Happy Birthday, Dad!

You know all of those "Things I Learned from Dad," articles, cards, or cartoons? I've learned a lot from my dad over the years. He has always been a great person to learn lessons through and to model your own attitude after, but I've never sat down and thought about what the specific things I would say I've learned from him are. Let me give it a go in honor of his birthday today...

-Work hard, have goals, and know where you're headed.

-The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

-Never assume you're getting a deal unless you actually try to deal.

-Throw caution to the wind when excitement or passion supersedes other anxieties about purchases, choices, decisions, etc.

-Be honest.

-Record the game and fall asleep during the playback.

-Be nice, but don't be taken advantage of.

-Have fun in your work and play.

-Love your family.

-Don't be afraid to repeat a great joke, or even just your run of the mill smart-ass remark.

-If you've already sold it, stop selling it.

-Mom is right.

-Find people interesting.

-Believe in magic. But, don't teach people your tricks unless they're going to use them.

-Be the kind of person that is spoken well of, especially when not present.

-Make the most of your resources... When writing an amazing list for Dad's birthday, make it count for Father's Day, too. Happy early Father's Day, too, Dad!

I love you and am so proud to have a dad that has spent his short sixty-three years being the kind of man who teaches his daughter these lessons. Happy Birthday!!

...and Happy Father's Day, too!