To be a man?

[piston broke]

Be born with a wullie.

Reach age 18.

That's it. It really is that simple.

so i guess you really are a tribal scotsman eh?

[MyGSXF:Me]

WOW.. thank you, thank you, thank you to you all.. I'm totally bowled over by the response to my request!!

All the pm's, replys & bling I have received, has left me feeling very humbled ( had a couple of quiet snivels.. ) & proud to be a part of such an amazing group of people!!

I feel very privileged to have been allowed to see into some of your lives, as men. Thank you for sharing your stories with me!!

Am looking forward to receiving your letters very much!!!

Jen

[McJim]

so i guess you really are a tribal scotsman eh?

Nah, apparently I'm a nice guy but I have no idea how I managed it. This disqualifies me from being able to give anything but a mildly humerous reply. If I had known how I did it I'd gladly share the details, as it is I suspect my soul is a lot darker than it outwardly appears.

[Maha]

I would write Jen but my hand writing is crap, even I have to take a 2nd look at times, I am better at spreading glue on the floor...
My typing is pretty good though?
Maybe you should print out that one line...or I could get Anne to write it down?

[Slyer]

Yes I agree, this thread is far far too positive.
Won't anyone help balance it out?

[piston broke]

Nah, apparently I'm a nice guy but I have no idea how I managed it. This disqualifies me from being able to give anything but a mildly humerous reply. If I had known how I did it I'd gladly share the details, as it is I suspect my soul is a lot darker than it outwardly appears.

same same, but different

[warewolf]

I like the idea, will pen something for you.

he enjoys fishing, & motorbiking (with me) but loves his computer, playstation & reading. He also loves going tramping with my Olds & to places like the Steam Museum..

uh huh... we will keep him in mind. We do lots of similar stuff. Will have to take him caving with us - he might even let you tag along

He would like to be an Aircraft Engineer & I encourage him to go through the Airforce to achieve that.. but maths is not his strong point.. so not sure if it is really feasible or not..

Funnily enough, at high school I did my 'work experience' as an aircraft engineer. Don't know that you need strong maths. Talk to some people in the trade, or who teach it (NMIT?), see what the entry requirements are vs his skills. If he was keen, and had a goal to motivate him, some extra/remedial classes if needed could be worthwhile.

I have a Triumph-riding mate who is an avionics engineer in the airforce (works on the electronics in aircraft). Might be worth a chat. Also have another rider/caver mate who is a single Dad who works as an engineer for AirNZ.

[mashman]

You are doing by far a good enough job already. I have a son (well my x's son, not mine by birth etc...) back in the UK. He comes over once every 18 months, or when I have cash. I talk him every month or so, he's gentle, sensitive and similar as to how you describe yours. they'll grow to be who they are, you can offer tham moral support, be there for them, but they could still turn out to be a nightmare... I'm always stunned when I talk to Daniel... he changes on a monthly basis and yet his general outlook on life in is the same. Wish I could take credit, but he is who he is because of his mum I guess... seems like all is well... in which case pointless bloody thread...

[Pussy]

Didn't see the bit about Jess's interest in aircraft engineering... the suggestion about extra help with maths is a good one.
Aircraft engineering is a great trade and career aspiration... Jess would be able to take his skills anywhere in the world once he is qualified

[Conquiztador]

Been a single dad with 4 boys for 7 years. Oldest now moved out. I make fuckups. But in general we are on track. Not sure what I can add, but be happy to help. And if he needs a place with only males for a w/e then cool (then again, be far to travel from Venus...)

[Brett]

I is good.


But not as good as this dude...


Read him this:

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son.

Couldn't agree more, this is exactly what I want to send to Jess. I am not the type of male who is particularly interested in poetry, however this one means a lot to me. So much so, that I have it tattooed on me. It personifies everything i feel is important in a man.

[MSTRS:Me]

Sounds like you are doing a more than fair job. Good on you for recognising that there are some things that a female just can't do
Thing is, I don't think that anyone can teach someone how to be a man. It can only be learned. There is a difference.
But do teach him how to leave the toilet seat up, and that it's only right and proper to fart and burp when necessary (blaming someone else is optional).

[Mr Merde]

At the tender age of 53 I am still to discover that which defines "a man"

All I can give is the advice my father gave to me. He was a military man all his life and saw the worlds cruelties first hand.

When leaving NZ for my OE he took me aside on the walk to the depatrure lounge and told me this.


"If you like it, do it, but not if it hurts anyone"

I have tried to live my life by this doctrine ever since

Chris

[Swoop]

SARGE had a thread on "what makes a man" in the angel's forum. Good stuff in there as well.
Until a few tossers started posting shit and it was sent to PD.

[MyGSXF:Me]

i can have a chat with him if he wants to hang out for an hour

We live in Nelson hun.. could you write something down about being a teenager for him.?

He should always know, at any age and at any point in the future he has your support

Fer sure!!!!

At least he enjoys his grandparents,not many at that age do (respect) them

I remember when he was 4.. he was tucked up in bed, hanging on every word Grandad said.. as Grandad read him a bedtime story.. a Landrover workshop manual!!

My dad passed away in front of me when I was 7. My ex wife and I seperated after 18 years of marrige. We had 4 kids togeather. Yes it hurt the kids but it was for the best

for you. Sometimes it is for the best aye. I felt the same way when Jess's dad & I split.

Oh and DON”T let him ride a Harley

No worries there hun!!

My typing is pretty good though?

Please!!

I like the idea, will pen something for you.

Will have to take him caving with us - he might even let you tag along

I have a Triumph-riding mate who is an avionics engineer in the airforce (works on the electronics in aircraft). Might be worth a chat.

Thanks hun!! We would love to come caving with ya's!!! & yeah, would be great if Jess could have a chat with ya mate!!

Aircraft engineering is a great trade and career aspiration... Jess would be able to take his skills anywhere in the world once he is qualified

He's had that aspiration for quite some time now!! I reckon it would be an awesome trade.. besides.. he could get his mum cheap flights all over the world..

Been a single dad with 4 boys for 7 years. And if he needs a place with only males for a w/e then cool (then again, be far to travel from Venus)

Good on ya!!! a male only zone sounds great.. but we live in Nelson..

I have it tattooed on me

All of it??

it's only right and proper to fart and burp when necessary

We have competitions....

"If you like it, do it, but not if it hurts anyone"

That's great!!! please write down it for Jess

SARGE had a thread on "what makes a man" in the angel's forum. Good stuff in there as well

Cheers! will look for it!