Today is my dad’s birthday, and it occurs to me that he is one of my favorite people on the planet, and yet I hardly ever talk about him here (Except to tell you all how he was boozing it up as a college student and that’s why I’m named Denora).
Dad is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, and my constant measuring stick for intelligence among others. He’s sarcastic, quiet, and hilarious. Our personalities are very similar, which is one reason we get along so well. We both are non-functional and less-than-friendly in the morning. We both love sports and reading, though I actually read more than he does. We’re both anti-social and the type that will sit in the back of a room and make snarky comments about other people. (I said I was getting niceER, not that I was nice.)
He is also the reason I have such eclectic musical taste. Since I was little, Dad exposed me to all sorts of music, but the center of it was good old Rock. I grew up loving The Rolling Stones, The Who, Aerosmith and Yes. One of my dad’s favorite stories to tell about me is the day I came home from school (in the late 80′s or early 90′s) and was so excited to tell him about these two “new” awesome bands that I’d just discovered. Ever ready to try out new music, Dad eagerly asked me who I’d discovered. Aerosmith and the Beach Boys. He still laughs when he thinks about it. Hey! I was only twenty or thirty years behind the times! Give me a break!
Dad is also where I got my love for the Angels. I’ve mentioned before that I went to my first game at 4 weeks old, and it’s certainly not because Mom is such a big fan. (I’d give up my last remaining kidney if she could name 5 current Angel players.) Watching baseball with him is where I developed an intolerance for announcers Rex Hudler and Steve Physioc (Seriously two of the dumbest guys on the planet. A direct quote: “In the last 11 games, the Angels are 8 and 4.”), and a predilection for yelling at the television, knowing completely that they can’t hear me.
Dad’s a great guy, both as a friend and as a parent. I couldn’t ask for anyone better!
Happy Birthday Daddy!
You're such a kick! I love your description of your dad. If you're that much like him … watch out world!
If it hadn't been for your dad (and Jezzie =), I probably never would have gone back to your house after the first time. He always made me feel welcome, considerably outweighing how unwelcome your mom made me feel. Please tell him I say happy b-day.