Dumb question

How is it that when we become parents of teenagers, we all of a sudden can no longer communicate like normal people? Case in point...today, Trenton was over at a friend's house in the neighborhood. He called to say that another friend had invited him to come over and swim. I told him that would be alright, but as soon as I hung up the phone, I was asked by my wife if he was coming home to change into his swim trunks. I had admittedly forgotten to ask that question and since he is not currently in possession of a cell phone (which is a COMPLETELY different blog topic) I was unable to call him back.

About an hour later he called to check in. Gena answered the phone and apparently her mind went into one of those ignorant parent-of-a-teenager modes because she asked the boy, "Trenton, what are you swimming in?" Okay, I must admit I had no odd thoughts about this question and considered it a valid one. The child on the other end of the line, however, simply commented, "Ummm...a pool." Drat, he got us again!

Did I really sign up for this?

It has been a while since I posted. Some readers may erroneously think that I have been out enjoying the summer months since I do not have to go to work. However, I have actually taught summer school for two-and-a-half weeks and sat at my computer typing furiously. You see, my comprehensive exams are coming up in a couple of weeks and I have been trying to get materials together so that I CAN study. I believe I am to that point now, and the real fun begins. I didn't know how stressful of a time these major exams can be. I only hope that I forget about these before my doctoral prelims roll around.

Tomorrow I also start my last Master's class. I really like the professor and am not worried about the class at all. It will be a nice break to keep my mind off my studying. However, the professor has already e-mailed asking me to go ahead and do the doctoral level work for the class since I am already accepted into the program. According to her it will help her out with how she wants to manage the class and the assignments. Man, what do you say to that except, "Yes, ma'm...anything to make your life easier." I have discovered that grad school is simply about that, making professors' lives better by doing as much grunt work as possible so they are free to enjoy their summers. All I can say is, my day is coming :-)