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.

Get Some Fruit

Julia does homework at four o’clock.  Apparently, come the time for homework, she’s really hungry…

Julia:  Daddy, may I have dinner?  I’m reeeally hungry!

Daddy:  Um, it’s now time for homework.  Why didn’t you get a snack after school?

Julia:  I don’t know, but I’m reeeally hungry - now!

Daddy:  Well, go get a piece of fruit, eat it quickly, and get started on your homework.

(pause)

Julia:  Sigh.  I’ll just wait.

Daddy:  O.K.  Go do your homework.