Portrait of stunned African American male with crossed hands, holds razor in hands and his son with shaving gel, looks surprisingly at camera, isolated over pink background. Skin care concept
Let’s face it, you don’t have to necessarily be an actual DAD to appreciate or tell a “dad joke,” but it sure does help. Part of what makes them funny is… they’re unfunny. The fact that they’re so unfunny is what actually makes us laugh.
Our kit names are inspired by corny dad jokes and word puns because sometimes it’s nice to be able to smile through the “ouch” times. They say laughter heals the soul so that’s why dad jokes are how our kits roll…
If these jokes made you laugh or giggle instead of rolling your eyes, then congratulations, you are a DAD!
I got invited to my cousin’s wedding this past summer. The alcohol was encouraging and ya girl was feelin’ herself, so I decided to partake in the bouquet toss. Emotions were high, and the girls surrounding me were possessively determined and rambunctious to catch that bouquet.
I ended up catching it, but some other girls wanted it more. So they aggressively knocked me down and gave me a concussion. I really could’ve used an ice pack for the knot on my head instead of melting ice cubes wrapped up in those linen wedding napkins. Girls need to cool it with that stuff!!!
It’s important for me to emphasize that at this point in my life, showing up is everything. Showing up is LOVE. In my 20’s and 30’s, I admit I was a big ol’ frosted FLAKE. I wasn’t aware (or was too selfish) to see that my presence or lack thereof, negatively impacted the people I love. My actions weren’t backing my words and ya girl’s actions were super suss. With that harsh realization, I’ve made very conscious efforts to change that narrative, because I don’t want to be a frosted flake. I want to be whole like a Cheerio.
While continuing on with my 7 Days of Love challenge, I’ve definitely noticed how I’m moving and navigating through my days with more intention and purpose. Giving, receiving, and experiencing several types of love just feels good all around. I want to exude love! Because you know what? God’s love, grace, and mercy are very present every day in my life. So, I want that to be shown in me and seen through me. Shine your light, chile!
The timing of this article couldn’t be more impeccable. I recently spent a few days in New York for my daughter’s college graduation. Aijah Raye graduated from The New School at Parsons School of Design with a BFA in Photography. With this being such a huge accomplishment, the fam showed up and showed out to “Celebrate good times, come on!” Man… these were the 3 most action-packed, love-filled days ever. The itinerary was poppin’ and all the love languages were present and accounted for. Whether following the plan or flying by the seat of our pants, every move and outing was intentional in bringing family and friends together – to chill, feast, reconnect, laugh, and create lasting memories. I can truly say we all experienced several types of love in the short time we were there. I mean, I really can’t speak for everyone… but I just did, sooo… HA!
If there is one thing that I find both disarming and heartwarming (and maybe a tad bit envious) when I talk to my non-Chinese friends is when they share how their relationships are with their dads – I do not know if my perspective is correct, but it seems as though they have a warmer, closer, and a more emotional bond in comparison to mine.
While growing up, I vaguely remember confiding and sharing jokes with my dad, especially during my teenage years to my late 20s. His role has always been to be the breadwinner, the last line of discipline, and the kind of father who could just give you a stare and you would immediately stop everything or anything that you’re doing. My form of communication with my father has always been through my mother, and she would relay the messages to him. Hugging, nurturing, and saying “I Love You” was never the norm. Don’t get me wrong, I do not feel anything bad towards my dad, I’ve just always thought that these types of behaviors were normal.
One day my mom asked, “How come you and your dad are not close? Back when you were little and in kindergarten, your dad would pick you up every day from school and you would be so excited because he would take you to get Coney Island Ice Cream in Greenhills (A popular mall in the Philippines). You would talk to him about all of your teachers, how happy you were, and how you looked forward to him picking you up (and allegedly I would be skipping and holding his hand when he arrived)! Currently, as an adult, I would recall those times and it would make me emotional. I have realized that the things my dad and I would bond on were solely based in relation to food. I would always remember him saying:
“Do not ever skimp money on food. Good food is very important. Having food for your family and friends is important.”
To this day, even while miles apart, it’s food that we would often discuss. He would mention what he cooked, ate, what recipes I need from him (because he just developed a natural affinity to cooking in his later years), the supplements I need in order to stay healthy… and the supplements I need to buy for him also. LOL! In a lot of ways, food has remained the glue that binds us together. It’s also the reason why I have a healthy appetite!
In celebration of Father’s Day, join me in celebrating these special moments, memories, lessons or #DADvice that we will never forget. As we toast to the first man we’ve ever set our eyes on and love, here are more stories from friends that maybe you can relate to, laugh to, or even shed an emotional tear or two:
By now, you may have heard a thing or two or five about TRI and Be Smart Get Prepared®. And if you read my last post (which you totally should, if you haven’t), then you’re more in the know than you know. Y’know? And so, the saga continues…
Who is Be Smart Get Prepared®? At the forefront, you see cute, consumer-friendly first aid kits and emergency products. But the people behind the scenes are quite interesting as well and boyyy, do we have stories to tell. So, let’s take a minute or two or five to get to know the founders, the creators, the movers and the shakers. Shall we?
