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Tagshappy birthday, dad!
Today is a big birthday for my dad.
Well, in truth, his birthday is August 24, and I’m writing this on August 23 (my BFF since kindergarten’s birthday; hi Liss!), but where dad lives it is just now August 24. It’s weird to not be with him on this, the day that marks his 60th revolution around the sun, but Mom and Dad are still in Singapore (actually I think they’re in Thailand right now, just for a visit), and another trip for me wasn’t possible.
So here’s to Dad! Always up for participating in whatever photographic idea I’ve got in my head . . .
Always up to a good meal and trying new things (at this dinner i made him eat taramosalata, one of my favorite foods, and he liked it!) . . .
Always fascinated by the beautiful things around him (this day, he borrowed my point and shoot camera and was exploring—what was it, dad?—“shapes and shutters” or something silly like that. another day he used the camera to look at “color”) . . .
Always interested in the culture and places he visits—and he’s been all over Asia at this point! Next up, Europe—I’m looking forward to the next adventure, which begins in Norway in October, and will last for 3 years. (Here we’re making our way down the steep, steep stairs on the Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Indonesia.)
And always inspiring me. Just in this past week—perhaps because I’ve had dad’s birthday on my mind?—I started running, for pretty much the first time in my life. Dad’s an accomplished marathoner and is “pretty fast for an old guy,” as he likes to say. (He’s being modest—he’s really fast for an old guy.) I’ve never been a runner, despite all my exposure to the sport, but something changed in the last week, and while I’ve only taken a few slow steps, I think I see a lot more in my future. And I know I’ll think of Dad on every run—and perhaps curse him, once he starts giving me training advice. (As a certified coach, he probably deserves to be listened to, though, I guess!) Here’s hoping I’m as in shape and healthy as he is at 60.
Happy birthday Dad!! Wish I could be there in person. (Your gift requires some discussion, but we will discuss it soon.) Looking forward to seeing you guys in the States in about a month—maybe we’ll go on a run together. Mom can cook us up a big breakfast as a reward. :)
27 Responses to happy birthday, dad!
That’s a super tribute. I can tell I’d love to meet your dad! Maybe someday I’ll come to the beach!
what a sweet way to say happy birthday :) and i swear that you are the perfect mix of features from both your mom and dad! happy birthday, mintydad!
OH, Happy, happy birthday Minty’s dad. what a great guy!
What a magnificent post! Hope ‘the old guy’ has a great day:)
Happy Birthday MintyDad!
Happy 60th Minty-Dad.
Happy birthday, Minty’s Dad! Here’s to 60 more, at least!!!!
Norway, eh? We had neighbors from Norway a few years ago. The woman was doing her MBA at the University of Central Florida (about a block from my house). They were wonderful, friendly people.
Good luck on the running. I’ve just started running too. I’m pretty slow for an old woman, but I’m gettin’ better every day!
Aw! Your dad sounds like the sweetest! Happy birthday Mintydad!
your dad sounds like a fantastic guy! and you have such wonderful things to say about him – hope he has a great birthday. my mom is turning 60 in just over a month.
Happy Birthday, MintyDad! You sound like a pretty cool guy. And of course, you’ve got a pretty great kid :)
what a great post!!! happy b’day minty’s dad. your dad is super awesome (i knew becos we met in s’pore!), in fact, i think your folks are really cool. i’m sure they will enjoy living in europe!
we need to catch up again soon.
a very happy 60th to your dad! what a great post :) and you started running? woohoo!
You made my eyes all misty. I can see where you get your spirit from! :)
aw, minty! such a lovely tribute to your papa.
next time i’m in nyc we should go for a run together. yes? yes. :)
Wow, what a glowing tribute. Your dad is so lucky to have you for a daughter and I am sure he is so proud of you.
Happy birthday, MintyDad!
What a wicked tribute to your da! Happy Birthday, Papa Minty.
Thank you, Erin! We missed you in Bangkok. We had dinner at The Blue Elephant restaurant. Rachel, Leslie, and Bruce joined us. Sorry you couldn’t be there. We’ll celebrate this fall before we head to Oslo. Love you, MistyDad
This was a beautiful post for your Dad, you’ve always made us proud :) xo it’s really Mom writing this time ;)
Great tribute. Made me a little weepy! (What does your dad do that he gets to go do a three year European adventure?! Lucky!)
What a great tribute to your dad – you captured some of the same feelings I have about my dad. I don’t know about you, but all the dorky things he did in my teens are the same things I now admire as a “grown-up” (although I think that daughters never grow up in their fathers’ eyes).
I also admire that you started running… I would love to, but I don’t even know where to begin… Good luck :)
I forgot to welcome you to the wonderful world of running! One piece of unsolicited advice – don’t do too much too soon. From now on, advice will only be given when requested. MintyDad (again)
Your dad sounds like an amazing man. Good luck with the running!
This is super, super, super duper sweet. And I kind of think your dad + Peto’s dad = bffs. I hope they’re in the same place at the same time at some point.
you’ve captured you’re dad in such a great way! you obviously have a very special relationship with each other. thanks for sharing.
dads rule! such a beautiful post. happy birthday MintyDad!
Beautiful post! I have goosebumps.
this is such a lovely tribute. and especially since I read it after hearing a bit about your dad from you. hope your dad had a wonderful birthday.
hey btw, I too LOVE taromasalata.