I know Why Lions Eat Their Young

I know why some lions eat their young. I think that is the quote. I sure know that is the sentiment I am after. Oh, lord.

Being sixteen. Does that mean it is acceptable to be a real creep to your mom? Does it mean putting off chores for hours and hours and hours, I think, in the hopes that I will just lose my resolve and let her leave without getting her stuff done? We are at a stalemate. I am not backing down. Poor dad.

It's all about vacuuming. But, it's more than that. It's being stubborn or something. Petulant? Is that what I want to say? It's something and I am not backing down.

When I was her age....

It is 5:45 and she has had since 11 a.m. to get her stuff done. No allowance. No rides to friends, nothing, until it gets done. I am not backing down.

I've even tried to reframe things in a positive way. Instead of, 'you better get this done or I won't take you anywhere', I've said, 'As soon as you get your stuff done, I can get you to your friend's house!' said in a chipper tone.

I still don't hear a vacuum howling. The air is tense in the house.

Dad has had alot to contend with. Thanks to a group of doctors he was seeing, not taking the time to check with one another to check on medications and dosages, his kidneys were beginning to fail. He was in the hospital for 4 days. We were all worried. He has since fired all of his doctors and now has local doctors and about 1/3 of the medication. But, he's weak. He's still in his robe. He gets winded going to the car. He eats jello. He east soup. He watched alot of 'Law and Order'. I am worried.

Next weekend is the retreat. I am working on my 4th volume of a CD of music that I give to each participant. I am working on various ideas for doing good things for oneself. I have two class presentations to complete before Thursday. I have mountains of laundry to wash, fold and put away. I have a roast to make. And, I am blogging.

I am not backing down. Still, not vacuum. She didn't get into Jams this semester and the change in her is drastic. More mouthiness. Less respect. I pray to god she gets back in in the spring. I can't believe the difference.

There is something about having to earn a paycheck and work with others and having responsibilities that help to build a person's self esteem.

Boy, I hope I hear that vacuum!