So today is my 49th birthday and I'm OK with that. The day was going really really well - my kids called me, my FB friends left wall messages, my personal friends called or texted - it was all good until .... my dad called.

Really Dad ?!? 88 minutes and 11 seconds ! We just spoke 2 days ago, why did you find it necessary to keep me on the phone for 88 minutes and 11 seconds.

Why did you find it necessary to send me a religious medal that represents a guardian angel (which I actually thought was quite sweet- until ... you said the angel was supposed to guide me back to church.

Why did you find it necessary to talk about the past when I was little? We remember it so differently. I remember you as an angry, abusive father (and husband). If you don't want to talk about these things, why do you bring it up on the phone?

Why do you ask me questions about my brother (who HATES you and does not talk to you or my mom) then not want to hear the answers?

Why ? Because you are a sad and angry and lonely old man and I am one of the only people on the face of the earth who will talk to you.

OK so for MY birthday I gave you 88 minutes and 11 seconds. and you've given me another reason to dislike spending time with you.

Now I've blogged (and had a glass of wine) and had a chance to vent, so ... it's done and over - those 88 minutes and 11 seconds are gone and it's time to move on and spend what's left of my birthday with my amazingly wonderful husband.

In the words of Hoops & YoYo .... Bow Bow Chicky Bow Bow