I was going to post an awesome retro photo of my dad, but I ran out of time and wasn't able to dig through the photo box.
Maybe next year, y'all.
But I thought I would provide for you a list of the 10 most important things my dad taught me.
1. Life's not fair. But it IS funny--so laugh often.
2. There's a place for everything, and everything in it's place. (Although I have learned that this only works if everyone plays by this rule)
3. Life's short--make it a priority to do things you love to do, and not just things you have to do.
4. Any time is an appropriate time to quote Shakespeare. I inherited my love for the bard from my Dad, for sure. When I was younger he frequently, and without provocation, would launch into a soliloquy whilst standing in the kitchen, making a sandwich. Also, he had this shirt that said: First thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers. He IS a lawyer. This was not lost on me (see # 1).
5. Food is made to be appreciated. We would drive out of our way to have lunch as a family at a new restaurant on the weekends--and because of my dad I have eaten (and enjoyed): oysters--when I was 5, calamari--at age 7, haggis--at age 15. Even now, I make it a point to eat adventurously and with enjoyment (see # 3)
6. Make a point to travel. The world is a big place, and full of fascinating cultures, landscapes, and climates.
7. Make a point to meet new people. Because it's not what you know, it's who you know. My life has been so enriched by this virtue--I have such an amazing circle of friends across the States.
8. Be brave. And as I have found out--bravery is holding on to your fear while you move forward. From allowing me to fly on an airplane alone at the age of 7, to helping me move to Oklahoma to an apartment and a job sight unseen my Dad has always believed that I could do it. And that helped me believe.
9. Family is important. Friends are important.
10. Work is work. Nobody died wishing they had spent more time at the office.
Thanks Dad, for giving me a (twisted) sense of humor, a love of Shakespeare, food, history, and craftsmanship. Thanks for raising me to use power tools, change a tire, and lift heavy stuff. Thanks for our trips to the ice cream shop, family vacations, and nights at the theater. Thanks for moving me half way across the country in 48 hours, and thanks for giving me the freedom to make my own decisions--and make my own mistakes too. I love you.
Maybe next year, y'all.
But I thought I would provide for you a list of the 10 most important things my dad taught me.
1. Life's not fair. But it IS funny--so laugh often.
2. There's a place for everything, and everything in it's place. (Although I have learned that this only works if everyone plays by this rule)
3. Life's short--make it a priority to do things you love to do, and not just things you have to do.
4. Any time is an appropriate time to quote Shakespeare. I inherited my love for the bard from my Dad, for sure. When I was younger he frequently, and without provocation, would launch into a soliloquy whilst standing in the kitchen, making a sandwich. Also, he had this shirt that said: First thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers. He IS a lawyer. This was not lost on me (see # 1).
5. Food is made to be appreciated. We would drive out of our way to have lunch as a family at a new restaurant on the weekends--and because of my dad I have eaten (and enjoyed): oysters--when I was 5, calamari--at age 7, haggis--at age 15. Even now, I make it a point to eat adventurously and with enjoyment (see # 3)
6. Make a point to travel. The world is a big place, and full of fascinating cultures, landscapes, and climates.
7. Make a point to meet new people. Because it's not what you know, it's who you know. My life has been so enriched by this virtue--I have such an amazing circle of friends across the States.
8. Be brave. And as I have found out--bravery is holding on to your fear while you move forward. From allowing me to fly on an airplane alone at the age of 7, to helping me move to Oklahoma to an apartment and a job sight unseen my Dad has always believed that I could do it. And that helped me believe.
9. Family is important. Friends are important.
10. Work is work. Nobody died wishing they had spent more time at the office.
Thanks Dad, for giving me a (twisted) sense of humor, a love of Shakespeare, food, history, and craftsmanship. Thanks for raising me to use power tools, change a tire, and lift heavy stuff. Thanks for our trips to the ice cream shop, family vacations, and nights at the theater. Thanks for moving me half way across the country in 48 hours, and thanks for giving me the freedom to make my own decisions--and make my own mistakes too. I love you.
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