28 things I've learned from my Dad

Since he's been my dad for 28 years, I thought I would share 28 things my dad has taught me.

1. When sweeping the floor, use short swipes... the longer the swipe, the more dirt you leave behind.  Also, make your "pile" in the middle of the room, so that all of the dirt has the shortest distance to travel, and less "travel time" to be left behind.  (My sister, Mandy, has been complemented on her sweeping skills in a professional capacity).


2. When putting things in a refrigerator, assemble all items on the counter next to the fridge before opening the door.  This way things can be loaded as quickly as possible and the refrigerator door will be open for the least amount of time possible, wasting the least amount of energy.


3. This is how you fold a shirt.




















4. Take the time to do a job well.  Really, really well.
5. This is how you make fried rice.
6. The secret ingredient in a good omelette is cream cheese.
7. You really should try to take a programming course in college.  It could be a useful life skill. #whydidn'tIlistentomydad
8. It is worth it to live without something until you can save up for something nice.  Example: When my dad was in grad school, his furniture consisted of an overturned milk crate to sit on and garage shelves that contained a really nice stereo.  Priorities.
9. "I'm a girl!  I'm not good at math!" is never an acceptable reason for not doing your homework, and your tears will get you no sympathy.
10. Balancing a checkbook is possible and important.
11. You should always wash your windshield when you buy gas. (I don't do this, but my husband does.  Thank goodness for husbands.)







12. If you're smart, don't show off.  Save it for just the right moment to put that person that won't shut up in their place. (please note... my dad is way more professional and gracious than this sounds, this is just how I imagine it would go if I ever had the ability...)
13. You should dress nice when you travel.  And (on a related note)...
14. It is not acceptable to wear pajamas in public.  If you wore it to bed last night, you don't  wear it in public the next day.
15. Sunday afternoons are for naps.
16. "Mix" radio stations are always worth listening to.  This is one step in becoming a well-rounded, culturally educated person.
17. If you don't know what you want to do when you graduate from college, there's always grad school.
18. If you don't talk all the time, then when you do talk, people will listen.
19. Glasses are fine, you don't need contacts.
20. Basic manners are important.
21. Shyness can quickly become snobby.  Don't let that happen.  You don't want your dad to call you a snob.
22. Always work hard.
23. A smile can say "I'm proud of you."






24. You need at least two vegetables at dinner time.
25. Think before you speak.
26. Watching a movie with Dad after work is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday night.
27. It takes a lot of persistence to train your children.
28. "You're just like your dad!" is one of the best compliments I could receive.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!  You really are the best dad in the world, and I'm so grateful for all you've taught me.