I like lists. Hunny-do lists, pros-and-cons lists, grocery lists, top-twenty lists…I can make a list for just about anything. So, as my Dad turns 79, I thought it would be fitting to share some of my favorite things about my dad, in a list, of course!

1. My dad can make friends with a door knob. Not literally, maybe, but he truly finds the goodness in everyone he meets and makes sure you know it.
2. If you tell him he can’t do it, he will show you just how it is done. This has been his way since the day he was born and continues even still.
3. He’s one lucky guy. Only he would meet the girl of his dreams, his nurse, while in the hospital after dropping a car radiator to the head!
4. He finds joy in the little things. An ice cream sundae, a slow stroll, a quiet cup of coffee…he takes nothing for granted.
5. The lesson is as important, if not more so, than the outcome.
6. Measure twice, cut once. You learn that the hard way.
7. He taught us, by example, that even the small work is important work.
8. Waste nothing. I’ve seen the man eat week-old egg foo young that travelled across the country in a cooler because he did not want to throw it out.
9. Make the most of the first time around because there may not be a second time around. This was taught around the dinner table with his eight other siblings, but has translated to life in general. Just go for it.
10. If you feed them and have beer, they will come. Nothing’s better than family gathered around.
11. Long live the Alcapulco (A Capella) singers! Solo is fine, but being in harmony with those around you is the best.
12. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
13. In case of a hurricane, open all the windows, make sure you have plenty of beer, and crank the volume on the amp as you play the night away.
14. A strong wall is built one stone at a time.
15. Beer, Ice, Gas, Donuts…in that order, without fail, anytime we are hitting the road.
16. He makes being late an art form (see #15)
17. Tackle the hardest things first. He learned to play the piano in the key of F flat.
18. If you really want to clear the house of those dreaded wooden spoons (ouch!), con dad into making chocolate chip cookies! Mixer – 1, Wooden Spoon – 0.
19. Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. Know the basics or you’ll be screwed.
20. Love unconditionally. Always. And with all your heart and soul.

So, cheers to you, Dad, as we celebrate all 79 years of you, and look forward to many many more!