my dad...

today is my dad's birthday and i figured the best gift i could give him (until his real present gets sent) is to share a little bit about how awesome he is...so dad, this is for you!it's no secret that i look like my dad...in venice people would ask me all the time if i was his daughter--this is something i am proud of! he's a good looking guy :)
he loves and adores his grandkids and they LOVE him! he never hesitates to spoil them with not just stuff, but love, time, and attention, and they eat it up...
here he is with lily when she was an itty-bitty...so patient and you can tell he is truly savoring this moment...
some things i learned from my dad over the course of my life:

• how to argue (the good way)--this boils down to me knowing how to stand up for myself and speak my mind
• how to do all sorts of "boy" things--fish, shoot, play golf, sail... my dad always seemed to know how to do everything (and be good at them too!)--i never felt like i was limited in any way because i was a girl
• how to laugh and tell a good story--even though i get mad at some of the ones he tells, i have to admit they are pretty funny
• how to be loyal, trustworthy, reliable, and on-time (although i am still working on the finer points of these!)
• how to cook--and not just basic stuff, but off-the-wall gourmet things
• how to relax--he has this one nailed! "work hard, play hard, relax"
• how to enjoy the good stuff in life--good food, good wine, a lovely setting, good friends and family--he truly savors and appreciates all of these and never ceases to comment on them when we're together
• how to get something done--he always "has a guy" who he knows who can fix anything, retrieve information, or do whatever we need him to do...
• how to properly cook, eat, and enjoy a hot dog--don't let the wine and brie fool you--this man loves himself a hot dog! even from the 7-11!
• how to properly operate a fine automobile--and most importantly, keep it spotless! i practically grew up watching his corvettes go through the Eager Beaver car wash...and then hearing a grading of their performance...
• lots of fun phrases--we don't park the car, we "dock the canoe," or we "park the sled"
• an appreciation for music--all genres--and classic tv shows--i grew up sitting at his feet watching kung fu, tarzan, the little rascals, m.a.s.h., star trek, dukes of hazzard...
• how to give generously and lavishly--my dad never failed to help people, serve, coach, and just plain old show up in my (and john's) life...he also made sure we were (and are) taken care of...thanks for the tires, window repairs, moving trucks, moving help loading and unloading, meal preparation, grilling, paying for meals, supporting my "scholarship" to the jack d. school of "never-pay-retail" at tjmaxx...it just goes on and on...my dad is just incredibly generous
• how to love someone who doesn't always show it back...dad, i know i was a pill during my teen years and i gave you a bit of heartache during college-actually, i think i made your wallet hurt worse! and we butt heads more than i would like (although that's because we are cut from the same fabric), but please know that i love you more now than ever and i am so blessed to have you as my dad...thank you for all you do and have done and just know that nothing from you is ever wasted on me... i love you--happy birthday!