Think kids aren't paying attention? Nick is more in-tune at 14 than I was, for sure. As the end of election day drew to a close, Nick walked through the great room, glanced at the TV for all of one minute, and mumbled, "Next comes the lawyers," and continued upstairs. Wow, was he accurate.
There was an exposure to COVID at school, and Nick was required to get a test, which he cooperated admirably. We played dueling zippers while we waiting in the car, took over an hour to get through the test, despite having an appointment, which they didn't find, and were taking us as a drive-up.
He had an outstanding school report, from grades to teacher feedback, so no complaints. (That was before he bombed his exams, which he can't explain... he doesn't seem to study, he plays the averages and calculates what he can get away with.) That said, he mentioned in passing he had his scheduled changed for Q3 to get gym at the end of the day, so he can plan ahead, make inquiries, and adjust. That in itself was a bit surprising.
Nick got braces in November, which seemed like no big deal until he tried to eat, and the pain set in hard. It was slow chewing for about two weeks, but it's still an easier process than thirty years ago, they had him out of the office quick, few brackets, minimally invasive.
Brandi made an amazing dinner at Thanksgiving, as always, with more food than we could consume. Nick doesn't see to appreciate the meals, food is just always there for him, the mini-fridge is always stocked. But he understands value, his grandmother asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and he says, "How about $500?"
Photos are combined with December, to save time this month.
