My daughter Julia came to live with me two years ago for school. It isn't easy for me to raise someone who is practically my nine-year-old clone, but that is exactly what I find I am doing with Julia. Through our judo and soccer practices, reading, writing and arithmetic, Girl Scouts, and Japanese language classes, we occasionally have a conversation that connects us both in a sometimes deep and usually humorous way. Hopefully, you will be as entertained as we are.

That’s Not Cool

Julia likes impromptu contests. One that she has recently enjoyed is a race home from school. Whoever steps on the driveway first, wins…

Julia: If I make it home first, I’m the fastest, OK?

Daddy: You mean you’re the quickest if you get home first? 

Julia: No, fastest. Nobody says “quickest.”

Daddy: I say “quickest.”

Julia: Nobody “cool” says “quickest.”

Daddy: Well, I do.

Julia: Well, what do you think that means?

Daddy:  Sigh.