Father's Day

by Phil

My first father's day was fantastic. It was quiet. We didn't do anything large or showy. We just had a quiet day that involved family and (of course) food.

My mother-in-law happened to be in town helping us out because we're moving across the country this upcoming week. She was distracting our son so we could be productive and actually get something done.

I love my son but he's almost one. He's mobile, intensely curious and thinks discipline is really funny. It's a combination that isn't conducive to packing. My mother-in-law perfectly filled the role of playmate and it was a huge help.

Lately, my wife has been working some pretty insane hours. She's a research scientist, a biologist, and since it's a non-traditional job, that often means non-traditional hours. I sometimes joke about being a "science widow" or declare that "Science is a demanding mistress!" Often, that involves fist shaking.

Because she's been working a lot, I've been under more pressure than usual taking care of our son on my own. Add the stress of the upcoming cross-country move and I'm just about ready to crumble.

My mother-in-law being here came at just the right time.

But knowing all of this, my wife suggested that, if I wanted, I could take a chunk of the day on father's day and go do something on my own, to relax and have some downtime. I'm a giant movie buff and, as all parents know, time to go to the movies gets pretty scarce once the kid enters the picture. Movies were suggested.

It was a really sweet thought and I thanked her but I couldn't possibly take her up on that offer. What kind of father would I be if I ran out on my family on father's day for alone time? Nothing says "I love my kids" more than fleeing from them. Maybe in 5 or 10 years when we're all really tired of each other... but on my first ever father's day? I'm not a monster (although it would be pretty sweet to be C'thulu or even one of the Great Old Ones. People going insane just by looking at me? Yes, please!)

So instead the four of us (me, my wife, our son and my mother-in-law) just hung out. We went to an upscale burger joint here in Tucson called Zinburger. If you ever end up in Tucson, you should try it.

Notice the touch of yellow in his shirt that matches my undershirt?

Would it be too dorky to admit I did that on purpose?

I can hear 5 of our 8 readers out there wondering, "Aren't you a vegetarian, Phil?" Yes. I am because I am a stereotype. I am an illustrator/painter/whatever that uses a mac and drives a Prius. (I hope I didn't just drive our other 3 readers away...) Of course I'm a vegetarian. But they have a awesome veggie burger and their fries are amazing. No, they didn't pay for that advertisement. I just like them.

And while we didn't do anything that would make the masses gasp in wonder, we had a good time together. We just enjoyed each other's company. I had fun with my son. Father's Day was pretty cool and I'm glad I didn't spend it by myself in a dark theater, even if the suggestion was made with the best of intentions.