As I write this, the house is silent, except for Ferris and Riley playing “tear the everlivingcrap out of what used to be a soccer ball” in the living room, while several varieties of finch and sparrow are singing songs in my mist-shrouded back yard. It’s cool in Pasadena — my ambient orb glows green. Nolan and Ryan are on the couch, reading books, and the smell of coffee and toast is wafting out of the kitchen behind me.
Man, it’s a peaceful, serene morning, and a great way to start out the last day of an incredible weekend.
Thanks to WWdN readers, Just A Geek climbed as high as number 21 on Amazon’s Top 100 this weekend. At one point, it was the third highest pre-order they carry, alongside books by Stephen King and Bill Clinton. Dancing Barefoot also climbed back up from the 9000s to number 208!
You know, two years ago, when I started writing what became these two books, I thought I’d be lucky to sell 1000 combined. I hoped that readers would enjoy them, but I was unsure . . . this is just amazing: Barefoot is rated 5 stars with 93 reviews, and the chief complaint is that it’s too short (I agree, but the idea all along was for it to be a companion to Geek), and Geek has already peaked higher on the charts than Barefoot ever did, and it’s not even released, yet.
But this incredible, and unexpected, book success isn’t even why the weekend has been so amazing. Actually, it pales in comparison to why I’ll treasure the memories of this weekend for the rest of my life . . .
Anne’s goofing off with a couple of her girlfriends who have birthdays this weekend, so I’ve sort of “taken point” with the kids, and it has been sublime, effortless, joyous . . . I have felt the way I’ve always hoped to feel with them: like we love and respect each other, and enjoy each other’s company.
For the last eight years I’ve done everything humanly possible to help build a loving and supportive relationship with them, while always respecting their emotional limits . . . even when it was incredibly painful to feel like I was more interested in closing the gap than they were. I don’t believe that it’s my place as their stepfather to try to be their buddy, or force closeness on them if they’re not ready for it, or interested in it. It has not always been easy, and sometimes the hardest thing I’ve experienced as a parent is setting aside what I want, when it conflicts with what the kids need. It’s been especially tough when my relationship with them, (and my role in their lives,) has been intentionally and actively undermined, but I’ve always stayed focused on what’s best for them, and it’s during times like these, when I see and feel the results of my parenting, that I know I’m doing the right thing.
Friday night we watched Miracle, which is that movie about the 1980 US Men’s Gold Medal hockey team. I remember when that happened in real life, and it was awesome to watch it with them, and share my personal historical perspective on the Iranian Hostage crisis, Jimmy Carter’s “We have to be able to dream” speech, and, of course, the Olympic games themselves.
When I was a teenager, I played ice hockey, as a goal tender, and I got to play in a few charity games with this celebrity hockey team. Several of the players on that team were from the 1980 men’s team, including Mike Eruzione and Jim Craig, and while I didn’t get to know them very well, they always treated me like a fellow player — especially Jim Craig — so I have always felt sort of a connection to those guys. It was great to see their story brought to life in such a great movie.
Hey, this is a good time to throw this line into the water: I know that the celebrity team still plays, and while I’m not really an “A” List celebrity right now, I still skate. If anyone from the team is reading this, or hears about this, I’d love to play with you guys again.
Ryan and Nolan loved the movie as much as I did, and I can enthusiastically recommend it to WWdN readers. Kurt Russell is fantastic as Herb Brooks, too. I’m hearing, “I’m proud to be an american, but I’m ashamed of my government” a LOT recently — a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with — and “Miracle” reminded me of a time when I was younger, far more innocent (I was 8, after all) and those guys really were heroes to a generation. We could really use some more heroes right now, couldn’t we?
Yesterday, I did a virtual book signing in the afternoon (something so cool, it will have its own post later this week), then took the kids over to my brother-in-law’s so he could help Ryan with a geometry project. Ryan’s uncle is a brilliant architect, and a talented craftsman, and he helped Ryan build this art deco lamp out of several geometric shapes and solids. It’s awesome!
Nolan and I got to hang out with my niece and nephew while Ryan and his uncle worked, which was great. I hardly ever get to see my niece and nephew, and it was awesome to see how much they’ve both grown (in size and in emotional development) since the last time I saw them.
When we were done there, it was almost 8, and too late to cook, so the three of us went out to dinner at Chevy’s in Glendale. We were seated in the last booth on a wall of booths, behind a table of five teenage girls. Nolan was oblivious, but Ryan sat on the side facing them so he could “appreciate the view.”
The funniest moment of the meal was when one of them recognized me as That Guy From That Movie, — which is really weird because they probably weren’t even born when it came out — and all of them began signing “Stand By Me.”
Okay, look — I hate that. When I was a teenager, girls would see me and start singing that all the time, and it always made me feel like a sideshow freak. I used to like that song, but it follows me everywhere. I swear, 3 out of 5 times when I go shopping, it comes on the muzak. It’s on the oldies station on the radio all the time, and the Pennywise version was even on Fungus (XM 53) recently.
“Man, that follows you everywhere,” Ryan said.
“Yes, it’s haunting me,” I said.
“What following you?” Nolan asked, “The Stench?”
I have no idea where he got “The Stench”, or why he said it with capital letters, so I shook my fist at him and laughed.
“I’ll Stench you, mister.” I said.
Both of them looked at me.
“Yeah, I don’t know what it means, either. How about if I just embarrass you both in front of The Table of Hotties?” I took a deep breath, and struck a dramatic pose.
Ryan jumped like he’d been shocked with a cattle prod.
“No! It’s cool!” He looked across the table. “Nolan, Ixnay on the Enchstay!”
There was some serious giggling from us after that, enough to compete with a table filled with teenage girls . . . maybe I shouldn’t be proud of that after all. Heh.
We finished dinner (the spicy steak taco is where it’s at, yo) and made it home just after 10. Nolan was asleep as we pulled into the driveway, but insisted that he wasn’t tired, so he wrapped himself up in my geek blanket and sat on the floor while we watched Ghostbusters on TNT.
He was asleep before the first commercial, and I was asleep soon after. I woke up drooling on the arm of the couch right around the time dickless shut down the containment grid.
Ryan was still awake, so I let him watch the rest of the movie and went back to my room.
“Remember to turn the TV off,” I told him.
“Can I sleep out here?” He said.
“Yeah, that’s fine. But Riley will probably be licking your face at 7,”
“That’s okay. I love you, Wil.”
“I love you too, Ryan. Sleep well.”
“Remember this,” I thought, as I let my head settle down into my pillow.
It’s been over an hour now since I sat down to write this. The kids are playing catch outside, and Ferris is trying to convince Riley that she’s ready for a nap (Riley isn’t having it. Whenever Ferris lies in her bed, Riley walks in and paws at her face until Ferris either snarls at her, or gives in and comes out to play.) I’ve turned on iTunes, and I’m listening to “Morphic Fields” from the classic ambient record “Earth To Infinity.” My coffee is cooling, and it’s about time I got up, took a shower, and started the yard work I have planned for today.
It’s still a peaceful morning here, though, in my house, and in my soul.
Remember this.
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Just read on Neil Gaiman’s site that he’s writing an introduction for you. Seems he sat down last night and finally did it! He ranks JAG, too!
Funny but reading this post IS “Stand By Me”!
Adult Gordy the writer!!!(I’m sure you love to hear that.)
I think your on a roll for the summer!Good Luck
when you’re on, you’re on… that post ROCKED! Well done and thanks for sharing.
I’m sure you’ll in the top.
Its entries like this one that makes me love your writing and your website.
But one thing…why were you going to bother take a shower if you were heading to do yard work?
I think it’s easier to sing Stand By Me than to try to hum the music to Star Trek and certainly better than the theme from The Curse.
🙂
I missed “Miracle” in the theater, and am now going to have to rent it on DVD, but I sure did watch it on TV. I too was 8 years old, and it was like watching a movie as it happened. Those hulking Soviet hockey players, and we all knew they were Red Army Cyborgs or something, seemed so invincible, but Our Boys pulled through. It is still one of the most memorable events of my life.
Great post, though this line kind of surprised me – “I’m proud to be an american, but I’m ashamed of my government”. Conservatives (real ones) have been saying that for years =)
Considering I live in Australia and have very little hope of ever being able to get a real life signing, how about you tell us some more about the virtual signing and when you’ll be doing another one?
Oh wow, that was such a great entry.
I want to buy both of your books, but right now financely I can’t. I will when I can, because I’ve been a fan of yours since Stand By Me.
Wil,never be embarrassed about the movie,even if it follows you forever. Even years later most of the kids who see that movie is in school,because it is a movie with meaning.
Morgan
It’s so great that your relationship with the boys is going so well!
Sorry those girls were such dinks. That must really suck being exposed to that crap. Just remember that you have real fans who would **never** do that to you because we respect you too much.
Wow that entry drew a tear out of me, I never thought that could happen reading a blog I guess I was wrong.
It’s not easy being a parent, Step or otherwise. I have three children of my own, and four step children, ages ranging from 7 – 21 (every known hormone issue known to man).
It sounds to me like you’re doing a wonderful job with the boys. My husband worries about the same things with my kids, and I worry about them with his. We as step folks are not trying to become the new “mom” or “dad”. I know all I can do is be there for them when they need me.
If I ever run into you at the local eatery I promise not to point and start singing. Self preservation being what it is I wouldn’t want to be mistaken for a sick lama. Of course you’d have to be in Vermont.. and probably the local McDonalds drive-thru.
Great entry, Wil. Thanks for sharing.
A couple of years back, when I became a regular reader, I used to yearn for what you had in your life with those two boys and their Mom. Since that time I have had Rebecca and her little daughter join my life. The emotional gulf was not as hard to breach because is an open and loving little girl. I am sure it would have been harder with boy(s)Now when I come home I hear an excited voice yell “Daddy”! and catch a double armful of little girl at high velocity.
I share your joy in your relationship with your boys and I understand it a lot better now than before. Keep writing my friend, you have the talent.
I would so be a giggly girl if I were at a booth next to you too, at a whole 30years old. My daughter(7) and son(4)love Stand By Me..favorite part the leeches..too funny. You will be 100 and still hear that I’m sure. Glad you had a wonderful weekend.
I smell a new book:
Just A Geequel
Good job with the Stepdad job, Wil. I’m gonna try my hand at that soon, most likely, so I’m gonna try things the way you did with the boys. Seems to have worked out rather well. Thanks for the inspiration!
If Wil Wheaton were my dad then that would rock.
Wil, Your entry is beautifully sentimental without being smarmy. The kids are lucky to have you. Sometimes being a grown up has its rewards. I preordered JAG and I can’t wait to read it!
So you were a netminder, Wil? Man, if you ever did play another game with the celebrity hockey team, I’d love to be able to call a game with you between the pipes, so I could say:
“Shot…SAVE by Wheaton!”
“And he lets it go…and Wheaton is there with the pad save!”
“Another shot…SAVE by Wheaton, and he hangs on for a whistle!”
“OH, WHAT A SAVE BY WHEATON! His best tonight!”
Needless to say, my wife and I also loved Miracle, which we watched on Saturday. Of course, I had to explain to her that Jim Craig wouldn’t have been playing butterfly in those days…
Wil, you’ve got a real gift for finding the soulful moment in feedback from the ruthlessly cynical world, and part of your appeal is the (deceptively) effortless confidence with which you share those moments with your readership.
I’m wondering, in part because my own writing is so people- and moment-centric: you clearly aren’t worried about filtering your own subflattering moments out, but how do you do your internal or external filtering of the portraits you write of those close to you? In this post, the image of Ryan is clearly flattering to most readers, but I’m wondering if he likewise found/finds it flattering and if that’s much of a factor in your sharing it?
Basically: Do you gut good writing to offend the people in the scene less, and if so, what things in particular make you edit more than usual?
And thanks for a great piece of reading with this post.
You’ve achieved the goal of every stepdad, you’re a given. It’s doubtful the boys can even conceive of a time without you.
I hope you have more days like this.
I doubt Wil reads this, but i’m just writing to reinforce this memory of a dream i had so i can remember it later.
I had a crazy dream that i was locked in a dungeon, but each containment cell was a boutique of some sort. There air was stale and littered with chiarascuro lighting. I stumbled into one of the cells looking for old Transformer toys and I inadvertantly ran into Wil Wheaton. I gave him the classic, “hey how are you today” script that everyone goes through when they meet a stranger. That’s when a few cognitive processes took place and I actually recognized him. He immediately says, “please do not ask me anything about “Star Trek” or “Stand by Me” please.
I reply with, “I wasn’t planning on it. I just wanted to know if you were actually going to buy that Optimus Prime because I kind of had my eye on it.” He seemed to be in shock that he ran into a person that recognized him and didn’t want to know anything about his past work. Then Wil proceeds to try and pitch his new book to me as I try to walk away and escape this dungeon.
Dreams are never cohesive so i turn a corner and i’m standing at the edge of a highway waiting on someone to pick me up when Wil comes running up again. He has a smug look on his face and is carrying a few copies of his book in his hands. I tell him, “I planned on buying a copy later, but i really have to go now.” That’s when he gets the “i’m a star and you are a nobody” attitude and starts on an intellectual rant trying to belittle me further. I think i’m plowed over my a marhsmallow semi-truck or something before i wake up, but that’s a bit of a fuzzy image now.
Sorry for the lengthy post.
I know Wil’s mentioned This American Life before, and I think it’s one of the best radio shows around. So good in fact, I feel it might be better to call it one of the best shows around and leave out the qualifier of a medium.
Anyway the show’s host Ira Glass is doing an online discussion about what he does and how stories are structured. I thought wwdn posse might enjoy this. Check it out on http://www.transom.org.
Sweet deal all the way around.
Loved the telling of the day.
I have a quick story for ya…
My 14 year old son and I were in Maine at my parents ‘place on the lake’. We were reading and relaxing while my son was outside. It was raining and chilly out.
My son burst through the door, his face ashhen white, eyes brimming with tears. He slammed the door and yelled “HOLY SHIT THERE’S A BEAR OUT THERE!”
My parents and I flew to him at the door and peered out the window……what did we see?
A big goofy Chocolate Labrador bounding through the woods. We couldn’t help but laugh, all of our heartrates were elevated, especially my son who was still shaking like a leaf.
(Now, I don’t condone my son cursing by any means…but I figured I’d let this one slide)
I said to myself as we were driving home – ‘Remember this’. You taught me that Wheaton, to cherish and remember those fleeting moments.
I don’t think any of us will forget that moment though…I might have T-shirts made ‘HOLY @#$% THERE’S A BEAR OUT THERE!’
Sharfa
PS.
Betcha 5 bucks you hit the top 10 best seller list!
I hooked the San Jose Sharks Booster Club (the Hammerheads if you are interested) up with tickets to a sneak preview of Miracle back in February. What an awesome, awwesome movie. Kurt Russell did a fantastic job as Coach Herb Brooks.
Did you know that Kurt and Goldie’s son plays hockey? They even moved him up to live in Vancouver so that he could play more.
Your weekend sounds like a small slice of heaven Wil. Remember this. 🙂
Although this wasn’t the main point of your story, nobody can giggle more than teenage girls, it’s just one of those known facts that people have got to deal with. I do it, and I am VERY ashamed of myself, but it’s just one of those things.
Post script: it’s good that you can have a relationship with the boys. I don’t get along with my own dad and try not to see him much. It is obvious from how those two react to you that they really do like you. Yey for you!
Thats great about the book. It will hit #1 before you know it. Keep us updated on that. It also sounds like your bonding really well with the kids. And yes i will sponsor you for the celeb hockey team. Maybe they have a team consisting of authurs as hockey players. You could be a team captian……….
HI Will,
When I saw you Just A Geek bookcover, I cried (happy tears).You are doing so great and today with the your kids is just a testemant to that.
kp
Heyy Wil I want to see Miracle everyone loves it I think im going to order it on IO tonight.. hey why not right now. Ghostbusters is good last night i watched Romy and Micheles high school reunion and my favorite movie ever was on IO- Stand by Me!
Life does imitate art. In 1986, Wil starred in Stand By Me, a story where a writer recounts his childhood memories. Now it is 2004, and Wil, who played that writer, has now written his memoirs about his childhood. I haven’t read either book yet, but I’ll bet they even tell the tale of making that movie. How’s that for irony? Wil pretty much became the character he played as a child.
We call it Ice Hockey because we normally play field hockey or street hockey, not having much ice here. As for tuna fish, who knows? Now I’m hungry.
Do not try to think outside the box, for that is impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth. There is no box.
yardwork sucks. I had to do some this morning. Best advice: Shower afterwards, not before!
God above I want to meet you and your family. You are that cool family I see around town. You know? The family that is just themselves, the ones that don’t pretend they don’t have any problems and are happy all the time? I live in a mostly *religion shall remain unnamed* town and I see those families A LOT!
*can you name that religion?
Ahhhhhhhh….I disnt know you could pre-order it yet. I must have missed that before. Oh well I am pre-ordered now.
Am I the only one who sees the irony of the post ending with a writer closing a story while the kids play in the yard? Wasn’t that how Stand By Me ended, with the adult version of your character?
Wil,
Just finished reading ALL the comments; but I gotta go; the President speaks in 5 minutes.
Later…
Freeman 🙂
Wil, I see what you’re saying about The Song and having people sing it at you in public. It’s cheesy; I can see where you’d be embarrassed by it. Then again, I’ve generally never understood why people are compelled to bother well-known people in public. Just because I recognize someone’s face doesn’t change the fact that I’m still a total stranger to them, and I just don’t think it’s right to infringe on their privacy unless there’s genuinely good reason…
Anyway, it’s cool to hear that your relationship with the boys continues to deepen and expand – I’m sure you’ll need every ounce of that good karma once they hit the Terrible Teens! I look at the distant, adversarial relationship my brother-in-law has with his own teenaged stepson (whom he’s known since age 7) and I think that Nolan and Ryan are pretty lucky boys to have a stepdad who cares so much about being a good parent for them. Your priorities are in the right place, for sure.
That was really good, Wil! You almost made me tear up!
*sniffle*
Wil,
RE: your [quote] been hearing “I’m proud to be an American, but I’m ashamed of my government” a LOT recently — a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with…[/quote], glad to see I’m not alone in that…I really do love our country–too bad “patriotism” is being defined by the present admin as either being with them or against them. No decent allowed, or else you’re the enemy! Such a crock…
Really liked hearing that the kids are such a joy for you, and that they say they love you on their own. Lucky dudes, getting to live with Wil Wheaton! Your lady, too!
And it’s absolutely the Best that JAG is getting such a good push. Still not gonna reveal who the prolog’s by?? Been waiting for some hint…
Keep being Real, doood!
–joe
You know, my mom reminded me over the weekend that “Stand By Me” was my senior class song, which meant it was also the first song to go into the jukebox that was our class gift.
Freaky.
http://www.vancouvergamingguild.com/forums/index.php?board=8;action=display;threadid=691;start=0
What do you say about this Wil?
Are they right? Is your first editorial going to be about your credentials?
Your view on the Stand By Me song reminds me of Hugh Grant’t character in About a Boy, where the his father’s christmas jingle follows him everywhere.
Awesome stuff Wil, you are so all up ins. 🙂
Wil,
WOW! I can’t quite decide who is luckier, the children for having a stepfather, (although in my eyes you act like a real dad more than most men I have known)who adores them or you for having them to remind you of what’s important in life. Maybe it’s us, the thousands of fans who get to share this moment through you.
Its true that many men can father children, but only a good man fulfills the role Father. Thanks Wil, you restore my faith and hope.
I am off to reserve my copy of Just a Geek =), since Dancing Barefoot is such a masterpiece (be it short) I can’t wait to its ‘companion’.
I remembered when you first decided to write a book after encouragement from everyone through this site, all I can say is thank goodness you listened. I read in one review that you are considered to be “the upcoming brilliant writer destined to refresh the literary community”. Never have truer words been said.
I bow accordingly 🙂 Have a great week.
http://red.shirt.society.fanspace.com/
Wil, I don’t know if you’ve been to the above link or not, but if not, check it out. I think you’ll get a kick out of it. Thanks for a wonderful post- I’ve had days where I’ve had that same feeling, and you’re so right to say “remember this.” Life can get very crazy, and we need these moments to get us through.
-Alicia
http://www.thewagband.com
Please visit my band’s site to get info on us opening for John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band! 🙂
I’m sure this has been said in one way or another in all the posts….You sound like a great “DAD” Wil…wether you are the natural parent or not…You seem to really love your kids and care about them,seeing them as seperate beings. Any man can be a father,but it takes a few special guys to be a DAD….I know that’s not an original idea….but i think it is soooo true….”GrandPa Wil” is gonna just be a TRIP in a few years….
PS/I love STAND BY ME…film and song….not a bad associaton at all…
Hey Wil,
I just wanted to say that you make me proud. I’ve been following your blog for quite a bit now and you’re a good writer and i dig your honesty in your writing. I’m very proud that things seem to go so well!!! BRAVO! and stuff!
Wil,
I hope you read my email about your old hockey days back with the celebs here in LA. I remember meeting you and you being such a “normal and nice” guy…seriously I’m sure that doesn’t tickle your fancy but I have always had respect for anyone who puts on the hockey pads. Best of luck with the kids….they are unreal aren’t they. Eventhough I don’t have one of my own, I adore my neice more than anything and our relationship is so important to me. I want to be a positive force in her life, just as you are to your boys. Take Care! Shawn (the 6’1 female goalie)
I just clicked over to Amazon to take a look at your books. Once I got to the initial link of JAG, I clicked on your name. It then brought up all of items related to your name. Along the top off the screen read:
Wil Wheaton, Author.
Just reading that even sent chills through me. I can just imagine how it feels to you.
Great job. I’m glad that I have been reading along with this whole process with you.
Thanks.
Congratulations, it appears that your “creative logjam” has been broken. Lovely post.
Hi! I thought you might be interested to know that after reading about how you walked the Breast Cancer 3 Day and seeing one of my friends walk it a couple times, I’m giving it a try this year too! If anyone would be interested in sponsoring me, you can visit my page here. I have to raise $2000 in order to be able to walk, so I’ll take any donations I can get. 😉
I can’t feel sorry for you…I myself am haunted by Rod Stewart. I hear him everywhere. People used to think it was funny ’til they noticed that they would hear him whenever I was around….now that stinks!
I was playing “Scene It” with friends on the weekend, and lo and behold, there was you running from that train. The people I was playing with are going “Now, what’s that movie again….” while I’m shouting “There’s Wil!” like a psycho.
ST:TNG episode No. 18 “Home Soil” is airing on Spike TV as we speak. Sorry this is off topic.