My Dad, the Superhero

When I was younger, I use to pretend that I was a cat, and I'm meow all day and then cuddle my dad, who would pet my head and scratch my chin. He was the person I talked to about first kisses and crushes. He was my king, and I, his princess.

We've always had that kind of relationship, and though I no longer pretend to be a kitten, I'm still his princess. There are lines that we don't cross in conversations, certain subjects we don't discuss, secrets we don't acknowledge... because I want to forever be Daddy's little girl.

When I was growing up, I dragged him to shop for prom dresses, and we went to baseball games together. We got pedicures. We went on ski trips. We saw Jewel concerts and Cyrano de Bergerac and movies.

In my head, I viewed him as a superhero. I thought he was forgiving, because he had let go of his own father's mistakes, and forgiven my mom for hers. I'd heard stories of his childhood, and he was always the "good kid:" Senior class president, athlete, private school kid, conscience for all his friends. He made fresh lattes and a hot breakfast almost every morning and listened to Jewel with me. Plus, he loved my mom.

I've since—you know—grown up (though not that much), and I know my dad is plagued by mortality just like the rest of his. His loved ones die, despite his efforts to "save" them. He breaks bones and grinds his teeth and can't touch his toes. Sometimes his smoothies aren't stellar (but I drink them anyway). And I steam my milk for lattes better than he does.

He's no superhero, I have to confess. But that doesn't take away from how spectacular he is, or the incredible bond we're lucky enough to share. He inspires me to pursue things that make me happy, and his moral compass typically points north. He may not be a superhero, but he is my hero. An everyday hero. A cape wouldn't look good on him, anyway.

Ventfest: Trivial Problems

I've been worried about my dad, lately. When I start adding up the unfortunately events that have played out this year, it's overwhelming. In addition to the deaths of three family members, we also have a verbally and emotionally abusive neighbor that's been threatening my family. And sometime between the time of my grandmother's death, and when her body was cremated, her jewelry was looted, literally yanked off of her cold, dead fingers.

It's difficult to remain optimistic about little things in the wake of such tragedy. In the past month, I've grown up more than I would have liked. And I'm not the only one; I've watched my dad grow in numerous ways. He's recognized the importance of family, and—as I understand it—has renewed his commitments to himself, his happiness and his family. And he's been rattled.

And all that is just his personal life.

So when people come to me to discuss problems and drama with their relationships or how they're so stressed and busy, I'm inclined to turn and walk away. I don't know where I'm going with all that, but it's overwhelming. Never before have I been so intimately touched by death. So pardon me that I can't be bothered with the superficiality of temporary inconveniences.

I'ma Let the Dogs Out

Ladies and gents and four-legged friends…

The cat (or dog) is out of the bag. I just sent out an email to various writers, friends and colleagues announcing my new magazine. A while back, I mentioned that I had an idea about what to name it, and I’ve moved forward with that idea. The email is out, the positions are open and I’m set to have a Skype meeting with Northeastern’s Student Involvement Board a week from tomorrow.

I’ve already been working closely with someone on SIB and have cranked out a constitution and bylaws. But then I went ahead and made T-shirts… because that’s how I roll. So, my fellow huskies, be sure to keep your eyes peeled this fall (fingers crossed!) for the first edition of…

Here you go, Daddy. I may have written Ma a poem, but I named a magazine after you (so stop complaining). For those of you readers who aren’t my dad (there are more? Say what??), “woof” has some very deep roots in my family. So yes, we NU students are huskies and huskies woof. But the four letter word (one of the only ones I like) has much more meaning.

When my dad was growing up, he and his buddies used to call “wolf” to find one another. If it sounds silly, give it up; you know you had secret handshakes and the like. Anyway, somehow “wolf” morphed into woof. Even now, nearly half a decade later, it still stuck.

And it’s contagious. As those boys grew up and moved all over the state, woof spread from the core group to siblings, spouses and families. Somewhere in the morphing mix of things, it also became my dad’s nickname. Hence the shout out.

When I am walking around a public place—say, the grocery store—and need to find my mom (I always get lost in the cookie aisle), I’ll “woof,” rather than say “Mom.” After all, in Suburbia like PQ, there are tons of “Moms” in the grocery store.

I woof. And she woofs back. It’s inbred, instinctual. Even 3,000 miles from home, sometimes I hear something like “woof” and have to consciously stop myself from shouting. My childhood friends (especially Bo) are used to woof, and sometimes even use it to get my attention. But people here think I’m a little cuckoo. And there you have it: the real reasoning behind the name.

This magazine is quickly becoming my baby. But I’m thrilled to get the ball rolling. I have my mother’s habit of throwing myself into new and exciting adventures and this is no different. Stomach ulcers are all the rage this season, no?

So yes. Woof Magazine. Out this fall (**insert girly scream**).

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Today's Obsession: Dreamcatcher Pendant

I think I've mentioned before the camp I went to this summer with my dad and my little brother. It was empowering an thoroughly enjoyable. The theme of the camp kind of revolved around some Native American imagery and how we, as dedicated individuals, could harness the "warrior" within.

I'd like to think that I took a lot away from the experience. And I did. But retaining it is a little different. Sometimes being 3,000 miles from home and living on my own and being tired all the time can serve as an obstacle to harnessing my inner warrior goddess (stick with me).

But my dad doesn't let me forget. On one of his post-camp business trips to Vancouver (where Native Americans have a strong foothold), he brought back a little something for me. Today, I'm feeling a little nostalgic for home and for a little bit warmer weather. Thus, today's obsession is the necklace my dad gave me.

It goes well with V-necks (always a plus), but it's also a simple reminder to remember and follow my dreams. It's uplifting and empowering. And pretty. Obsessed.

Dreamcatcher Pendant with Bead, $8

Today's Obsession: Bahamas Beachwear

So I'm super excited. There's a chance (fingers crossed!!) that I will be going to the Bahamas with my parents the first week of May, which would be amaazzziinnnngggg. I'm puckering up for some major Daniells' butt kissing. Anyway, today is a beautiful, sunny day, but the weather is below freezing. So I'm that much more excited.

Naturally, today's obsession is beachwear. I'm more than excited for the sunny sunshine (yes I just said sunny sunshine. Whatever) and cocktails and have been scouring Victoria's Secret for some beach-ready ensembles. Though I'll be saving my money to help pay for the ticket, I can dream nonetheless.

The suit: Salad Dressing syndrome stepped in on this one. I can't decide, but I'm loving this suit... and this one, too! I like that they have two very different strap designs so I don't have insane tan lines once I return to dreary, cold New York.

Forever Sexy push-up Bandeau Top and Foldover Scoop Bottom, $66

Very Sexy (R) Embellished Racerback Triangle Top and Low-rise Bottom, $86

The accessories: I'll be sure to pack my Neutrogena face sunscreen, but would love to fight the rays with these super-stunner aviators from Forever 21. I've been on the lookout for aviators that flatter my face since, well, birth and here's hoping these cheapies do the trick.

I'm kind of hoping that my hair is a significantly lighter shade by May, but when I'm not sun-bleaching my hair, I can hide it under a nice wide brim hat like this one from Jigsaw (told you hats weren't out of style).

Forever 21 F0806 Sunglasses, $5.80

 Jigsaw Wide Brim Straw Hat, ~$52 (32 pounds)

Reading material: The most important part :) While I'm not devouring the most recent Marie Claire editions (heck, maybe I'll have a byline in one of them!), I'll be reading from my list of beach reads that I will have somehow managed to cram into my suitcase. Although when you're traveling to a place that requires minimal clothing, there's a lot more room for the good stuff. Some potential sunbathing reads include: 

• Bumped by Megan McCafferty--McCafferty is the author of the Jessica Darling series, which are all very digestible reads and basically got me through high school. Whenever I feel like my writing isn't sassy enough or true to self, I pick up one of her books as a gentle reminder. This book isn't a part of the series, but is sure to have the same sass. Plus it comes out the week before I would leave!
• Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress--This book actually comes out tomorrow, but I likely won't get around to reading it until later. I've been very interested in literature that focuses around the South because my beloved biffle, Lauren, is currently living in Georgia. Childress also wrote One Mississippi and Crazy in Alabama.
• 1984 by George Orwell--I know 1984 isn't exactly a beach read, but it's on my bucket list to read five books on my list (Yes, I have a list that refers me to another list). And I've been meaning to read it since I read Animal Farm, basically in the hopes that it wouldn't be as bad. I typically like dystopian novels and hope this one would be just as enjoyable as an Atwood or Huxley.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have a cute bag to throw all my books and sunscreen into. The World Food Programme sells shabby-chic bags and shirts from American Apparel. Each Feed Bag purchased pays for food for a foreign child for an entire school year. They aren't cheap and only $20 goes to the actual charity, but it's a bag and a gift all in one. Winner?

Feed Bag 1, $60

Lots of goodies on today's obsession... and to think, just a few hours ago, I had no clue what I wanted to feature. Can't wait for a little Vitamin D therapy and a chance to see my parents. Here's a **BIG** kiss to you, Mom and Dad. I love you!! Woof.

P.S. Obsessed.