There are a lot of things I will never quite get over: that racism and sexism are still things in the 21st century, strangers who want to control my uterus and sex life, how people cannot like sweets, veganism (there, I said it), why Chris’s parents are always so freaking happy, and how awkward my dad can be.

Here’s a snapshot of today’s phone conversation:

Dad: So, what’d you do over the weekend?

Me: I had a birthday hot pot dinner in Elmhurst with a bunch of my friends. We ordered a cake and celebrated there.

Dad: Oh, okay. Well, that sounds like fun. Wait, whose birthday is it?

Me: Umm…. it was mine. For my birthday. Daddy, don’t you remember it’s my birthday tomorrow?!

Dad: Well, yeah, I do remember. But why did you celebrate on Saturday instead of Tuesday?

Me: Because not everyone is available on a work night to celebrate and stay out late!

Dad: Oh… I didn’t realize that. Okay.

Dad will never quite get it. Sometimes, it’s cute and amusing. Other times, it’s just flat out exasperating.