My daughter Julia came to live with me two years ago for school. It isn't easy for me to raise someone who is practically my nine-year-old clone, but that is exactly what I find I am doing with Julia. Through our judo and soccer practices, reading, writing and arithmetic, Girl Scouts, and Japanese language classes, we occasionally have a conversation that connects us both in a sometimes deep and usually humorous way. Hopefully, you will be as entertained as we are.

A Penny Saved

Daddy has instituted a system of allowance. While in elementary school, Julia is allowed $1 for each grade per week. She now receives $4 per week… and can’t wait to spend it at every opportunity. During the Japanese Festival, she saved $12 (with help from Daddy) and used it for items at the festival. Rather than save her last $2, she felt it necessary (with Daddy’s expressed concern) to buy a $2 package of cocktail umbrellas. Daddy and Julia are watching the taiko drumming performance, and Daddy goes to a stand to buy soda and peanut M&Ms…

Julia: (speaking to the cashier) I want a Dr. Pepper and, ummmm…

Daddy: Woah! Wait a minute. Do you have any allowance left for that? 

Julia: Well… you’re getting something.

Daddy: Yea, but I have allowance money; see? Where’s your allowance money?

(pause)

Daddy: Would you like to play with your umbrellas?

Julia: Sigh. What do I get to drink? I’m thirsty!

Daddy: The water fountain is right over there.

Julia: Sigh.