36 things I learnt from my Dad

 It was my Dad's birthday last week, and also Father's day is around the corner so I think it's more than appropriate to dedicate a blog to him.
Growing up, my dad was the disciplinarian of the family, but always there with a giant wuddle and lap to sit on. As I've got older I've come to appreciate the loving and comical side of my father, as well as admire his strength and devotion to everyone in his life. This list touches on the practical, profound and priceless things I have learnt from him.

1. Read everything. Or as we call it in our family- "sniff." Just as dogs sniff everything as they walk, Dad taught me to read signs, books, posters and papers whenever and wherever I could
2. Grow your own veges, trim your own trees, chop your own firewood and always compost your scraps
3. How to change a car tyre
4. How to change a bike tyre
5. A Moro Bar  (Mars Bar if you aren't from NZ) is a reward worth striving for- whether it's the prize for hitting a tennis ball against the wall 10 times or keeping your room tidy for a week. It's not about the reward, it's about the challenge
6. He taught me to love exploring the outdoors, especially the NZ beaches, forests, fjords and mountains
7. Tucking your pyjama top into your pyjama pants is the warmest thing ever

8. Sing all you can, and if you don't know the words, make them up
9. You must never stop learning- since Dad has turned 50 he has learnt the piano, to bake and use an ipad
10. Money is not for material things but making memories
11. Go to bed early and get your chores done in the morning
12. "Sniff" out the bargains and be frugal
13. Don't whine
14. How to play golf, netball, tennis, football, checkers, run and dive
15. Immersing yourself in another culture adds so much depth to your life
16. Afternoon sleeps aren't just for cats
17. You are beautiful the way you are and don't need hair dye, make-up and fancy clothes
18. Be sunsafe- the pic below says it all!
















19. Do your homework, and not just when it comes to school, but do the research for things before making a decision
20. Sneezes always feel better if done very loudly (the same applies to other body noises)
21. Family comes first (Cricket is probably second)
22. You don't need medicines when you are sick, rather sleep and liquids
23. Downshifting to use engine breaking when driving saves fuel and your breaks
24. Teachers learn from their students things they could never be taught
25. The little things are worth getting excited about- like lighting the fire, turning on electric blankets, and buying juice from the supermarket
26. Pray
27. Stretch and do push ups
28. Carpe Diem- over the past year, my parents have been to Tonga, the South Island, drove 11,00km across Europe and climbed Mt Fuji
29. Those who feel like they are last in life will be the first into heaven
30. Yelling at a broken computer doesn't make it better, but it makes you feel better
31. Something scarier than death is if you don't know or care what's going to happen to you when you die
32. You can be happy living in a small house with an outdoor toilet and 3 t-shirts, a couple of shorts and some sandals
33. A wedding is about the lifetime of love and partnership ahead not the day and the dress
34. Be patient
35. Socks are a great gift, and hand made cards are the best
36. Share your smile, your talent, your time and let your own light shine

I could go on about how "I am so lucky to have a father who......." but really I just can't wait to have a wuddle and a sniff together in Melbourne next month.

Every family is different, your list wouldn't be the same as mine, and it's our different origins that make us interesting.

What's important is we recognise and take the time to acknowledge those who have shaped who we are today, and give them credit for all the nose and bottom wiping, car pooling and fee paying.

For the story telling, spell-checking and sick note writing.

And the house moving, international visiting and collect calling.

Overall, it's the loving.

Love you Dad,

Jj x