happy birthday Pop!

Dad turned 53 on Sunday.

Remember how when you were a kid, 53 (or just about anything above 50 pretty much) was just so damn old? Hell, I thought 30 seemed old. It's not btw. Just FYI.

It's amazing how much different you see life the older you get. I remember how dramatic everything was back then.

In fact, I was just discussing with my colleague about who I was in HS. In HS, I was in "demanding" academic classes, participated in band (yeah yeah, I know!), was an active community volunteer, and worked at least 20 hours a week. How the hell did I do all that shit? I am still amazed. I used to be so damn busy. It even spread into my college years. Taking classes, working, being in this or that club, hanging out with friends. You name it, I did it.

And now look at me. I work, visit my family, make it to the gym a couple of times a week and that's it! And yet I have the biggest, blackest circles under my eyes. Perhaps I need a posturepedic (sp?) bed or some shit like that. Pero no se.

Anyway, so Dad's birthday was pretty chill on Sunday. We hung out, watched a movie, entertained some cousins, ate barbecue. Pretty typical birthday celebration.

I think (hope) it was a fun day for Dad.

I went with the "funny" birthday card this year. A little different from my typical "will make you cry (unless you're a heartless monster)" card. Which my Mom had to comment on, of course.

Well, without further adieu (adoo? adoo doo?)... here it is...

Ode to Dad:

There is no better man,
for I am your biggest fan.

A friend you will always be,
my love for you is plan to see.

Your love is pure
as is mine, for sure.

And with a smile that brightens my day,
I can always find joy in all that you say.

I thank God I look more like you.
Altho I would have liked to have had your dimples too.

So have a very Happy Birthday, Pop,
oh, and can I borrow some money to buy a new top?