An Open Letter to My Dad

Ok Dad, we both know this is going to make you cry, so go ahead and grab some tissues before you continue...

Got 'em?

Dad/Chuckie/Chuckles,

I have spent years trying to piece together a letter to you, but when it comes down to it, I just want to pick up a ball and our gloves and head outside. It was a staple of my childhood.

Actually, you are the staple of my childhood. From countless field trips to Thursday lunches (that chili and cinnamon roll was ridiculously good, right??). Hours on the couch watching the Mariners, and several more freezing our toes off in Pullman (Go Cougs!).

I love my mom, but I don't think it would surprise anyone to hear that I'm a Daddy's Girl. I can hang with the best of 'em talking baseball and dropping random stats (even erroneous ones like "70% of lead off walks score").

You've shown me how to work hard for what I want. You helped raise me to think for myself and focus on the present. You also taught me important life lessons, such as, how to properly place a needle on a vinyl record. And, a skill that certainly came in handy during college: how to shotgun a beer.

You taught me how to play ball. Not just the mechanics, but what the game really means. How to plan ahead for situations that might come up, and how to manage under pressure.

I remember the first time I was able to throw diagonally across the lawn. It arced...and I received a lesson on the shortest distance from A to B was a straight line. I think there were diagrams in the grass. But that's what I love about you. I speak logic, too. And I appreciate the lessons that I probably complained about in my youth. They're always here with me, and I have to smile when I catch myself passing them on to my students.

So, Dad, here we are on your 65th birthday. You once told me you wished you had drank more beer with your dad while he was still around. I don't think we will ever have that regret. Bottoms up, Chuck. (Haha, get it? Up Chuck?)

Love you always,

Your daughter

Five Favorites

This week was pretty special. I was reminded of a few things that make me really happy. 

1. A sunny day walking around a city. I've done this many times in Seattle, just meandering around town. I also find myself exploring downtown Ventura on foot. There's something about the fresh air, sights and smells of stores and restaurants, and knowing I have no place else to be.

Downtown Ventura, 2017

2. Live music, especially when it's acoustic. I love being able to hear the harmonies and perfect imperfections of a live show. I watched Danielle Stacy and The Inside Break play in a tiny little room, filled with art and good people. Oh, and my $10 growler of Topa Topa IPA.

Danielle Stacy at The Artist's Brew, 2017

3. Listening to Congressional Medal of Honor recipients discuss life, war, families, school, and values. Equally impressive were their senses of humor and sound advice.

Congressional Medal of Honor recipients Srgt. Melvin Morris, Lt. Col. Charles Hagemeister, Col. Roger Donlon

4. Clouds. I've always loved watching the fog roll in. I remember long drives in fog so thick you could see it creep up over the hood of the car. I've sat and watched it roll in over the ocean or down a mountain side. I also love when you look up to that blue sky and see those high clouds in all their shapes and textures.

Long Canyon, 2017

Simi Valley, 2017

 5. Friendships. The kind that you see all week (my sister included) and still WANT to hang out with on the weekends.

#thismysquad, 2017