Today is Father’s Day!

(yes, the photo is my dad and me with his airplane)

I’ve always been a bit of a daddy’s girl. I am more like my father then mom…. a bit of a geek, loves technical things, loves reading, museums and fixing stuff. (I hate shopping!) Growing up, I always wanted to hang out with my Dad in his shop in the garage, in his office near his desk while he worked on paperwork or watching him while he fixed the sprinklers. There are things that my father taught me, not though lecturing but simply being who he is. These are life lessons I have carried forward on in my personal and professional life.

1. Read and learn

Although we laughed at him at the time, whenever we traveled, my father always wanted to visit a museum or bookstore. When we went, there was a 99% chance we would loose him. The history channel was his football game. During my childhood, he would talk to me about history and politics. He would educate me about the world around me. In result, I developed a high need for knowledge and learning. For my father it was World War II, for me it’s new software and coding. Because of my father, the love of learning will always be with me.

2. Never Give Up

I was adopted from Thailand in 1975. During the time it was difficult to adopt children from that region. My parents had to fly to Thailand several times but it was my father’s determination that finally made it possible. He showed me that if you believe in something and want something bad enough, do what it takes to make it happen! I believe  I can own a successful business that provides what I need for me and my family. Although it may feel like I’m always working and spending many late nights to ensure my business grows, the spirit of my father’s determination encourages me to press forward.

3. Always make peace

My father has always been the person who tries to bridge the gap. He is our family peace maker. I know in his heart he wants to just make everyone happy. Yet, I’ve learned being happy starts with yourself. Regardless, he has shown me is that having peace in your life is important.

4. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty

My father was always working on his projects and I have distinct memories of being apart of his hobbies. I remember helping him refurbish his planes and cars… and loving every moment of it. His tool shop is filed with all sorts of gadgets that I could ask questions or wonder what they were for. Sometimes they would be more fun then toys! For people like him (and me) his “shop” is like being a kid in a candy store. In result, one of my favorite hobbies is to be a “do-it-yourself-er” around the house. I installed my own irrigation, fix my own plumbing issues and fight with my pool every day. The dirty work doesn’t scare me!

5. Find something you love and do it well

Son of a Pan Am pilot, my father always knew what he wanted out of his life. I remember when I was 18, not sure about what I wanted, asking him the question “Dad, didn’t you ever not know what you wanted to become?”. I was shocked when he said no.

I didn’t understand at the time, but my dad is a rare breed. Most people in their lives choose a career out of default. I’ve talked to too many people who work but truly don’t enjoy what they do for a living. Too many people go to work and feel like they are stuck. Yet, my father has made a successful living from something he loves. Airplanes! They are his passion and obsession.

The biggest and most important lesson he taught me is to find something in your life you enjoy and make a living from it. I love the technicality of web design and being apart of something bigger than myself. Although frustrating at times, I still get a kick out of seeing designs created just from code. Moreover, I get great satisfaction from knowing the services I offer  directly impact my clients. If its to lighten their load, or design a website to generate more business. I am proud to be apart of their business growth and it makes me happy know I’m apart of their success.

Dad,

I wish you a happy and wonderful father’s day this year. Being who you are has been the greatest gift to me. Much love to you.

Your daughter,

Kimberly at greenseedwebdesign.com