~*~*Parent Spotlight*~*~ - Ed! (redchief)

kimberley wrote: way to go Maddie&EthansMom for guessing our mystery parent

In our spotlight this week is Ed! (redchief)

Feel free to ask him questions just as we do with the child spotlight

Here is a little info about Ed....

Name: Richard (Ed) Edward Dean

Birthday: March 11, 1963

Where are you in the world?: Avalon, NJ USA

What are wearing right now?: Cape May County Fire Chiefs' Assoc.
T-Shirt and
slacks

What book are you reading right now?: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

What is the last CD you listened to the whole way through?: Our Lady
Peace -
Gravity

Last movie you saw in the theater?: My Captain and Commander -
w/Russell
Crowe

How do you like to spend a rainy Sunday?: Playing "City of Heroes" RPG

Who do you admire?: People who overcome adversity and thrive despite it
(sorry about the general answer)

When did you last cry?: I honestly don't remember

Any bad habits?: We'll need more space... BIGGEST - I'm a smoker
(though
never in the house - EVER), I'm pompous and preachy

Have you ever met anyone famous?: Every sitting governor in NJ, Oprah
Winfrey (owns a home one town south of me), 100's of professional
sports
personalities (Avalon is a favorite haunt of Philadelphia sports
atheletes)

What is the yummiest thing you cook?: Depends on whom you speak to;
among
them: Grilled turkey, Grilled Ham, Grilled chicken. My best friend
likes my
stir fry chicken too.

Celebrity Crush(es): I'm not smitten with celebrity. I find most of
them
bores. Regular folk kick their butts

Do you untie your shoes every time you take them off?: Yes

Song you sing along with everytime it comes on the radio: Anything I
know 2
or 3 words to... and I do it badly

What do you listen to when you are sad?: Rock

What do you listen to when you are happy?: Classical music (Wagner and
Beethoven are favorites)

Best song to sing in front of a mirror with a hairbrush: Hmmm... have
you
seen my picture? My hair is wash and wear

Do you believe in love at first sight?: No

What do you wish you were doing instead of this survey?: Sleep please

FAVORITES:

Favorite color: Blue
Favorite band: Live
Favorite song: Ride of the Valkyries (Wagner), followed closely by
Inchon
(Robert W. Smith)
Favorite food: Cookies (Oatmeal Raisin are a particular weakness)
Favorite drink: Margarita (Cuervo 1800 and Cuervo Gold please)
Favorite person: My wife, Lisa
Favorite TV show(s): CSI
Favorite writer(s): Ben Bova
Favorite painter(s): Michaelangelo (genius)
Fave movie: Nothing comes to mind as a standout favorite

MommyToAshley replied: Hi Ed! Congrats on being our first Myster Parent, that was fun to play. I bet you found the question "Are you nursing" to be pretty humorous.

Now for some more "getting to know you questions"


What led to your decision to become a Firefighter/Fire Chief?

What are 3 words you think your wife would use to describe you?

What do you like most about being a Dad?

ediep replied: Do you like to go out to eat?
Where was the last vacation you went on?
Did you go t o college? Where? What was your major?
Are you a sports fan? Which teams?

My2Beauties replied: Do you enjoy quiet evenings at home or would you rather go out somewhere on your spare time?
What is the best advice you can give to first-time parents?
Did you freak out when your DW went into labor on all of your children?

kimberley replied: i think the nursing question was me lol

can you share your most...
embarassing moment?
proudest moment?
life changing moment?
romantic date?

redchief replied: First off let me say, "This was FUN!"

I sort of wished you guys weren't such good guessers because I LOVED questions like, "Do you nurse?" I was looking forward to more!

I'll answer everyone's questions, but it might take a little while. I had to work today and I have to work tonight. Hopefully it will be a slow night and I'll be able to sneak on and answer a few more. Know that I WILL answer every question and try and fill in as well as I can.

MommyToAshley,



That's the hardest question, not because I don't like being a dad, but because I like everything about being a dad. I think what I like most though is watching my 4 kids grow into amazingly different, independent young adults. Every one has special talents and unique problems that they deal with and discuss with me and my wife. They are all strong willed, but have very different passions. I think that all of them have a close family bond that makes this family strong.

redchief replied: For ediep



I LOVE to eat out! I'm on a pretty strict low cholestorol diet and I tend to ruin that when I go out to eat. I love just about all foods, whether it be steak and potatoes or ethnic dishes. I love to try new foods and enjoy going places with something different.

The last vacation I went on was Daytona, FL in February. This is an annual (boys' week out trip to the Daytona 500). Each year I take my family and friends skiing in the Pocono Mts. for a week also. This occurs two weeks before the Florida trip. We're talking about a family trip to Disney World in the next 12 months or so. That would be in addition to our annual ski trip, and perhaps in lieu of my Daytona trip (depends on funds).

Currently I do not have a degree. I am general courses (about a year) short of my masters degree in fire science. I've done all of the focused study, I just can't deveote the campus time to finish everything up. Part of that was lack of financial resources out of high school for full time college. I take my courses at the National Fire Academy, among others. While I have no degree, I am a HUGE proponent of education. I hold state certifications in fire service instruction, fire inspection, master plumber, and hazardous materials technician. I've been in school all of my life I think.

I am a sports fan. My favorite sport is NASCAR, and my favorite personality in NASCAR is the fans. I've never seen people so dedicated to a single person in my life. For myself, I just enjoy watching it and pick my "driver" based upon the week, usually routing for an underdog. I also like all of the Philadelphia sports teams, my favorite being the Eagles.

redchief replied: Hi hannasmommy,



I enjoy quiet evenings at home as long as my family is there. Otherwise I will track them down and find a way to be with them Spare time is on short supply in my house, so any time I have with my wife and kids is very special to me.

The best advice I have for first-time parents is this: You will be very surprised at how resilient your children are. Even when we make mistakes, your kids will be the first to forgive us. Set boundries for your kids and stick to them, be strong in the face of pediatric adversity (kids are good at manipulation... heck they're experts). Be consistent and predictable, but don't be afraid to make a parenting mistake. When you do, especially be able to apologize for the mistake, and yet carry on as a consistent and fair judge of actions. Single parental failures don't make us failed parents... that makes us human.

I truly didn't freak out when Lisa went into labor with any of our children. We were well prepared and she is a great mom. She also handled labor and childbirth wonderfully.

redchief replied: Kimberley, you were great to work with on the MP.



My most embarrassing moment wasn't really so embarrassing as it was REALLY silly and funny. I tend to sleep-walk, which under normal circumstances includes a short walk around the house without incident and returning to bed. One night though, I woke up at the kitchen counter.

Apparently my subconscious mind wished for a cup of coffee because as I looked down the coffee grinder was under my hand grinding away. Anyway, I cleared my head and took the lid off the coffee grinder and the inside was full of this dry yellow substance. Further investigation revealed that I had ground to a fine powder, about 6 ounces of Captain Crunch Cereal.

I grew up around the fire service where pranks are as normal as breathing. Getting easily embarrassed is not an option.

My proudest moment was the day my brother asked me to be Godfather to his first-born son. My brother and I have always gotten along well enough, but we approach the world from different angles. This has caused, over the years, quite a bit of conflict. When I asked him (after wiping the tears... I do NOT cry) what moved him to choose me, he answered, "Aside from myself and my wife, the person I most want Reilley to emulate is you."

My most life changing moment came when I talked a 15 year old girl who was dying in a car accident, to the other side. I realized then that every moment I have with my family might be my last, and to treat it better than all the gold and jewels on earth.

I must get ready for work now... I'll pick up the rest of this when I get back online.

MomToJade&Jordan replied: You said that you are a Beethoven fan. He happens to be my favorite composer. You would not believe how many times I heard the 5th symphony as a music major in college. I even got to peform the 9th symphony while I was there, quite the experience. What is your fav. Beethoven piece?

paradisemommy replied: do you play any sports?
how long have you been a fire chief? in the profession?
what was your hardest day at work?
are your sons going to follow in your footsteps too since it runs in your family?
can you describe in 3 words, each of your kids..

redchief replied: Continuing answering Kimberley's questions. Sorry I didn't get on last night. Spent most of it cleaning a very dirty firehouse.



OMG, I've become an unromantic old fart. Thanks for bringing my attention to this Kimberley!

My most romantic date came when, entirely on impulse while the kids were at grandmoms, my wife and I decided to give ourselves a night on the town. We decided we didn't need a car for any of it. It was early in September, a couple days before our 5th wedding anniversary.

We got dressed in comfortable clothes and walked up the street to a little Italian restaurant (nearly right outside our front door). We ate a quiet dinner and decided we needed to walk it off. The sun had just set, so we walked across the street to the public dock and watched it finish in grand fashion. When that was done we wound up walking to the beach (only four blocks from my house) and walked just enjoying being close and enjoying the late summer evening. We nearly had the boardwalk to ourselves, since the tourists had mostly gone home. There wasn't any real plan. Just two people taking a breather away from two young babes and enjoying each other.

My wife isn't real strong on romance and getting quiet moments like that where we just get to enjoy each other's company is not an easy task. When they come along, they are my favorite times, even if it's just the two of us having a meal alone, or walking to no place in particular.

redchief replied: MommyToJade,

Very nice to meet you and glad I'm not the only classical music fan in this world. My wife thinks I'm being strange when I listen to it, rock fan that she is... Don't get my wrong, I like most all music (except hip-hop and anything played in that constant beat you hear in dance clubs), but when I'm content and quiet, I find classical music to relax me even more. It's hard with my two jobs and busy family life to allow my mind to escape from the bustle, but the symphonic interplay and emotion of classical music is one of the few things I find clears my mind.



That being said, I must admit to being mostly an ignoramus when it comes to all the classical composers. I actually shied away from anything classical when I was in school. I couldn't carry a tune if I had a piano strapped to my back, which doesn't stop my from singing (????) loudly much to the dismay of everyone within about a mile of me.

My favorite Beethoven symphonies are also the 5th and the 9th, depending on my mood. When I'm in a mood for rousing symphony I like the 5th, or Wagner's Ride. When I'm quiet and relaxing I like the 9th. When I'm trying to REALLY relax I would rather listen to something like Handel's Water Music.

redchief replied: Dear Tavenmommy,

Thanks for the great (and challenging) questions!!!



I used to play ice hockey... not very well, but it was my favorite sport and I liked it most. I also played basketball in high school, softball for many years afterward. My knees, however, decided that my not-very-illustrious amateur softball career was over about 10 years ago. Now I like to bowl with my wife, children and friends. I don't bowl in a league because my work schedule rotates and makes it impossible to commit to league play, but we enjoy it just the same.

I've been fire chief for 8 years. I've been a firefighter for 23.
My hardest day at work had to be just last year. On Dec. 3, 2003 we lost a cluster of 39 out of 45 condominium units in a complex. We were there for three days and had national media attention for a week afterwards. I've also collaborated on an AP article with several other fire chiefs in NJ who have had similar types of fires. That was a long month!

My eldest son is a firefighter now and he scares the living daylights out of me. Of course he's doing nothing different than I did, but I wasn't MY son, you know? My second son will likely not enter the fire service. His interests run toward less adrenalin enhancing activities... and I'm perfectly fine with that. My eldest daughter won't be able to enter fire service due to vision disability. My youngest daughter has expressed an interest in it. Though I won't try and steer her away, I hope life takes her in a different direction... purely for selfish reasons

Three word descriptions (the challenge)
Rick: Impulsive, quick-witted, easy-going
John: Driven, dedicated, intelligent
Erin: Advocate, righteous, strong
Kaitlin: Cuddly, quiet, unassuming

heavenly_1970 replied: Hello Ed! It's been fun reading all of your answers and getting to know you & your family. My DH grandfathers name is also Richard Dean (He owned Sparkle Ice company many yrs ago.)

Anyhoo...got a question or two for ya.

Do you like to dance?

Whats your fav candy?

Whats your fav board game?

(Hope I havnt repeated any questions)

MomToJade&Jordan replied:
It's nice to meet you too. Yeah I have always had a love for classical music. FSU has one of the better music programs in the country so I was able to see some incredible stuff live and for free. Not to mention perform in some incredible stuff as well. Ode to Joy or the 9th Symphony was just so amazing. One of the hardest pieces I have ever sung, but just so cool. Yes I am a singer, was a voice major in college. I can sing anything from pop to Opera. And as to your comment about singing loudly and badly, singing is really good medicine no matter how well you do it. I don't think it is strange at all that you listen to classical music. Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata Is a great piece to unwind to and happens to be my fav classical piece of all time. It's just so beautiful.

Okay some questions....LOL!!!!!!

Have you been to any great concerts lately?
Who would you really want see if they came to your town?

redchief replied: heavenly_1970

Thanks for reading my somewhat long answers!!!



I like to dance and do that almost as badly as I sing!
I'm not a real big sugar-chocolate fan, but come Halloween, I'll be sneaking Reese's Peanut Butter Cups out of Kaitlin's candy bowl
My favorite board game is Monopoly. I don't get much chance to play because I'm not home long enough to get a whole game in most days.

redchief replied: Carrie-Ann



Unfortunately I have two problems. The first is the closest symphony to me is about a 2 hour drive from here. The second is no one else in my family shares my love for classical music (though my second son John is coming along ). The only concerts I've been to are rock concerts, and I do that for my children.

Because of that, if I had an opportunity to go to a concert with someone else who appreciated the music, I would. It wouldn't really matter who it was!!!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: What are your talents?
Are you a handyman?
If you could live anywhere where would you live?
Do you have a favorite place to visit for vacation?
Is there a place you haven't been that you would love to go?

redchief replied: Maddie&EthansMom,

Thanks for the questions... and ones I'll enjoy answering too!!!



As a plumber who specializes in repairs and renovations I have to be pretty handy. I have a background in building construction and electrical work too! Lately I've been learning about cars and I've begun doing my own auto repairs (can't believe how much money I'm saving).

I am living right where I want to. Basically it's that part of NJ that doesn't have daily traffic jams and an "I hate everyone" mentality.

We love to go to the Pocono Mt's (Elk please) and do so annually with very good friends and family.

I've been through most of the states east of the Mississippi... I would love to see Alaska and Hawaii (respectively). I'd also like to travel the Black Hills in the Dakotas. My wife wants to go to Montana... so maybe we'll get there togther some day. I would like to see the Grand Canyon too. Internationally I would love to go to Ireland, Switzerland and Brazil. I probably won't get everywhere I'd like to see, but as I get closer to retirement I intend to get to at least some of them!

My2Beauties replied: Redchief!! I just want to say you are a very interesting person and seem like a wonderful decent man who adores his family. Kudos to you!

paradisemommy replied: if firefighting had not been in your family, what occupation would you have chosen?

* taven's preschool class went to the fire station and had a tour and the whole time i thought of you!!

kimberley replied: you are very interesting

can you have your wife come on and say a few words about you?
do you have any pics you can share with us?

favre4fan replied: Okay Redchief whos your favorite quarterback?? teehee