Nathan

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Daniel

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Thursday, August 30, 2007

64

Today is my dad's 64th birthday. I was hoping that I to post a picture of him, because he'd get a kick out of being on my "blawwwg" - whatever the heck he thinks that is. (Meh, I can't find one. I'll try to add one later).


Anyway, he's a character. The Targo always says he's 60 going on 21, because he very much lives for today. A couple of months ago, my parents' dryer died and they had to buy a new one. If it would have been up to my dad, he would have bought one for $1.99 from the Sock Man on the street corner. My mom shopped around and found a good/expensive dryer for half price. The man is still venting about this dryer. I said "Dad, this way you won't have to buy a new one for a long time. And it's energy efficient; so it will save you money in the long run." He looked at me, almost like he didn't recognize me and said "But it cost a lot of money. I could have used that money to take a trip or buy something. Dryers aren't fun!" Sometimes it's hard to believe he's raised four reasonably responsible children.


Our family always jokes that he's a smart version of Homer Simpson (he also has all of his hair and prefers NA beer to Duff). That's really hard to elaborate on but let me say that the all-you-can-eat buffet inventor might be his BFF. When he retired, we were all terrified convinced that he was going to go from his solid 6'1"/230 lbs (he was a big guy, but not fat) to Jabba the Hut. For his 60th birthday shindig, my brother Chris and I bought him a muumuu and an old man hat, so he could resemble King-Size Homer.



He's also very funny; mostly without intending to be. My mom called me one time and asked me to listen closely. I could hear him singing in the shower. A song he made up for their dogs.

Most importantly, he is a good dad. He taught me to be generous, think critically, and to live with joy. He's a nut, but he's pretty awesome.

Happy birthday, big guy.

*Please note, much of this is meant as tongue-in-cheek. Unfortunately, we're a family that chooses to laugh first, and ask if you're okay later.*

3 comments:

L Sass said...

Ha! Happy birthday to the dad of Marianne!

He's the same age as Paul McCartney!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Marianne's Dad!

And that Simpsons episode is one of my all-time favorites!

Aimee said...

Happy birthday dad!

Now we know why you're so terrific!