Investing in Our Future

I took my girls camping this weekend past and was so proud of them.  They helped to pack the car so it was all done in under an hour instead of the 2 plus it would take me.  When we arrived there was little discussion yet they chose not to go to the playground or wander off but to set up camp.  The tent, bedding, bags, etc. were all set up and organized - including the laying out of our pajamas by my youngest and the mattresses inflated by my eldest - in an hour.  I've also jaded them to the point where they point out and make fun of the lady campers in white clothing and wedge shoes applying makeup in the washrooms.  And the kids not getting exercise riding their motorized scooters and children's electric cars.  My girls are awesome!

I Never Figured

I have gone on most of my girls field trips.  When my eldest was in grade two we went to the Maritime museum of the Atlantic.  I felt I was a disappointment to my daughter when I didn’t have any money to buy our group treats. Other parents had brought chips or candy to share and one parent bought candy sticks for their group from the gift store.  Two years later with the younger child, I brought money and bought shark tooth necklaces.  This year I buy salt water taffy and hematite rings.I wasn't prepared for the ten minute lecture about how I was embarassing because it looked like I was trying to buy favour.  And I was wasting money.  My how times have changed.

New Friend

Well after 2 years and 9 months of separation, my ex has had a couple of new friends (that my girls know of). They have commented that it is awkward to walk into the living room and find dad and his "new friend" cuddling. I wonder how much should be explained to our 9 and 11 year old girls. I know the youngest says the new friend is my twin, fun and friendly, and she has envisioned a future with a two story house instead of the log home if daddy were to re-marry. Mind you, I asked her what she would think if I had a new friend and the first thing she said was, "I don't want you to get engaged." I don't think she has any worries. I'm in no rush to do that again. Been there. Done that. I asked her what my new friend should be like. Her forth-right response was this: he must love animals and wild children, be a little fat like you, like camping, and not be too old (in his 50's) not too young (in his 30's).