80

Well, technically Dad turned 80 a few weeks ago.

But, you know, I've been a little distracted and also, Dad lives in Las Vegas. The middle of August in Las Vegas? Even for someone who likes HOT, that's a bit too hot if I'm not on a boat or near a pool. It's just...hot. A wall of hot hits you when you exit a vehicle or the house.

But, 80 is a big deal and my Dad is my heart. I've been a daddy's girl since I can remember. 

I wanted to bring the girls, but this was also the trip in which I told my dad the entire, terrible story of the past 2 years. 

And that I was divorcing my husband.

So I could shatter this poor man's heart at the old age of 80. The last thing I want is for Dad to worry about me. I know he will anyway, because he's a good parent and always will worry. But this kind of worry? It's horrifying. My dad should be able to live out his golden years without worrying about his adult children.

Visiting Dad is always a good time - I mean, he and I LOVE TO EAT. We have a ton of memories eating together. Driving up to Toronto for a weekened. Eating and shopping. When I was in college, it was about halfway from our house in Rochester to Toronto, so Dad would swing by university and pick me up.

Las Vegas also has amazing food. And so many freaking options it's hard to choose.

First and foremost is Dim Sum.

I landed around 10:45am, couldn't find dad for way too fucking long at the airport, stopped at his house to drop stuff off and change. Went to Dim Sum and OMG you guys. It's so fucking good.

After stuffing myself, we headed back home for a nap. That's one thing about Dad. He's very low maintenance. Food, naps, coffee. 

After the nap, we went to get Boba Tea. Yes, we have some back at home, but it's not nearly as good. There are so many Boba Tea Cafes all over, so competition is tough.They have to have a good product. 

And it was everything I imagined. 

There are so many flavors and boba types (tapioca, popping, etc.) but I will always and forever go with the classic Black Milk Tea with tapioca bobas. I cannot even describe in words how good this was. 

Our brunch was super filling, and then my boba tea was also very filling. Dad didn't want to go out again for dinner, since we really didn't need to. We also had a ton of leftovers to get through. 

However. 

I don't live in an area in which I can order food and have it delivered to my front door. (Not yet, anyway!)

So I had to take advantage of the fact that Dad lives near everything. I mean, everything.

Thai?

Sushi?

Mediterranean? 

Chinese?

Korean?

Hawaiian?

I went with Hawaiian.

Absolutely delicious and very, very similar to Korean BBQ. I would say the only difference I could notice was the mac salad? I ordered fried calamari and kimchi as well. 10/10 would recommend. 

My body is still on east coast time and I woke up Saturday starving. I ate my Hawaiian leftovers and it was just as good - maybe even better - than the night before. 

Dad and I hung around during the day. I cleaned his kitchen. Took a nap. My brain has needed the rest. I can't believe how tired I am. I think these few days away with my Dad is good for my brain. I don't think I'm overthinking very much while I'm here. Just where I want to eat next! Ha! 

Dad loves a good burger and one tradition we started was getting In N Out burgers while I'm here. We don't have that back at home and it's a great burger chain if you ask me. I remember I flew in late one time and when we got back to Dad's house, he had a cheeseburger waiting for me and I CRUSHED that thing at like 1am. 

Dad's backyard - mountains in the distance

I had just taken a shower and my hair was wet. I went outside for like 5 minutes and it was dried.

Lunch on Sunday. Roasted duck and pork belly. 

The first few days with Dad have been filled with food, coffee and reassurance from him that I'll be OK. My dad is a man of very, very few words. But I know he loves me more than anything. I've always been his girl, ever since I was a little itty bitty kid. While my mom stayed with my sister in the hospital, I was back with my dad. 

Just being in his (quiet) presence is comforting.