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.

Growing Up

It’s just before Christmas and Daddy is serving Julia breakfast before school.  Daddy insists that they watch morning news shows and not cartoons.  On this particular show, the woman who plays Cinderella on Broadway is about to sing and the host asks if she is wearing glass slippers.  To the surprise of the host, the actress enthusiastically lifts her skirt to reveal glass slippers…

Julia:  (disgustedly)  Those are probably plastic.

Daddy:  Wow!  I think that’s the first time that I’ve ever heard you say something cynical! 

Julia:  What does “cynical” mean?

Daddy:  Sigh.  It means that you’re growing up.

Julia and Daddy wish you a Happy New Year!