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.
Ha Birthday
Daddy and Julia are at the grocery store shopping. Julia’s birthday is in a week and she finds a cute set of thirteen candles that spell “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.”
Julia: Daddy, may I get these for my birthday cake?
Daddy: Sure. (pause) However, there are thirteen candles and you’ll only be ten. What do you plan to spell: “Ha Birthday” or “Happy Birth?”
Julia: What do you mean?
Daddy: You are only allowed to use ten candles. What do you plan to spell: “Ha Birthday” or “Happy Birth?” You aren’t old enough to spell “Happy Birthday.”
Julia: Are you joking?
