Happy Birthday Dad!

This post is a special post for my Dad. He doesn’t get much press here on the blog but he often leaves me awesome comments that make me smile with their use of “kiddo,” and “love, Dads.” Today is his birthday and I’d like to take a moment to thank him for just a few of the things he has given me:

1. When my Dad was a little boy, my great grandfather used to pick him up for road trips regularly and, as something of a human compass, my Dad has instilled the same love of car trips and new destinations in me. To this day, I love being in the car and taking “the long way” home – even though I can’t get anywhere without my GPS.
2. A special regard for all of the Back to the Future and Star Wars movies, in addition to Independence Day and Dances with Wolves. Even though Mom won’t, I will watch these movies with you anytime, Dad. Oh, and we can put on Fleetwood Mac and jam anytime you’d like.
3. “Be interested and interesting!” You see, bloggies, I wasn’t always such a dashing and magnetic individual. During the awkward teenage years (and, um, let’s face it, beyond), the struggle of meeting (and keeping) boys was a regular source of malaise. My Dad, ever the pragmatist, coined this phrase to keep my head in the right place. Let me tell you, being interested and interesting works. Tell your friends – and make sure to tell them about my Dad.
4. Endless support. My Dad is the biggest (and hairiest (TMI?)) cheerleader I know – thank goodness no pom poms or pleated skirts are involved. He is always, always there for me and my brother. Without him, my life would be entirely different. He has given me the courage I needed to move somewhere new on my own, go to graduate school and strive to always be the best – I still remember when an A- showed up on my previously all A report card and you told me that you “didn’t like the trend." Its amazing to have you in my corner, Dad.
   

My Dad is such a special person and I’m so lucky to have him in my life. Thanks for helping me to wish him a Very Happy Birthday!

Love you, Dad!