Dan Bailey

Thoughts on Aurora

by

Any time I hear a pro-gun person whining about how “they’re going to take away our guns” whenever something like Aurora or Columbine happens, two thoughts go through my head: First, instead of worrying about the Second Amendment right away, maybe you should take 5 minutes to reflect on what the victims and their families … Read more

Little Human

by

One of the coolest things about being a new dad is seeing all the little moments of discovery. With infants there’s this moment when “the lights come on” — for the first few weeks, you are in possession of a little lump of meat that eats, sleeps, and poops, and screams a lot while doing … Read more

Another Milestone

by

Five months ago, you decided to show up early, and holy crap, what a surprise you were. Two months early and tiny, but healthy. Thirty-five days in the NICU, then home. And what a ride it’s been since. Trying at times, sure, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re a great kid, I’m … Read more

Random Ramblings

by

I have a headache that feels like someone dropped a box of loose hammers inside my skull and then shook me like a like an alcoholic waiting on payday. It ain’t pleasant and at the same time, I can’t really find any leftover fucks to give. The inner ear bullshit seems mostly resolved. Mostly. I … Read more

5 Things I’d Do If I Won the Lottery

by

Fully fund the most absolutely ridiculous Kickstarter projects I could find. I want to see socially awkward geeks on stage reading terrible poetry while swinging razor sharp swords to a smoke-and-lasers show.  Build a monument to Schadenfreude. This would probably be a beautifully ornate granite statue of a soaking-wet Goth falling down a flight of … Read more

A Lesson in Communication

by

Backstory: when I was a tiny Dan, I was living in West Berlin, Germany. Dad was in the army, mom was a stay-at-home mom. There wasn’t a “base” per se, we lived in apartments not far from the Berlin Wall, and as such, were exposed to German language and terms all the time, though almost … Read more

Going Back

by

This is a decision that I’ve come to after many hours of deep thinking on the subject, several long conversations with my wife, and ultimately, the choice was pretty easy.

You see, I’m going back into the Army — and I still can, as I get credit against the maximum age for my time already spent in uniform. Since I left active duty in 1993, I’ve always felt at loose ends, and what I’ve come to learn is that I not only need the structure that the military provides, but I crave it. So I’m going back to it. I’ll be enlisted, but only temporarily, as I’ve got the college credits required and ASVAB scores where getting into O.C.S. won’t be a problem. Additionally, I will probably select combat arms — the infantry — once I leave O.C.S.

As far as communications goes — I don’t know. I have to go through boot camp again, and I’m pretty sure that that’ll be several weeks without internet connectivity. After that, things should settle down a bit and I’ll start blogging here again regularly. I’ll pre-schedule some stuff for those of you that follow me, and I’ll have Kate (who is fully supportive of this, by the way) publish my mailing address here. For those of you that want postcards or letters, feel free to send me your address.

I’ve farmed out my backlist of frames to a few local builders who will be completing the orders.

I leave two weeks from today — check your calendars — there’ll be a send-off party at our place this week. More details after the cut.

Read more

The Story of Your Birth

by

Dear Son, Well, you gave us a good scare. I want to document this as much as possible before the details get too jumbled in my head. By now, you know you were born eight weeks early, but the story does a great job of illustrating the moments of humor and joy even when things … Read more

Newest Addition

by

So for those of you that don’t keep up with me on Facebook or Twitter, I’m happy (and nervous) to announce that Edwin Cooper Bailey joined the world 8 weeks early — at 4:19 a.m. on Friday, January 13th. He tipped the scales at 4 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 18″ long. His Apgars score … Read more

What I’ve Learned in 2011

by

• I have the weirdest combinations of shit luck/good luck, as evidenced by the disasters on my road trip to Michigan back in February. • Be more careful around hot steel. Burns leave nasty scars and the lesson was no exception. On the plus side, as a friend pointed out, there’s positives in putting yourself … Read more