On Friday, Nolan came racing into the living room and said, “Wil! I want to go to the LA Car Show this weekend! Just you and me, okay?!”
Nolan loves cars. When we see a cool sportscar, it’s not enough for Nolan to tell me that it’s a Nissan 350 Z. He needs to tell me exactly what size engine it has, how fast it does 0-60, and how it would do against a Ferrari.
Nolan has a subscription to Car and Driver, and was excited to have Project Gotham Racing because “It’s the closest I’ll get to racing a Mini for a few years, Wil.”
I, on the other hand, have serious problems hanging an air freshener tree from my mirror (“You’ll find one in every car, you’ll see.”) or adding washer fluid. but when the Car Show came to town last year, I saw an opportunity to do something with him, in an environment where I knew he’d enjoy himself. I had to seriously talk him into going, but I eventually succeeded, and we had a great time. So I was very excited when he came to me Friday and asked me if I’d take him again.
Yesterday, he had plans with friends all day, so we planned to go today.
At 11:30 a.m., we got into my car, and drove to the convention center. About ten miles into the drive, he said to me, “Do you ever listen to anything other than Fred when you drive?”
“Sure, I do,” I said, “I listen to the jazz station, and Ethel, and Special X.”
“Why don’t you listen to the regular radio?”
“Because the regular radio sucks. It all sounds the same and the DJs are lame.”
“You won’t even listen to KIIS FM?”
KIIS is a local Top 40 station. I’m pretty sure it’s one of those Clear Channel stations.
“I don’t think so. I used to listen to KROQ, but nowadays –”
“KROQ just sucks, doesn’t it?” He said.
“Mostly, yeah. Kevin and Bean are awesome, but the music on that station is just –”
“They play too many oldies,” he said.
I nearly lost control of the car.
“Too many oldies?”
“Yeah! It’s all from the eighties,” he said, matter-of-factly.
Man, did I ever feel like I was 31 and squarely in a different generation. Squarely, man. Squarely.
“Well, I was thinking of all that Korn and System of a Down noise, but . . .” I couldn’t even complete the thought.
“Do you think KIIS will be around in ten years?” He asked.
“Probably. It’s been on the air since I can remember.”
“Oh, that’s good,” he said, “I don’t know what I’d listen to if KIIS went off the air.”
Oh dear god. I am so out of touch with the kids today.
I reflexively turned up Fred, which was playing Joy Division, and self-consciously sang along.
The rest of the drive, Nolan spoke without stopping for breath about how excited he was to see cars from 2 Fast 2 Furious, and some new concept cars, and some Mitsubishi. I kept looking at him in the rearview mirror, but I was distracted by my steadily receeding hairline and the lines that have recently deepened around my eyes.
We pulled off the freeway at 9th street, and turned down Hope on the way to the convention center.
I was passing the Staples Center when I realized that there were no other cars around, and all the parking lots were empty.
“Nolan, did you say that the Car Show was at the Convention Center?”
“Yeah, it’s the Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center in Anaheim.”
I pulled over and turned off the car.
“Nolan,” I said, as my old heart sank, “Do you mean the Anaheim Convention Center?”
“Yeah! That’s it!” He said, cheerfully.
“Nolan, that’s in Orange County. This is the Los Angeles Convention Center.”
“How far is the other one?”
“It’s over an hour away. We can’t go there.”
His smile fell from his face.
“Why?”
“Because it’s noon, and we have to be at my parent’s house at four for dinner. We don’t have time.”
At a time like this, it would be totally normal for the kid to cry, but I felt like I was going to cry. I felt like I’d let him down by not double-checking the location, and now our big day together was a total loss.
“Well, can we do something else instead?” he offered.
“Are you okay with that?”
“Well, I was really looking forward to going to the car show, but we can still hang out together until dinner. That’ll be cool.”
I actually felt the heaviness lift from my heart. For the next few minutes, we talked about where we could go, and settled on Universal Citywalk. We figured there were lots of restaurants there, and maybe we could catch a movie.
A cold wind and the end of tourist season conspired to keep Citywalk mostly empty. Top-40 music blared from huge speakers echoed off the mostly-empty walkways. It sounded hollow and eerie, too warm for this chilly November afternoon.
We walked up to the theater, and scanned the showtimes.
“How about Texas Chainsaw Massacre?” Nolan said.
I opened my mouth to answer and he said, “Just kidding, Wil. How about School of Rock?”
“Haven’t you already seen that?”
“Yeah, but I really liked it. I think you’ll like it too.”
“Okay,” I said.
He turned to the girl in the ticket booth.
“One child, and one . . . ” he paused and looked at me, “. . . senior for ‘School of Rock at one.”
“Senior?!” I said, “I don’t think so!”
He giggled at me while I paid for one adult and one child.
The movie was mildly amusing to me, and though I enjoy Jack Black, I think he’s better in a supporting role. I got serious Jack Black fatigue after about 40 minutes. During the film, though, I finally grokked why parents can sit through terrible movies like Anastasia because their kids want to see it. Nolan was rocking back and forth in his chair, and kept looking at me to make sure I was enjoying it as much as he was.
When the film was over, we had about 45 minutes to spend at Citywalk before we had to go up to my mom and dad’s, so we checked out some of the junk shops they have up there.
Citywalk is this very strange, ultra-sanitized, fake version of a scaled-down Los Angeles. It’s so hideous, it’s sort of cool, and I must admit that I enjoy walking around up there.
“I remember coming up here when I was a teenager,” I told him, “when none of this was here. There were just two themed restaurants, and the movie theater. And the theater only had 12 or so screens. ”
“There was no Hard Rock Cafe?”
“Nope. But there was this place called Whomphoppers, which was a western-themed steak house, and this other place called Victoria Station, which was a train-themed steakhouse.”
“No offense, Wil, but that sounds pretty lame.”
“Yeah, it was . . . but it was the 80s so we didn’t notice. We were distracted by the awful hair and leather ties.”
“Yeah, what were you thinking?” he asked.
“Uhm. I don’t know, but I can promise you that all your friends who wear their ironic trucker hats cocked to the side on their heads will have this conversation with their own kids in fifteen years.”
We both laughed and walked into a blast of obnoxiously loud hip-hop music that poured out of a store.
“Man, I must be getting old,” I said, “because I just can’t stand this crap. I’m totally out of touch with you damn kids today.”
“What do you mean, getting?” Nolan laughed.
“Dude!”
“I’m just kidding . . . ” he said, and took my hand as we walked out, “. . . but you are.”
I love that kid.
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As I read this, I thought you had a great comfortable loving relationship with your stepsons. And then it hit me, it’s even more than that… I don’t suppose you keep your blog hidden from them…they can always choose to log in and read for themselves how much they mean to you.
That will mean *so* much to them when they most need it. Keep being honest and generous with your love. (and spread it equally…heheh ) It doesn’t matter if I’m inspired…but it sure matters if you inspire your kids.
I’m 29 and teach high school. I manage to stay one step ahead of the kids in the smart remarks catergory, but I am starting to lose touch with the culture gap. I have a 2 year old so I am kept awake at night wondering what she’ll be wearing,listening too and doing when she’s the same age as my students. Wil sounds like you’ve got it good in the family dynamics catergory!!
What a great kid!
Wil, let him know that most people in Los Angeles think that people who listen to KIIS-FM are definitely UN-HIP!!!!
Awwww.
I want kids.
Maybe I will steal them.
No!
We have been over this…
I’m 20, and I feel for you. I was talking to my 17 year old girlfriend the other day about thundercats and i drew a blank stare. Thundercats for crying out loud! Sigh.
I saw you on real tv they had a “do you know who this is” why segment and it was a young you..
Wil, I am about 1 year younger than you (30) and have lost most of the hair on my head. You have NO REASON to worry about a receding hairline, because it could be worse! :} hehehe Other than that, when people tell you that you are old, thell them “No, I am not old, I am just more seasoned, and more experienced” :}
Incidently, you were on an episode of Real TV tonight, in the “Real TV Quiz”. I don’t know what movie it was (anyone?), but you were a teenage doctor (They said you were 14 years old at the time). Hey! Was that role the inspiration for the “Doogie Howser” tv show? >;} hehehe
Welcome to generational hell. The downhill ride keeps going, and it picks up speed at an alarming rate.
But that’s cool you got to hang out and just enjoy each other’s company. 🙂
Here’s to being born in 1972…
Remember Wil, all the girls who thought Wesley Crusher was cute will still think you’re cute, even when you really become a senior.
YAEBP — Yet Another Excellent Blog Post.
🙂
Kick ass story Wil.
I think the stories you write about you and the boys are often the most captivating and entertaining ones.
You know Wil, it happens to everyone. Even 23 year olds like me. Last summer I helped with improvisation workshops for underpriviledged teens. There were so many things that they just didn’t get! And they looked at me like I was un-cool! It was a reality check. No matter how hip we think we are, there are always going to be younger people who think we’re lame.
d00d – I just hit 34 yesterday, my son is 14, and I’m feelin’ ya.
I must admit though – it did make me feel good when my son told me his favorite band was Metallica, and he specifically said “just the old stuff though”. (‘tallica is my favorite band, “just the old stuff” – m0ppy actually comes from Master0fPuppets which was my first online name back in the BBS days)
Things like that, and like the story you just told, are the best parts of parenthood.
Great to see another warm fuzzy story ’bout the kids. As someone else said, and I have said before, I feel like I know ya, and definitely would hang out and toss back a few beers with ya. 😀
wil, you are such a cool step father.
keep cool
Awesome piece, looking forward to the next!
wow. how old do you have to be to sit in the front seat of a car in your household?
These are the stories I enjoy Wil. The writing is good enough to make the reader feel like they’re there, a fly on the wall type of thing. although the celebrity stuff is ok (who doesn’t like gossip?), I prefer to read your interaction with Anne and the kids and day to day activities. Mostly because your writing talent makes it interesting.
Damn Wil, you write well! Great narative.
Actually, I’m your older much better looking twin. You describe my life nearly exactly. I too grew up in So Cal. except I’m 42. (Damn, that’s fucking OLD man!)
When I was young(er) I used to go to Universal City a lot. I had dinner at Victoria Station and Whomphoppers (great name!) many, many times. I always listened to KROQ!
Your previous essay was just as good! Larry Niven is a god to me! You got to read for him and you didn’t suck. How fucking cool.
I live in Arizona now. It’s kind of LA lite!
Keep up the awesome writing. The kid’s great too! You’ll probably enjoy his youth more than he does.
i’m 2 months shy of 30 and feel exactly the same about KROQ. it’s a shame, isn’t it? mostly i just listen to NPR and http://www.woxy.com now. i can’t even listen to kevin and bean because my commute to work is so short i’d just get 15 minutes of bad music or commercials before i have to get out of the car. guh. so what’s fred?
i love reading the posts about your stepsons. they’re so sincere!
gosh Wil, great story and great relationship, but don’t they have good college/indie radio out there where you live?
Also your mentions of the 80s reminds me of one of the most fun sitcoms of the 90s: “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose”. It was a sort-of ripoff of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” but what you reminded me of was that the theme for _every_ dance in _every_ episode of the show was “Remember The 80s” – the show was on in, I think 1991 or 1992!
KROQ is hardly an “oldies” station. The only time they really play 80’s music is during the Flashback Lunch, and notice it’s the “Flashback” lunch, not the “Journey To the Faraway Time of Long Long Ago” lunch. All 11 year-olds in this area listen to KIIS religiously. I know I did at that age, and I can’t stand the station at all now that I’m 18. Wil, if you listen to KROQ and realize that Kevin and Bean are the best part about the station, then you’re right on track with the majority of teenagers in the South Cali area. And at least you don’t listen to the real LA station for people trying to cling to their youth, STAR 98.7.
Wil,
Great story, again. You can always find something cool, to do, in LA. Kids are great and I am not lucky enough to have one, yet. It seems like you 2 had your own fun things going on, no matter what. You do love that kid.
FG
Man, I’m gettin old. Jeez. Great story though!
i’m only in my early twenties, and i still feel so out-of-touch, sometimes. i dunno. it may be because i love my parents’ music. lol
Hey Wil, that story just reminded me of how old I’m getting! 😉 I’m 26 and I’m already wishing I could be young again. I’ve been watching your site for quite awhile now and I love reading about your daily activities and such. Its so cool to feel like you know a celeb and see that you’re a normal person like the rest of us. btw – you rocked in TNG!! My g/f has a 6 year old son and its fun to see him grow up and amaze us with everything he does and how damn smart these kids are! 😉
hopefully you can bring your book back, I didn’t get a chance to buy it yet and I see its sold out. 🙁
peace wil!
-josh
Your right about radio stations nowdays, it is all corporate owned, and as a result, its all the same.
I noticed this when driving cross country. We have a radio station that calls itself “The Drive” in chicago (Because of Lake Shore Drive) and is known as “The Mountain” in Denver. Just how uncreative can you get? Wonder if that same station is known as “The Cornfield” in Io-way?
Reading your blog is now a part of my daily routine 🙂
That was a wonderful read, Wil. It’s a good thing I didn’t have a drink; the keyboard would have been toast when Nolan declared music from the 80s were “oldies”. Just a little reminder of what I’ll be facing in the next couple of decades as my toddler grows up. You’ve got a pair of great kids.
I must agree about the state of corporate radio: I listen to a classical station, a jazz station, and my CDs of Celtic and indie bands (shameless plug for my favorite band, Carbon Leaf). I have no idea who currently sits in the top 40, and amazingly enough I like it that way.
And 15 years ago I thought I’d always care about current music…shows what I know.
Just saw a clip of you from ‘St. Elsewhere’ on RealTV. Ironic that I was reading this entry when it came on.
Man, you were such a little girl.
Great read, Wil. Sounds like the missus and I will be experiencing all this soon enough, as soon as our first is born next June.
I just pray I’m slightly more cool than my parents were. Of course, I’m certain I won’t be, but such is the lament of aging hipsters everywhere.
Enjoy these moments.
I was sure you were going to say that when you went to Universal CityWalk you did the NASCAR racing simulator(Nascar Silicon Motor Speedway)!
Although it’s a bit pricey, kids think it’s great. Of course you have to decide if you’re going to be a passenger, or be humiliated by having them beat you.
You shouldn’t feel so old, Wil…Hell, I’m 22, and most of the stuff I listen to is on the classic/soft rock station. Our resident ClearChannel Colonies here in Orlando play the same genre-specific garbage over and over again. I’m personally tired of turning the radio on and hearing about how some guy got dumped by a girl in high school 8 years ago, and he still can’t get over it. *whinewhinewhine*
But I digress…
Keep rockin!
I know what you mean when talking about being squarely in another generation. A few years ago I was teaching a science class at our local outdoor lab school when I made a reference to Star Wars (This is before “episode 1” came out) and I immediately saw 50 sets of eyes glaze over. Then, a kid raised his hand and asked, “What is Star Wars?”
I must have been about 22 years old at the time, and I felt like I was 50. Thank God for prequels! Now I’m young again!
Glad to read there are young people out there who can’t stand clear channel. If being young and hip means listening to crap, I’d rather be 37.
Hey Wil,
This is my first time visiting your website. I used to be a huge TNG fanatic, I really liked your character. It’s great to see what you have been up to since the show. However while exploring your website I noticed one common theme: it seems like you are really dependant on your fans, both emotionally as well as financially. Doesn’t it bother you that you sort of take advantage of your fans? I mean if it wasn’t for their financial support, how would you support your family? Also, you seem to use your status as a child actor to the extreme. Look at Sean Astin’s website: he provides information for his fans and he doesn’t ask for monetary contributions. In the next 20 years, what do you plan to do when your fans are no longer there to support you?
That’s the most enjoyable piece I’ve read on your site in some time Wil.
Keep it up.
Looking forward to JAG 🙂
JD
I dont rememember having to pay to visit/post here, maybe you only have to pay something if its negative? In which case, I would like that feature on my site..
I am not sure, maybe you were kidding, but if not, I personally give Wil alot of credit. Not only is he keeping in touch with his fans (and doing what he enjoys as well, which is writing, which he is very good at) but he also takes the time to respond and talk to complete strangers.. not to many celebs do that.
If you think many other celebs personally write on their sites and author their books, I think I have a few bridges to sell you.. Feel free to pay me anytime. Then again, their are those who do thier own sites and they are awful..I know of a french actor whos site is very funny trying to read his bad english, along with the bad graphics, his out of focus pics, etc.
I will be honest, and now I will be teased, but I came here completly by accident, I didnt know who Wil Wheaton was, heard about this place from another site, and am very impressed.
Hehehehe…KIIS FM is about as LA as LA gets. Talk about Disneyification of culture! And for the Star 98.7 comment up there–Star’s also a Clear Channel station. Ewwyuck. I miss the good old days of KROQ and Y-107…then again I haven’t listened to the radio much at all, being stuck in NorCal for school.
And it totally rocks that you and Nolan actually try to spend time together. Go Wil!
was excited to have Project Gotham Racing because “It’s the closest I’ll get to racing a Mini for a few years, Wil.”
Buy him Grand Prix Legends for the PC.
HARD. FREAKIN. CORE.
He may not want to be a racer after that.
Some things never to talk about with kids. Music: even if you have the same taste they will think you are sucking up.
Cars: Unless you are good with it they always know more than you about it. (well except for my TVR no-one has been able to tell me what it is under the age of 40)
Radio: same as music .
But they will always be honest more when it comes to what an old fart you are becoming LOL. But then you gently remind them that in 20 years they will be having the same talk with a kid. I know it’s cruel to confirm the fact they too will be old and crusty someday.
But even at that every second you have with someone you love is special. Even if he thinks you are getting old LOL.
Nice site and I never hated you I think you were a victim of poor writers. Take care and remember before coming bring Pizza empty hands meet with locked doors LOL
Wonderful blog entry, dude.
I’m 39, the kid’s 15.5. We have a few of those “hey, you’re not so bad after all” moments ourselves, because I won’t let myself become fully adult. We go to LANs and sci-fi cons together, and I share my music with him, and he shares his with me. Cool moment: “Green-Eyed Lady” by Sugarloaf came on the radio, and he was entranced! Maybe there’s hope for this generation after all.
Thanks for sharing, Wil.
I would consider myself lucky to have a dad like you. Congrats on being a class A Father. 🙂
Great story, Wil. Your kids have an incredible father:)
And if it makes you feel any better, I’m 16 and *I* can’t stand most of the music flowing through the airwaves today. I must reiterate that the “oldies” kick serious ass (and I don’t understand how other kids my age don’t realize that) … I only wish I could’ve been older than 3 at the time to enjoy more of it. 😉
“It’s not that adults make children,
it’s that children make adults.”