An ode to Dad

My Dad is the best. Just like my Mom. But, I suppose many people feel that way about their parents.

One of my fave memories I have of my Dad was during college when we'd go to the Hoop together and lift weights or run and wait for a court to open. As soon as one cleared out, we'd go down and play one on one full court to like 40 or some unheard of number. He always beat me. I'd always get out of control and yell and get mad and he'd just calmly hit threes in my face. Then we'd go get a Jamba Juice. I can't remember feeling more tired and satisfied than on those days. I earned my afternoons in the sun.

One day we actually had a good game going and I may have even been ahead. I'm not sure what prompted it, but near the end of the game he got all pissed and actually yelled! I loved it, because I knew he must have been really pissed.

He sort of has a game face for life really. He never shows his emotions or gives you his opinion unless you ask for it. I admire this a lot because I can't really stop what I'm feeling from coming out on my face or in what I say. Dad always has things in perspective.

Anyhow, there's much more to him than that. He's so silly and does things like salmon dances and "pree G" and the tip toe touch down and cheerleader signals to me in the middle of bball games and gives speeches on ruffage to my little league team. Like some cheeses, he's really gotten better with age. Though he's got a great game face, sometimes he has bursts of enthusiasm and will put a sock hat on in the shape of a peter pan cap and twirl around the living room. I can't help but laugh when we're hanging out.

I love how we talk so easily. Not like hard things are easy to talk about, but when we're on the phone together I feel like we sort of slur and have an easy twang. It's strange, as I've lived in Portland all my life and shouldn't have this, but it comes out.

I think it's pretty sweet that my Dad has been at the same job for over 30 years. I know it's not his favorite thing to do, but it's allowed me to have everything I need and want. Also, he starts his day at 6. This could be becuase of the east coast market opening at that time, but it made it so he could be at home with us in the afternoon. Being in Spain with a family that has a Dad that can't be around much has really made me appreciate that my Dad was there and coached me and played with me and we did things together.

I love how he loves being with me and our family as much as we love being with him. Going over to Gramps' for BBQs with my whole family is about the best thing I've ever experienced. We just chat and laugh and watch games on TV and it's great. I can just tell that Dad loves it just as much.

I used to be so happy to see him after he came home from work during summers in college. I'd just try to be weird and make him laugh. He always would. One of our favorite things to do is hold our arms at our sides and flex our stomachs and punch eachother in the gut until we can't take it anymore. He can always take what I dish out but I'm usually out in one punch with a big, hhhuuuuhhh, outlet of breath. It's great. I love you Daddy-o! Happy F Day!