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(Also does not smile with teeth. It’s hereditary, I swear!)

I’ve clearly written about my dad before.

And, truth be told, that’s because he’s exceptionally better than every other dad on earth for every reason you could possibly think of, from his reassuring hugs to his sage advice to his wealth of opinions to his crazy laugh to his ninja iPhone skills (that’s right, an iPhone. My dad outcools me.)

Unfortunately, only a maximum of four people (my brother, my sister-in-law, me and uh, some guy in the states whenever we make it official) will actually get to have him for a dad.

That’s why, this Father’s Day, I’m going to impart some of the wisdom he’s given me over the years so it’s kind of like YOU had him for a dad, TOO.

I know. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, even more so than the Jam of the Month club.

FIFTEEN THINGS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY DAD

(in no particular order)

1. A balanced meal is one that ends in chocolate.

2. Organized sock drawer = organized mind.

3. One can never take too many pictures of your family, or the ocean. Or sunsets. Or birds. Okay, one can never take too many pictures, period.

4. Getting there IS half the fun. As long as you can go fast.

5. Rain is nature’s way of telling us we look good in a trenchcoat. And secondly, to go back inside.

6. If you’re not good at something, marry someone who is.

7. The loudest things about you should be your laugh, your cheers at football/baseball/basketball (you get my drift), and your sneeze.

8. The quietest things about you should be your engine, your style, and your confidence.

9. Be ready to give an answer for what you believe — but live it so clearly that no one needs to ask.

10. Laundry is an art, not a chore.

11. Buy all the papers, but don’t buy everything they tell you.

12. Investing in one great pair that lasts is always less expensive than buying five cheap pairs that don’t.

13. Work the hours it takes to do a great job — even if they end up being a little longer than the ones you got paid for.

14. Giving isn’t a nicety, it’s a necessity.

15. I am the best daughter ever. (okay, okay… yes, but…)

15b. (the real one) Never stop telling your kids you love them. That way, they never forget.

And all that (and more) is why I love you, Dad!

Happy Father’s Day!