Happy Birthday to Me

Today I'm celebrating my 28th birthday, which is roughly 26 more than I should've had (see first blog post: Left Out). That not withstanding, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on life so far, since I'm somewhere between a mid- and a quarter-life crisis.

And really, the only thing worth mentioning is my family. I think I can honestly say that they're the reason I've survived life this far, and that I've become the person I am today: an overly nice, moderately attractive, mostly nerdy engineer with a burrito fetish.

Any time I perform an act of kindness (not necessarily a regular occurrence), or make a funny joke (also seldom), or neglect to pick my nose in public, or even remember to flush the toilet... You can thank my family for setting a good example (kindness and jokes) or for belittling me until I shed those bad habits (nose picking and not flushing). In all humility, my parents, siblings, in-laws, and cousins represent the some of the most talented, creative, loving, funny, forgiving [and more gushiness ad infinitum] people I've ever met. These are the people I love most in the world, and despite our various forms of dysfunction, individually and collectively, I couldn't be more proud to call them mine. They're my favorite thing about me.

So on today, my 28th birthday, I want to recognize my family and their (mostly positive) influence on my life. Thanks for not voting me out of the family a long time ago, even though I USED to be real annoying. Love you guys so much.

Kennedy family, circa 1994.  Impossible to tell if summer or winter based on clothes.  Impossible to tell any one of us would turn out to be productive members of society.  Except Andrew and his Super Soaker 2000.

Kennedy family, circa 2011.  Proof that all of us turned out alright, although Ruth seemingly had the highest hill to climb, judging from the Lee sweatshirt pictured above.

Father's Day

Wishing dads everywhere a very happy Father's Day, and thanking my own Dad for his love and support over the years.  He's far and away the manliest man I know, and he's the only person I have seen who makes even sewing look like a burly activity.

Lots of love and respect for you, Pops.  Thanks for taking it easy on me that one time in 7th grade when I accidentally killed the baby chicken that you had adopted as a pet for our family.

Dad on one of the road trips he made to Alaska in high school / college?

Dad sewing up some belt-looking thing, raising a child, and making Amish men everywhere feel slightly inadequate.  All at the same time.  With one hand.

Dad at an art show, plying his trade, rocking some fresh sandals.

Dad laughing at one of his own jokes (presumably).  Me, asleep on his lap, unaware that beards and chest hair could be contagious.