I found the missing cd my computer came with that did exactly what I needed it to do: erase everything and start over. So I write to you from a freshly set-up laptop complete with external hard drive that doesn’t crash the computer. Hooray for technology.
My dad and I went to REI and got him a cool North Face jacket/fleece thing. It’s all part of my plan to help dad develop his wardrobe into something cool (for a mid-50s guy). It’s an ongoing project of mine. My dad could care less about what he wears so long as it doesn’t embarrass those around him and it doesn’t have holes. That’s all well and good, but unless someone else steps in, he’ll wear the same shirt to every occasion. Case in point: for each of the three of four times E and I have had dinner with my parents, my dad has worn the same shirt. It was time for some variety. Thus, the trip to REI.
Mom, though, had other ideas. She insisted on taking him to MACY’S, which I adamantly protested, to get him a jacket. They went without me and came home with two faux-suede jackets, one brown and one tan. They are hideous. They are not in conformance with my plan. They look like something a wife would buy her husband because they get the job done. Shameful. We’re not just trying to get the job done – we’re trying to do it with some style. Dad chose the North Face jacket. He liked it. Mom didn’t. I say let the man keep the jacket.
Believe it or not (believe it) Mom and I got in an argument over this. I know that probably sounds a little weird to a lot of you, but please consider 1) my mom and I argue about pretty much everything and 2) the arguments are always good-natured. There’s no real animosity there. Just complete obstinance.
Rather than take the hard line and require her to return both of the Macy’s jackets, I opted for a compromise. Take the more abominable jacket back and leave the North Face jacket status quo. At least then he has a choice between the two, and one of the jackets is clearly heavier than the other and therefore in a different category of jacket. I think that strategy was a winner. There was no protest and I haven’t a word about it since yesterday.
Up next: no more wearing white tennis shoes with everything. Instead, these, in mahogany. I have something similar and they’re great. No laces to futz with and they go with most everything.
Comments (3)
just because i think its cool, i live about an 8 minute walk from the original REI. :)
Posted by heatherfeather | February 10, 2007 8:16 PM
Posted on February 10, 2007 20:16
URL: http://
1. me and computerage have resolved our differences. so yay for the woo. 2. it only involved erasing things after i backed everything up. 3. yes. 4. hey, somebody's got to. Big Sister is too busy with kids and family, and Mom is well, yeah. so it's gotta be me. 5. what can i say, REI is so cool! it's my Mecca. 6. the shoe thing is hilarious. he wears white tennish shoes with jeans. khakis. shorts (with socks [white, hiked all the way up]) and pretty much anything else. dads need help with shoes, and i's up to the kids to help.
Posted by p-man | February 10, 2007 8:16 PM
Posted on February 10, 2007 20:16
URL: http://
okay, a few things: 1. woo for computerage 2. sorry it involved erasing everything 3. is this why you stopped letting mom pick out your ties? (still neither a euphemism or a slam) 4. you're so funny getting your dad looking hipper. 5. you're so funny getting dad looking hipper by getting him stuff you'd like, like the shoes. 6. my dad had a similar shoe issue with HIDEOUS light brown loafers he'd wear with everything that wasn't a suit. including sockless light brown 25 year old 80's dress loafers with shorts and a t-shirt. we eventually hid them in the garage because he'd taken to checking the trash for them. they'd wind up in the trash weekly.
Posted by heatherfeather | February 10, 2007 8:16 PM
Posted on February 10, 2007 20:16