And nerves of steel.
Okay, so the nerves didn’t come naturally. In fact, took about 7.5 years to really master those two wheels. (A pox on training wheels.)
Monthly Archives: April 2013
Crazy Hair Day
Today is “Crazy Hair Day” at L’s school. Done and done.
Spelling and Other Life Matters
L: “I think I aced my spelling test today.”
M: Why’s that?
L: “I studied really hard and I have a system.”
M: (He has a lot of systems). How’s it work?
L: “I use my brain like a computer. I scan the words and then store them in my memory. Then when I need to spell them, I see them in my mind and I just copy them down. Just like that.”
M: Wish I had that.
L: “Maybe if you practice a bit more…”
Cleanliness
L spent the latter half of his spring break solo with dad in a cabin. Here’s something that I think is basically true (with exceptions, of course). When the fellas are hanging out with other fellas, they ingest only cured meat products, their mouths clamp shut if faced with a vegetable or a fruit, and they forgo bathing at all costs.
I suppose a mother should expect such things. I can only hope we’ve averted scurvy.
To that, soapy, warm, clean L.
Spring Pause
Rock hopping, bike riding, hoops, skipping stones, hiking forests, banana slugs, and no four leaf clovers.
The biggest gift? Most of it was done solo.
L: I’m going to ride my bike to the park. See ya.
Spring break draws to a close.
Two Lips
Awkward or Dear?
L had a buddy hang out for a few days during his spring break. I had to leave early and drove his buddy home from our Spring Break casa. Hugs were exchanged by all.
L hugged his buddy and said, “I love you.”
Buddy: Hmmm… mmmkay.
L: “I, uh, love you like a brother. You know, I like/love you.”
Buddy: Yup.
L: “Or, you know, I think you’re great and thank you for coming.”
Buddy: Me, too.
PAUSE
L: “Awkward?”
Change Is Hard
Dad is transitioning to a new job. That and a hard drive failure (#@$##@!!), equals plenty of change (and silence).
L to Dad: “Why are you leaving your company?”
D: Because someone else thinks I’ll be great.
[SIDEBAR: This work move does not entail a physical move for L. It means Dad will work closer to home. Better commute. Better benefits. Exponentially better life.]
L: But what about your old company? What will they do?
D: They’ll be fine.
L: Dad, sometimes work isn’t about the money or fame or power. It’s about love and family and friends. Please don’t turn your back on them.
D: (silence)
L: Dad, do you understand the implications of what you’re doing?
D: Yes, I do. And sometimes when your teacher or your friend or your boss doesn’t think you’re doing a great job, you need to find another situation.
L: I hope you’re making a good decision.
D: I think I’m making a great decision. And I’ll keep everything you said in mind.
My Kid Wears A Gas Mask 