Fun with my tween son...

Reluctantly I agreed that I would pick up my high school daughter from a picnic at 9'ish pm tonight.  I work about 45 minutes from home and have early meetings tomorrow, so I was a bit crabby about it.

Anyway, at about 8:30 my son and I were feeling kinda bored so we decided on DQ.  From there, we drove to the park DD was at, parked in a place with full view of her and her friends.  We sat in the car enjoying our DQ until 9pm at which time we started texting her.

Needless to say we were feeling goofy, silly, etc.  So from her perspective, I think we annoyed her.  It only took her 15minutes, including a countdown and a threat to pull right up to the group with her brother hanging out the sunroof hollering her name.  She decided it would be less embarrassing to come to the car.

My goal accomplished - home before 9:30 and lots of giggles with son.  Maybe I won't always be asked for the late shift of carpooling next time?  Nah.

Talking with a teen...

I just began reading the book Tuscan Holiday by Holly Chamberlin

The quote for today that really struck me as accurate is:

"I swear, sometimes talking to one's child is like negotiating a minefield.  You didn't ask to be in the middle of a minefield, you have no idea how you got there, and all you want to do is survive said minefield with your limbs intact."

The mom character in the book asked a seemingly innocent question on where her daughter got something and instead of a simple answer, received many defensive non-answers.  The mom simply had wanted to know where she had found the item.  I find this type of conversation occurring more and more frequently in my house.  Is there something I am doing to cause this defensiveness or is it just a teenage stage?

Two Things...

So, just for today I need the answer's to two things:

1. Why do you children think that their life is full of so much more work and hardship than their parents and that the parents are lazy and taking advantage of them?  (Especially during the summer and longer school vacations.)
2. How in the world do you explain to teenagers that a work day/week + commute can be exhausting and that taxiing them everywhere is not restful - it too is work? And that as the person bringing in the money they so willingly spend, if I want to relax, I am going to and do it however I see fit.

Midsummer Melancholy

The summer is 1/2 over.  Kids leave for a week at Trout Lake/Timber Ridge camp tomorrow.  Work is frustrating and slow.  The to-do list around the house is huge (needs a 'spring' cleaning).  The emergency fund is not growing.  The van needed all new tires (kinda scary story).  Big costs upcoming: 2 week vacation, dog kennel/training, replace dishwasher, have to do something with our couches, deck still needs staining, parts our outside house need painting, driveway sinking.  The list above does not even take into account all the things the Realtor said would need to be updated.

So here I am.  I had a fun morning watching one niece play soccer (they won) and the other make the cutest faces.  Lunch out.  I have basically been sitting in a slump since then.  I have about 7 knit projects started, none really interest me.  I have read 70 books so far this year and that is alot cuz my goal for 2010 is 100.  Sudoku has been in my lap occasionally.

Maybe I need a hair style change?

I cannot believe it is July 1...

Well, I am in total shock today because my summer is 1/2 gone and I haven't even been swimming in the lake!  Hopefully this weekend will be nice & warm.

Updates:  G has completed his summer academy course in Architecture.  The house he designed was pretty cool - but way out of my price range ($850,000).  Marissa has NOT slept through the day two days in a row.  I know you would think jet lag, but the time difference was only 1 hour.  I am still praying and searching for "what's next?".  Pat is working, golfing, meeting and is generally busy.  The dog's need some training and Rosie's ears are still a mess.

Our vacation plans are coming together.  I can't believe I get to be gone from work for 2 whole weeks!