My son is in his early teens and it has been a challenge much like every other stage in his growth. No more infant sleepless nights, no more toddler tantrums or potty training or tween rage, but now this. Now he’s at an age where he’s starting to be more mature but yet he’s still a kid mostly. I miss the cute little kid he used to be but am enjoying this new young man. Now, we can talk about so many things. He knows what’s going on in the world and is more aware of people’s feelings too. We can watch more than just cartoons together and bond over our love for superheroes. He can help his little brother with homework or stick up for him at school. He can open a tight jar for me and reach the higher shelves. I watch him hang out with his buddies as they joke around and roast each other. He’s happy and it makes me smile.
There are times it isn’t so much fun or as easy to connect too. He still just wants fun and is not happy about chores and responsibilities. He gets angry and irrational and we have big arguments. He fights with his brother and wants everything his way. He’s also at an age where school is getting harder and more stressful and social interactions are more complex. I don’t always know what is going on in his head.
I keep trying though… not to be his friend, but a parent he can talk to and learn from. He still needs structure and guidance and most of all love. Some days that is not easy at all and I get worried that I’m losing the closeness we’ve always had. Other days, he cuddles with me on the sofa and shares stories of school or jokes from social media. It’s not always easy to get a boy to talk and share and even harder with a teen but I keep trying. I guess trying and being available is key. I’ve also realized that I need to show interest in the things he likes. Sharing fun activities with him leads to conversation or just good memories. I’m not athletic at all but I still go shoot hoops or play ping-pong for this reason. He teases me for my skills but still keeps asking me to play so I guess it’s a good sign. One day I will master the art of raising a teen boy and when that day comes…he will have moved on to young adulthood!
Those who know me know that I get very excited about Oscar night every year since I’m a huge movie buff. Last night’s event had me glued to the television as well and here are my thoughts. First, I may as well talk about the biggest shocker…the award mix-up. Moonlight won the Best picture award but Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway announced La La Land as the winner instead. Sadly, a few speeches were given before it was corrected and then the Moonlight group was brought on stage to accept. Everyone handled it pretty well considering this is not something that has happened before. People were looking for answers and had things to say about the presenters. However, it seems that PWC who handles the award tallying, keeps two sets of cards for each category and the presenters received a card for Emma Stone who won Best actress for La La Land. Beatty did look confused but then Dunaway saw the movie name and just announced it. Oh well…it all worked out and I think Moonlight deserved it. I enjoyed La La Land and haven’t yet seen Moonlight but from what I’ve seen and heard, it seems like Moonlight was a more powerful movie.
I’ve been asked why I haven’t blogged in so long…well, my brain is clogged by this election. It’s been so stressful and contentious and it has been hard not to be distracted by all that. I mean I carry on with life and the things I need to do for family, home and work. However, my blog is an outlet for my thoughts and interests. It’s a random conversation about whatever happens to be going on in my mind.
Why is that when you’re feeling down, things often seem to get worse. I’ve been there before and also heard from many friends when they seem to be having a spree of really bad luck. Lately, I started to notice a pattern to all this misery. When you’re exhausted, or depressed, or in pain, you are prone to make more mistakes, get hurt or react badly. It’s the worst time for more grief since you’re already feeling bad, but that’s when things tend to spiral downward.
Whether good or bad, change can be very challenging to handle for many people. I happen to be one of those many. This year my family has gone through so many changes and though some of these changes were blessings, it still caused stress. There is something to be said for stability. Though it might eventually cause people to feel stuck or bored, before that point it makes you feel secure and comfortable.
reenasramble 