... this time with my older daughter, Erin. Erin is having an exciting year, what with this last May and this happening in July.
(side note: I love that my daughter has registered for gifts at Canadian Tire . It removes any doubt as to her DNA. For her entire life, she has seen me dash to the mailbox and pore over the weekly flyers like some perv leafing through the latest issue of Jugs 'n' Booties, which, if it isn't a title for a girlie magazine it totally should be. In latter years when the new flyer has arrived, the girls have taken to rolling their eyes and saying "Oh, don't even bother trying to talk to him - he's all wrapped up in his tool porn." )
But before all the matrimonial goodness, Erin and (I have to get better at doing this:) my *coughfutureson-in-lawcough* are moving from their apartment in the centre of the city out to a house they bought in the country. A house that is approximately 1/4 of a mile from where I'm sitting. (Coincidence? Erin swears it is. OK.)
And that big event is today.
So, today I hop in a rented van and go with them to supervise the move into their first new home. (What? Of course I'll supervise. When I was in my 20s, I would help friends move. I have done my time. I am a Mover Emeritus. They're lucky to have my advice. They're young and their backs are strong. I'm the brains of this operation.)
They just pulled up and we're waiting for her sister to get changed from her pyjamas and be ready to go. I don't remember ever seeing Erin this excited. If it seems extra bright in your part of the world, you can thank the spill-off from this tiny Island, where Erin's face is pretty much lighting things up.
Remember the most excited you've ever been? Yeah, triple it.
Yeah...I remember that feeling. And it is rather sunny here today. Huey Lewis and the News sang it best: "The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades." Congrats to your daughter. Much happiness all around. Get that sofa moved inside before some bird flies over and poops on it!
Posted by: wordgirl | May 24, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Awwww. I love that excited feeling! She is gorgeous and the fiance is adorable. Do you torture him much anymore? I hope so. ;D
Posted by: Amanda B. | May 24, 2006 at 01:43 PM
What a sweet story. I remember when you wrote about the proposal.
Posted by: Squirl | May 24, 2006 at 07:02 PM
Actually after reading this post I do feel that the sun is shining brighter in Connecticut.
I'm happy for your little girl...beginnings are so wonderful...except for colds.
Posted by: marybishop | May 24, 2006 at 07:36 PM
DANG! She found herself possibly one of the few hot red-headed men I have ever seen. Good on her! They are a great looking couple.
It's a clear, blue-sky day in Hong Kong as well...you must have had a hand in that. :)
Posted by: Tanya | May 25, 2006 at 04:03 AM
you are the coolest dad ever!!! the girls are so lucky to have you!
Posted by: Nessa | May 25, 2006 at 09:33 AM
No kidding, he IS a hot readhead!
Moving day into your first house is awesome! When I moved in here (almost two years ago now) I was so damn happy that I didn't notice how much pain I was in from the hard physical labor part of the experience.
(Oh, and I hate to be the asshole to point this out, but Huey Lewis didn't sing that song. It was Timbuk 3.)
Posted by: Becky | May 25, 2006 at 11:20 AM
Erin is just beautiful! They sure do make a handsome couple.
You must be a proud daddy.
Posted by: Dawn | May 25, 2006 at 05:45 PM
Ah, beginnings.
Posted by: kalki | May 27, 2006 at 02:37 PM
OK, I volunteer to be the pain in the ass for the day:
'Twas actually Timbuk3 who wrote and recorded "The Future's So Bright..."
Because, damn! Somebody should remember those guys, wherever they disappeared to...
Congrats on the new house, Erin!
Posted by: Bucky Four-Eyes | May 27, 2006 at 08:55 PM
I just happened on your site (oddly enough searching for "tool porn") but I have to say your's is one of the nicest, sweetest blogs I've ever read and your daughter is getting married exactly one week before I am, so tell her congratulations! Best of luck!
Posted by: Sarah | June 01, 2006 at 10:30 PM