Jewtianity - My Family, Holidays and the Year End Wrap Up

Despite our attempts to slow down the fast pace of time, it is the end of the year again, where we take stock of our trials and tribulations, hoping to make this next year better than the last. Here is my end of the year wrap up.

My youngest son is in the fourth grade now and has finally discovered the joy of reading. He is not quite into fine literature yet. Still reading on the Captain Underpants rung of the literary ladder however, beggars can't be choosers so we are happy. He continues to have lots of ideas and lots to say about all of them. I keep hoping an acting troupe will come by and snap him up, finally giving him an outlet for his antics, however no luck yet. One thing he did help with this year was naming a new religion. Now I know this seems like a huge task for a small child but I really think this works. He dubbed the new religion, "Jewtianity".

Jew-ti-an-ity: n. 1. The simultaneous practice of two similar religions within one family. These two religions must have differing Holiday schedules resulting in the diversification and possible religious confusion of young children.

As part of our practice of Jewtianity, we survived a Bar Mitzvah and are now officially the parent of a "Jewish adult". Since he is only 13 years old, this can get a little tricky. He has yet to move out and contributes little to his financial support. He does, however, expect us to allow him freedom in almost all decisions; treating both parents as if we have some sort of disability which results in us being highly illogical and very confused. On the positive side, there is one nice thing about adolescents. They can have philosophical discussions that are actually quite interesting. My teenager recently explained his understanding of learning disorders. He said everyone can learn anything, what differs is how long it takes. This is an interesting idea however; it has yet to be tested. One test might be: will my son ever learn to turn in his COMPLETED homework assignments? Hopefully some time before the END of college.

Both sons continue to have a fierce competition with each other about anything and everything. We have considered dividing the house down the middle and confining each to their own side but sacked the plan due to its complexity. We have few other ideas so we continue to wage peace in every manner possible knowing that eventually one of them will move out.

I continue to work at the newly renamed Family Enhancement Center, where we still strive to support families with information, advocacy and counseling. We continue despite the lack of adequate funds and enough governmental support. If you want to check it out go to http://www.familyenhancementcenter.org/ I have been coping with this frustration through a few diversions: trying to get back into some sort of fit physical shape and supporting Caribou Coffee with almost daily visits where I can sit and briefly dream of finer times ahead.

Hope you have fine times in the year ahead. Cheers!