Charlie wrote this introduction for his senior year scrapbook and I asked his permission to publish this here. Charlie dreams of being a writer and is leaving for college in the fall. I also think he has some level of comic in him, but that will be determined later.He’s a very engaging writer. I think he’ll do well in college. So, I’d like you to meet our oldest son, Charlie.  

Written by: Charlie O’Hara – 2009

 Hello, readers! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Charles O’Hara, senior in in high school, resident of Oklahoma, and currently 15 years sober* (mom’s explanation follows later) … Moving on. If you’re reading this, then you’re probably wondering one thing: Who am I? Well, you’re in luck, because I’m here to answer that exact question. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Now, in my opinion, there’s no better way to accurately describe myself than to start from the very beginning. Unfortunately, that’s apparently not allowed, so I’ll just start by talking about my life in its current, unaltered and somewhat stable condition. As I mentioned earlier, I currently live in Oklahoma with my family. My parents’ names are Jeff and Deana O’Hara, and I have a 15-year old brother named Dillon. I’d like to say it’s a pretty quiet life, but if you’ve met my brother for even a minute, you’d know I was lying.

 As I also mentioned earlier, I am currently experiencing my final year of high school. After this, it’s off to college. I just know the time is going to fly by, so I plan on using this year to the fullest. I will be determined! I WON’T GIVE IN! THEY CAN’T LET ME!!! Ahem… Sorry, got a little carried away. Anyway, I go to Our Savior Lutheran Church every Sunday (usually). I also go to an event called Ablaze Live Church every Saturday at Liberty Elementary. It’s a contemporary worship service that is also sponsored by a movement that is trying to establish more churches in the Midwestern U.S. It’s an awesome place to worship on Saturdays. What? No, I’m not using this as an excuse to advertise. What would make you think that?

Ahem… So, what’s next? Oh, yes! The neighborhood. Well, there’s been a bit of drama around my neighborhood recently. I was not extremely social around the people in my block, so I’m not too involved with the sitcom feuds between the families. So, here’s the situation in an eggshell. Two of the families were in a bit of a feud that started over their basketball nets, both of which had been badly damaged (there was probably more to it, but that was what started it). Things have calmed down a bit since then, and both families have a new net, though there are now some strict rules about playing with them.

   

 

 Now, I think I’ll describe my family for a brief moment. My parents are both actively involved in the Ablaze movement. As a matter of fact, my dad’s the lead singer and guitarist for Zion’s Fire, which is the band that usually plays at Liberty on Saturdays. As most of you know, I also have a 15-year old brother named Dillon. He’s currently in 9^th grade. All I can say about him is… well, it’s never a dull day when he’s around.

Okay, checklist. Home? Check! Church? Check! Neighborhood? Check! School? Big check! …Etc. Hm. Well, I’m a member of the Varsity soccer team for WCA. I’ve finished two stories in my “Holiday Detective” series. I like video games, I’m 18 years old, I have a Driver’s License, I type 65 wpm, I have a MySpace and a Facebook, I’m 5’ 9”, 145 lbs, and I have an alter ego! …Huh. I think that’s it. So for now, this is Inspector Charles O’Hara, Private Eye, Holiday Detective signing off.

* The Baby-Sitter Story

It’s late, we arrive home from our first date night in well over a year to hear our babysitter tell us, “I think we got your kid drunk, we are so sorry.”

 Those are not words, parents want to hear and those are indeed words that need an explanation, especially when your kids are only one and three at the time.

 Jeff’s boss and his new wife were considering having children and wanted to baby-sit for us. Charlie was three and Dillon was one and a half. We thought to ourselves “Hey a night out. cool!” and let them baby-sit. We had not been out by ourselves since our youngest was born.

 Desperation can definitely lead to lack of judgment.

 Unaware of how quick little ones are, our want to be parents some day baby sitters, set out chips, salsa and Coronas to snack on (for themselves.) Charlie walked over to the table, grabbed a chip, dipped it into the very hot salsa and ate it. Shocked at the heat, he looked for something to drink.

He found the Corona’s and before our babysitters could reach him, he was vertical with it. They are guessing he downed about half of the bottle before they were able to grab it.

 Thanks for the intro Charlie – I’m looking forward to more guest appearances on my blog.