The riddle.

"I guess we're big and I guess we're small

If you think about it man you know we got it all

Cause we're all we got on this bouncing ball

And I love you free

I love you freely."

Looking back, it's always fun to think about where I have been, and hopefully where I am going. One is much more accurate than the other—yet, one is more intriguing. I suspect you can guess which is which. If not, re-read the first line!

Every day when I get home, I ask, "So how was school?" Not that I expect much of a response, but every so often I do receive one beyond…"It was okay." To get beyond this basic non-response, you have to do a little pushing. I have found "nothing new" ever happens in school, so don't even bother on that one; I have, however, threatened to call their teachers and ask why nothing is happening in the classroom? They don't think I am very funny.

However, now the conversations are getting more interesting and scary; suddenly boys have entered the picture. Not my youngest, to her they're still "pretty gross," but for our second youngest, "there is a lot of interest." I hear a name and ask, "So do you like him?" I receive, "No Dad,are you kidding?" Of course this really means, "yes I do or at least maybe."

Liking someone is a big deal; as we mature, and learn from the cool kids that having members of the opposite sex pay attention to you, is what starts the process. A process I think is too young—but then again, I suspect I was just as interested all those years ago. (Very confused by it all—but still interested.)

The other day there was a "meeting" at a local playground. Now, keep in mind, they do NOT like these boys. Not at all. It was an April Fool's joke to make one of these naive fools think that they actually liked him—as well as another friend who was there too. I dropped both my daughter and a friend off, and picked them up an hour later—they certainly can't drive; the innocence brought back those wonderful memories of complete awkwardness.

When I came back to pick them up, the girls were sitting on the swings with their legs twirling, and the boys sat on their bikes making every attempt to be cool.  They didn't see me at first; it was very obvious they really didn't "want to be there," especially if laughter, running around, hair twirling and every cue were any indication.

As we drove home, the two girls spoke very quietly in the back seat. A giggle here, a few muttered words there. My question broke the silence. I said, "So, how was the April Fool's joke, did it go over well?" Of course it did—-I learned---and they really do not like either one of the boys! 

The photo above was taken by the "bean" in downtown Chicago. My daughter is very involved in gymnastics, as is her best friend. Together they hang out as much as they can—certainly not a problem, unless you are the two boys at the park. Because neither one of the girls likes them!

Thanks for stopping by.