Monday, February 01, 2010

Let's Get Out of Here Before They Call the Police

So Dylan and I are walking through the indoor mall. He says something clever and smart-alecky at my expense. I'm proud of him, but of course he has to pay, so I get him in a headlock. I give him a noogie and a light kick to the butt.

He responds with a straight right to my side. Oomph. I've always let him hit me full force in the body when we spar, but sheesh, I'm wondering how much longer that can go on. I deliver a vicious combination to his head with my fingertips, and he counters with a looping left to the body.

We pause. We drift back together, still walking, and we hug.

I hear laughter behind us. An older lady is walking behind us, watching.

"Men," she says.

10 comments:

Debby said...

Lol. Betcha that made Dylan stand a little prouder.

Kelly said...

You haven't posted much here lately.

Enjoyed this little glimpse into your life.

Redlefty said...

IT'S GO TIME!

Bob said...

Yes good to hear from you, Hal.

I give the activity you describe about two more years before you wave the white flag. Whenever either of my boys (24 and 17) come toward me now, I immediately put my hands in front of me!

Pam said...

Love it! one of your little slice-of-life-with-Dylan stories!! :)

Mary O. Paddock said...

Great story Hal!

Gary finally had to give up wrestling with our boys about six years ago. I remember massive wrestling matches in the livingroom.

Algernon said...

Yep, yep, yep. Based on what Gabriel is capable of *already* I am stocking up on body padding now.

Bob Barbanes: said...

Oooh, what a bonding experience! Did you go get your hair and nails done together afterward? A mani-pedi perhaps? Well, I guess that during such a girly activity as shopping (in a mall, yet!), you had to exhibit some slight glimmer of manliness to redeem yourself...to show Dylan, "See, this is how real men shop...with VIOLENCE!"

Good one. Bringing that boy up right, I see ;)

P.S. I'm with Algernon - get some body padding before you suffer a cracked rib.

Hal Johnson said...

Heck Bob, I guess you're on to me. In fact, every time I do the dishes at home, I have to put my UFC DVD just to recover my masculine identity. I guess I'm gonna have to get more than one DVD.

Ghost Toast said...

On the off-chance you haven't seen the LA SAFE bulletin yet, here's a link Hal:

http://www.redstate.com/vladimir/2010/02/01/la-authorities-issue-helicopter-security-alert/

Fly Safe,

Nick