an ordinary Friday evening
Here we are again, Friday evening. Tomorrow, the alarm clock will only go off at 7:45, rather than 6:20. What a happy thought. I am pleased to say that the week passed without any hiccups, all went to plan. Except the planned dinner for tonight, the ingredients went in the freezer and we ordered pizza. Everyone is happy but the dog. He didn't get any pizza and is now lying in front of me, looking at me with a look that suggest he's just about to call Dogline - if only he had opposable thumbs.
I have been pondering life with teenagers. I feel a bit like a field anthropologist exploring hidden tribes in the jungle. You never quite know what to expect. Sam has been exceptionally good this week, maybe an after effect of 'the serious chat' last weekend. He took the compost to the compost bin when I asked him to, he was rather nice to James and Alistair and he even - ! - agreed to cook a vegetarian option of his Mexican dinner tomorrow. Annie's friend is vegetarian and staying with us. I am not looking forward to this dinner, Sam likes to deep fry and then cover all with cheese. Alas, he ate my Creole beans and rice dish without complaining and I shall eat his dinner with just as much grace. Before you mutter -goody two shoes- , this is the same young man that mentioned in passing that he had failed his maths prelim exam ( down from an A). And it is also the same boy that said 'really mummy, you don't need to worry, there is only one drug dealer at my school and he sells s**t stuff.' Well, that's good to know, I shall not bother then. Did I mention that he threw my black dress on the floor outside my bedroom because it accidentally ended up in his clean laundry pile? What can I say? I guess I should be pleased he gave it back (it is my only black dress).
It ain't boring, being the mother of a sixteen year old. I quite like observing Sam exploring young adult life. It is a bit like watching a scary movie actually, terrifying and yet ever so enjoyable. I want to know but I also don't want to know. I am trying to find a balance between being a friend and being a mother (as in person of authority). Some days I am more successful than others but it is a work in progress and we have a few more years to go. I expect Sam will make it through those teenage years unscathed and will turn out just like his dad. Fun, kind and thoughtful with that hint of stubbornness that is ever so attractive.
Wishing you a very enjoyable weekend. I am also sending love and thoughts to all my American friends. x
P.S. Just to clarify, we don't encourage the use of drugs. Of course we don't!
Thanks for your loving thoughts for us across the pond. So far I have been glued to watching on TV the ceremonial peaceful passing of power in our country...very grateful for the those with opposing views coming together in this process. Those few who have chosen to break the law with violent protest are being arrested. I am sending loving thoughts back to you as you continue in your interesting, challenging, and rewarding role parenting. Happy Weekend! xx
ReplyDeleteHi Christins - have been thinking of you today as husband has just been in Glasgow for the Celtic connections music event just like we did last year when met up. I couldn't go this year as I was working so he took his brother in law to see Laura Marling. He went to Gandolphi fish again as we did. Enjoyed that evening - we"ll have to do it again sometime. Teenage grumpiness here too so I sympathise. Doesn't sound too bad if he takes out the compost.
ReplyDeleteChristina it was a joy to visit and read about living with a teenager, it certainly brings back lots of memorable moments from the past. You will be able to laugh about all the goings on in years to come. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe quality entertainment here is watching the MOMS of my 16-year-old daughter's friends. Hoo boy, living vicariously through your children and causing mama drama over a school dance seems to be the new hobby. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt Sam will come through the teenage years and grow into a wonderful young man. He can't fail to with you as a Mum. My four make me so proud all the time
ReplyDeleteSam always sounds like such an amazing boy. I am a short three months into the teenage years. And I'm aware there are many more to come. Buckling myself in. Wishing you a good weekend as well. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteA mass of contradictions, that's the teen years. I don't remember my Mother ever being my friend, but I was a bit more of one with our daughter--- Times change.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a better way to deal with teenagers than to just watch it all unfold, forgive me, I know so little but I love hearing about other peoples! Jo x
ReplyDeleteHormones, blame it all on them. My boys were like that angels one minute and the devil the next. You will survive and somewhere around 22 they start really coming together again. Oops, did that scare you?
ReplyDeleteTeenagers as you say are a law unto themselves. You do just have to make the most of the good bits and grit your teeth during the bad. They look for chinks in your armour so we always tried to give a united stand on a subject. Somehow it seemed to work. Coming through the tunnel and emerging at the other end is wonderful. You will look back and laugh at events. In the meanwhile..good luck. Hope the weekend goes well :) B xx
ReplyDeleteOh my, your scary movie analogy made me laugh! My advice, which I realize you didn't ask for, is be their mother now and their friend later.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I can only imagine parenting a teen, I should think it terrifying!! Too many scary things to contemplate. Glad that it is mostly going well though, and I hope that the dinner was good!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteMy son is 13 and is been quite hard parenting him lately... he changed so much from the lovely boy to a full of hormones and explosive... some days are quite tuff. Hope both of us will survive :)
Dogs are so good at making out they have the hardest life! Sounds like parenting a teen is a rollercoaster - good luck :) x
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of Jack calling Dogline having been deprived of his rightful share of pizza! As far as the teenage parenting goes, all I can say is that it's tough for them making the transition to adulthood and it's tough for parents (especially mothers) in ways that can catch you on the hop making the necessary adjustment. Sometimes it's a roundabout I wish would just stop for a bit. Sigh... Have a good week, Christina! E x
ReplyDeleteThis just brought back memories ( The 16-yr-old Scary Movie thing ) of being in a car on the other side, while my 16 year old was learning to drive, and me on the passenger side clutching the handrest and braking my imaginary brake over there and sort of praying 'oh please God help me" :)
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile I've been visiting off and on and those paint by numbers that you have blew me away :) My grandfather, in his retirement, painted that same set of four.
Well we may be smugly out the other side with teenagers (hallelujah) but we have a dog who has the same drama school woe is me look!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the week.
Wren x
Big daughter is heading out of her teenage years now and so far it's been OK. We've had our moments and there may still be more to come, but it could all have been a lot worse. Another few years and I get to do it all over again with small daughter. Can't wait! xx
ReplyDeletemy kids are far far away from being teenagers nonetheless I enjoyed your observations immensely.
ReplyDeleteAnother fab post, especially the part about the dog's thumbs - made me laugh. Ahh, the teenage years feel a long way away for us, but I shall look forward to them with a mixture of delight and trepidation! xx
ReplyDeletePopped over from coastal ripples to visit. I have teenagers too - I grinned all the way through your post! Just wanted to encourage your running too, keep going, girl! :o). CT.
ReplyDeleteYes. Teenagers. Mine are 19, 16 and nearly 15. It's a challenge, but tremendously good fun, sometimes. I had to leave a comment on my trawl through the past. I have 6 months worth of life to catch up on in 2 hours. Bet I don't make it...
ReplyDelete