A couple of weeks ago my precious one was accepted to a summer program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to do some training for something or other. This program is highly coveted by teenagers and their parents. Parents bring their children to Monterey from Stockton and Sacramento to participate in these programs. It is that popular. And for those who don't know, Monterey Bay aquarium is one of the most incredible places for learning activities related to ocean conservation and marine life, so I feel pretty lucky that my daughter got in.
So here are some highlights from the exchanges I had with her today when I came home after work:
Me: So how was it? What did you do at the aquarium?
teenage girl: Stuff.
Me: What kind of stuff? can you give me an example?
teenage girl: I donno. We learn things.
Me: Like what?
teenage girl: All kinds.
Me going to the kitchen to unload groceries. Teenage girl is hooked up to her Imac laptop. She's eating a piece of Challa bread she sliced for herself. I consider this a big achievement. She doesn't slice bread on her own in my presence.
Me: So you don't want to tell me?
teenage girl: Nope.
Me: Will I ever find out?
teenage girl: On the last day.
Me: When is the last day? I didn't get any emails about it, how would I know when it is?
teenage girl: I donno.
Me taking trash downstairs. Back upstairs.
Me: Are you really going to the aquarium after I leave? I think maybe I should follow you in the morning and see if that's where you're really going. For all I know you might be selling your body when I am not around.
teenage girl: Yes, Ima, that's what I really like to do in my free time. (Notice that this prompt got the longest verbal reaction from her, which I consider a success!)
We go downstairs to the car. We get in the car. I turn the key in the ignition. I'm taking her to drumming class.
Me: I don't love you anymore.
teenage girl: I don't love you.
Me: Yes, you do. You don't have a choice. You're wired to love me.
teenage girl: You don't have a choice, either.
Me: Yeah, you're right.
Teenage girl: So why you say it?
Me: To scare you.
Teenage girl gets out of car and goes to class, totally unfazed.
Ah, the joy...
