We can’t have a series about motherly life lessons without acknowledging some solid Dad-isms. ย This Dad of mine has a lot of gems to teach. ย To be fair, I was a little girl with curly bangs and a mild mullet… I needed a lot of guidance. ย Mom is the guide to ‘act right, eat your apple, and don’t steal my scissors’. ย Dad is the guide to ‘act right, watch this movie, and save me the last biscuit’. ย All very important lessons.
I love the people who raised me. ย Beyond!
Papa Says (or heavily implies):
I’m going to work literally aaallll night long because I love you and you require food and electricity. ย When I get home at 5am, I’m going to wake you up so we can make a pie together. ย You’ll moan and groan about it, but you’ll thank me later.
I know you’re six years old, and you can’t possibly understand the nuance and beauty of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, but we’re going to watch it over and over and over again. ย One day it will blow your mind.
Whole Wheat Fig Newton Cookies are dessert. ย (I still disagree with this notion, Father.)
Conversely, Carrot Cake is pretty much a vegetable.
Did someone say waffles? ย Let’s definitely make waffles.
If there is an ant in the kitchen, it’s a family emergency. ย Everyone UP! ย Out of bed! ย We’re getting to the bottom of this.
How many times do I have to tell you to rinse your dishes, to wrap up the bread, the clean up the cereal, to take out the trash, to clean up your room. How many times do I have to tell you? ย (Answer, Dad: ย you’ll have to tell me a lot of times… like A LOT.)
Don’t mess around with boys that disrespect you. ย I didn’t teach you to put up with that nonsense.
If you’re going to bring a boy home… well, he best address me as Mr. Wilson (and you really shouldn’t bring very many boys home).
You do not give the expensive canned tuna to stray cats. ย That is something you do.not.do.
Eat your vegetables. ย Your mother and I bought them for you and you will, you really will eat them.
I’m not going to raise my voice very often, but when I do, it will shake you to your core.
Your mother and I are on the same team and you won’t be able to get one over on us with your child-brain trickery. ย Did you Mom say no? ย I say no too. ย One exception: ย I will buy you that Gap sweater even though it’s not on sale.
It’s midnight. ย Let’s get doughnuts.
Whatever you don’t eat off your dinner plate, I will eat. ย Most specifically, if you want to save me a few bites of your chicken and biscuits… I think that would be great.
Pie is not pie unless it’s warm.
Life’s a beach, as illustrated by my fashion.
150 Responses
Life is a beach. So lovely, Joy. Just like you to make a girl smile.
Loves.
I just love your blog, but this post is especially meaningful. Thanks for sharing such great advice. I’ve resolved to stop putting up with the aforementioned nonsense as well!
I think I might be your dad…
that’s odd. ha!
These are awesome dad-isms. I love how much food is involved in life. (wouldn’t expect anything less) I wonder what I would come up with if I tried to do this… with either of my parents. Thanks for sharing!!
I loved reading these, they made me smile. What a great guy, to work all night and then want to make a pie with you when he got home….melts my heart a little.
I love how you’re both totally 80’s. And I also love how your face shows how much you totally adore your father. That’s nice.
I am new to the blog but I enjoy it, thanks. And this touched my heart. You are lucky to have a great dad.
your dad sounds like a solid good guy…and a true hero.
I am a NYC native who is finially recovering from Hurricane Sandy _ if she was a person I would punch her in her throat – sorry, I digress. I am catching up on my favorite blogs including you and my neighbor (in my head) Smitten Kitchen. I was reading this about your dad who BTW, looks like my uncle Charles (lol). My dad defintely said the part “I didn’t teach you to put up with that nonsense”. I laughed so hard and almost spilled my tea re: your dad eating off your plate. My dad did the same thing! Thanks for reminding me of some great father- daughter memories and bringing some normalcy back into my life.
Aww, I loved this post! Your dad sounds like a cool guy.
Oh wow. I love how cute this is. Sounds like your dad was no-nonsense but fun.
Very cute!
LOVE…
Dear Joy, Words can not describe the joy “Papa Says” gave me as I read it. Bless you and bless your Papa…you are definitely Papa’s Girl, lucky girl! Thanks for sharing.