The joys of being 11

The weather has turned cooler and rainier and, to be honest, I don’t mind at all. Ottawacker Jr. is out using his new-found freedom to leave the house by himself. He goes on numerous little expeditions – to the local mall, on buses, shopping for groceries, etc. – and is thriving because of it. He said to me that it makes him feel more mature. Those of you with kids will recognize the subtle messaging in the words. “It makes me feel more mature” = “I am more mature, now you can let me do what I want.” Next, he’ll be asking for more pocket money, a larger bedroom, and a subscription to Netflix. Ah! To be 11 again. Part of the joy I get from it is seeing what new photos appear on the phone. It’s like a secret insight into his life. So far it has been limited to planes, and trains.
 
Actually, I can’t remember when I was 11. It was around the time my parents split up, so much of the memory in there is repressed. I started a new school and, well, a new life, I suppose. I am so glad he is more mature, better balanced, and happier than I was at that miserable age. I am glad that particular cycle has been broken. I am less glad that he is so happy to be away from us, roaming the streets, plane spotting, train spotting, bus spotting… every time he goes out, I have a little knot in my chest, wondering where he is. Hopefully, that will get less with time. But, he is (allegedly) an independent human being. And as long as we still get the occasional smile…
 
To celebrate, or commiserate, or something, Mrs. Ottawacker took me to Costco, where we returned the mouldy naan bread she bought on Saturday. Or was it Friday. Either day, it was not a good day to be selling Mrs. Ottawacker mouldy naan bread, and the poor clerk who had to deal with the pursed lips and steely gaze provided a full refund, no questions asked. This, of course, is one of the benefits of Costco. (The refund, not the chance to buy mouldy naan bread.) Of course, she ruined it all by renewing her membership – so instead of getting a $7 refund, we went home many dollars more in debt. I was astounded to see people queuing to get out...