A couple of weeks ago, when Angus was doing his work experience in London, a very rare event occurred. He sent me a text. Now, his phone didn't need topping up and I hadn't sent him one, followed by several others demanding a reply, so I knew that this was significant.
I wasn't wrong. That text simply contained the five words that I have most been dreading from him, and they were "can I have a party?" I didn't respond (a taste of his own medicine) while I planned a way of getting out of agreeing to his request.
Since the GCSEs have been over it has just been a round of one party after another for him, so I kind of knew that this was probably on the cards, and when I discussed it with Graham he said 'well, we've got to say yes haven't we?' So (reluctantly) I did.
Saturday was the day of the party, there were about twenty 16 year olds coming and due to a bit of a planning mix-up on both of our parts Graham, Sam and our 28 year old nephew all went to the T20 cricket finals at Edgebaston and I went to the supermarket to stock up on weak cider, pizzas and bread.
Now, lots of my 365 'aquaintances' are at a similar stage of the parenting game to myself, or have already passed through these years and have come out wiser and relatively unscathed on the other side. I frequently take comfort, solace and advice from our many shared tales of teen-raising joys, trials and tribulations (not necessarily in that order.)
I would like on this occasion to offer my own bit of advice should the 'P' word ever raise its ugly, stressful, messy, smelly, mildly destructive head. And that is 'just say no.' And if any further convincing is needed, suffice is to say that Angus actually agrees with me! Now that's something that doesn't happen very often.
HAHAHA what a great commentary..I shall try and remember this when my 9 year old or my 7 year old gets to the party stage...gawd...dreading it already!
OH dear Jan poor you I am dreading it myself my youngest is turning 18 in Oct and has already mentioned the P word.My eldest didnt want want thankfully.I am thinking maybe hiring a hall with a 11pm deadline on it rather than risking my house! who'd be a parent? you're damned if you do and damned if you dont either way its gonna hurt either the wallet or your house!!
Lovely shot.
There are years of my life that I do not wish to repeat and you have hit them. My theory is that at a certain point your dear children are no longer human. I won't even tell you my "Party" story or you may never leave the house again! But I am also here to reassure you that they do grow up to become really awesome people that make it worth every nasty minute.
Great shot and I still remember the angst I had from my children when they were teenagers! Coming home to find them almost unconscious from all the booze their friends brought in was no joke! Glad they now understand why I was so worried as they now have teenagers of their own!
Oh how funny Jan though I expect it wasn't a the time!!! Just think things could have been lots worse..you could have been invaded by outsiders alerted by FB or he might not have asked & waited until you were out of range...do you stay in for these evenings or do you hover on the edges...a mine field I never had to endure ...they didn't have parties when my kids were that age!!
They have them now though but that's OK they have to clear their own mess up!! Lovely echinacea....which is used for colds & fighting germs I believe.
Love your commentary. Brings back memories - and not all of them bad!
Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt, and arrived at the other side relatively unscathed!
Awesome detail and focus on your lovely macro shot.
@cdonohoue Thank you Cathy. I think I will start repeating the last part of your comment as a sort of mantra when things are particularly 'teenagey' around here.
Can't believe you fell for the 'can I have a party' - code for 'we have trashed everyone else's home and drunk it dry, now it's your turn!' can't wait for term to start so we can stop being a hotel/food stop for the ever increasing crowd!! Lovely shot btw.
Haha....love the story...yet you survived...I assume the house is still standing....and you may have stories to tell at his wedding....! :)
Beautiful shot...love the close up and details.
@quietpurplehaze ......... not listening.............
There are years of my life that I do not wish to repeat and you have hit them. My theory is that at a certain point your dear children are no longer human. I won't even tell you my "Party" story or you may never leave the house again! But I am also here to reassure you that they do grow up to become really awesome people that make it worth every nasty minute.
They have them now though but that's OK they have to clear their own mess up!! Lovely echinacea....which is used for colds & fighting germs I believe.
Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt, and arrived at the other side relatively unscathed!
Awesome detail and focus on your lovely macro shot.
Beautiful shot...love the close up and details.