinks the world of you and will be there for you should you have a want or need.
Though he will never admit to it he enjoys picking your brain on cars, electric, carpentry and many other areas of MANLY items. I know you enjoy spending time with him when we can.
He may not be your own but hes a DAMN good father and I would be lost without him.
PS. what do ya want for Dinner tonight? : )