35

My sweet Rob turns 35 today. Happy Birthday!

He was adopted by his parents in 1976. He puts a possessive "my" in front of "dad" or "mom" when he refers to them. "Have you seen my mom?" What are we going to get my dad for his birthday." I never noticed that most of us would leave "my" out of those sentences. He's an only child and he's glad about it. He wouldn't have done well with the sharing thing.

He loves movies and old television series. Currently he's watching Dexter and Dark Shadows on DVD. Star Wars, of course, Lord of the Rings and most things fantasy and science fiction. Computer problem? Electronics? He's your man. Tell him to hurry up and he'll slow down, just to spite you. Birthday party? Social event that requires him to interact with people he doesn't choose to socialize with otherwise? He's not going. You don't want to make him. He won't pretend he's enjoying himself or make social small talk. If he doesn't have anything to say, all you'll get is silence.

He's not really a people person. He has no tolerance for stupidity and isn't above having a little bit of mockery fun with your run-of-the-mill idiot. Sarcasm is his strength and he uses it with great effect. It's one of the reasons I love him.

This is a man who likes order. Our books are arranged by genre, our DVDs are alphabetized, our pantry is organized, we have a spreadsheet budget and he takes a calculator to the grocery store. Another reason I love him. He is certainly a balance for my lack of organizational skills.



And how can you not love a guy who gladly serves as castle cleaner for his little girl? Now why doesn't he take direction from ME like that? He and J.T. are "best buds." His children adore him. He picks Abby up from school at lunchtime on Tuesdays and Thursdays and eats lunch with J.T. each Wednesday. He's very protective of his family. He's already planning Abby's dating years. I think we have a "dating my daughter" application saved on our PC. The current theory is that she can date two years after her father dies.

J.T. and Abby: "Being Daddy."


He keeps my cell phone charged and in my purse because he knows I won't remember to do it. He brings me flowers home with the groceries and pitches in with the chores: laundry, dishes, straightening (he's really, really, good at this), and yardwork. And avoids me when I have PMS. Did I mention how intelligent he is?

Happy Birthday Rob! We're celebrating tonight with Dinner (shrimp scampi with pasta, salad, fresh bread) and chocolate cake!