The First Project of a New Father

There are a tremendous amount of facts about my parents that I do not know.  For instance, I don’t know how they first met or what their favorite things to do before I was born were, or even what their childhood dreams.  I simply knew them as my Mom and Dad.  People who were there to fix me when I was ill, comfort me when I was sad, and to ensure that my basic needs and some of my wants were met.

An idea came to me yesterday that I’d like to explore. 

I want my child to really know me.

The real me.

After the baby is born I intend to undertake a project to help document what type of person I was, currently am, and ultimately would like to become.

I would like to create as many lists of facts about me as I can imagine.  I am not sure exactly when the right time to share these lists with him or her would be, but I am certain that the timing of such things becomes obvious at some point.  I also know that the meaning and understanding  of the lists will transform as my child grows, thus multiplying the potential of the lists to be useful tools to facilitate communication, knowledge, and understanding.  I am excited to get started.

First things first, (a little organization up front):

Today I will to create a draft “list of lists” that I will fill out over the course of the first years of my child’s life.  One list per week for as many weeks as I have ideas.  This post will become the central repository for the master list, and I will add / edit / re-arrange as the project takes life.  I will also publish the individual lists here, with perhaps a few rare instances where total transparency might not be best.

The List-of-Lists: (draft 1)

1. Things you should know about me
2. My favorite movies
3. My favorite songs
4. My favorite artists
5. My favorite books
6. My favorite “other things” to read
7. Things I did to get your mother’s attention
8. Random things I enjoy
9. People I admire most
10. Personality traits I admire most
11. Personality traits I do not admire
12. My favorite places
13. Countries I have visited
14. States I have visited
15. Things I like about myself
16. Things I would change about myself
17. People who have taught me substantial life lessons
18. Why I fell in love with your mother
19. Why I am still in love with your mother
20. Values I would like to see in my child
21. Jobs that I have had
22. Jobs that I wish I would have had the opportunity to do
23. My list of unfulfilled dreams
24. Career choices that I would recommend to my child
25. Career choices that I would recommend my child avoid
26. The list of names that we did not select for you
27. My “First-Times” (not published)
    
28. Things I would like to say about you
29. Things I would not like you to feel about me
30. My biggest regrets
31. My memorable accomplishments
32. Things I would like to teach you
33. Places I’d like you to visit
34. Things that I feel you should do before you die
35. Things that I would prefer you would not do before you die
36. My favorite television shows
37. The names of your parents, grand parents, and so-on (not published)
38. Illnesses that I have had
39. My favorite quotes
40. My core values
41. Things I would do if I were wealthy
42. Things I would not do if I were wealthy
43. People who inspire me
44. Some facts about how life works
45. All of my pets
46. Schools that I attended
47. Places I have lived
48. The scariest things I have ever done
49. The stupidest stuff I have ever done
50. My favorite beers
51. My favorite wines
52. My favorite spirits
53. My favorite places to eat
54. Recommended courses of study
55. Things to take seriously
56. Things not to take so seriously
57. The easiest ways to make me happy
58. The easiest ways to make me unhappy
59. Things I suggest you avoid talking about
60. Advice that I wish I were given
61. What I loved about your mother being pregnant with you

Why post this stuff online?

Great question.  I am a fan of new media.  I see it as an infinite canvas to express art of many forms.  I am not a very private person by nature, and even though very few people are subscribed to, or read this blog, publicly committing myself to this project helps keep me disciplined to see it through.  In the end, I feel that this will become a very nice compilation of thoughts to share with my son or daughter when they are ready.  I have no concerns with anyone reading what I write, and I have no concerns with people discussing  or commenting on my work.  I might even talk back if I feel inclined to do so.

Pray for me!

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