Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Attila, my daughter

For those of you with burning questions concerning the profundities of life, just give our house a call.

Our fourteen-year-old has all the answers.

And if she doesn't (GASP!), you'll be sure to get a "PSSHT, whatever," which I interpret as meaning "If I don't know it, it ain't worth knowing."

She's a spit fire, this girl, but quite entertaining. She will fight tooth and nail insisting she is right. No backing down. She'll take you to the mat over the most insignificant things.

The other night it was about which couple was getting voted off The Biggest Loser.

"Why are we wasting time on this? We all know who's going home," she hollered, impatient with her parents' use of the television.

We like to think we're teaching her patience and humility, so we egg her on a bit.

"What if you're wrong?" my husband asked.

"I'm not. The yellow team is going home. I know it. Any intelligent person can see that. We can quit now."

"Let's just see."

"PSSHT. You people." Her arms went flying into the air. "You can't admit I'm right."

"What if you're not?"

"I will be. You'll see."

Except she was wasn't. When the last vote was given, the yellow team was there to stay.

"HA!" We all pointed at her and yelled, "HA! Admit it. You were wrong!" (Don't ya just love our merciful spirits?)

"PSSHT, whatever. Obviously those people are idiots. . ." and she went on and on and on.

We looked on in amusement, saying absolutely nothing, spellbound by her ability to spin reality, until she finally stopped and said, "Why are you looking at me like I'm a wild animal or something?"

My husband and I exchanged glances and smirks, but exercised an astounding amount of self-control and resisted every urge to speak. Does she really not see she digs her own grave on these things?

Then there was the time last week she was ranting and raving about. . .I can't even remember what, except we were surely all morons and only she knew the correct answer on any and every subject. Anyone who offered a different opinion was immediately and utterly vilified.

Her older brother, used to her dramatic manner, knew only the right words would shut her up. He very calmly and cooly looked at her and said, "If our family was a reality show, I'm pretty sure everyone would hate you."

Even she couldn't help but laugh, although she tried to turn her head so we wouldn't see.

Her dad actually bailed her out that time saying, "Yeah, but she'd be the reason people would watch."

It's true. We all push the right buttons to see the tiger come out. And occasionally this spunk is exactly what her parents ordered, like the time a boy came up behind her at school, wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up. She didn't even look to see who it was before she turned around and slapped him across the face. That's my girl!



Sometimes these tumultuous teen years are so aggravating. There are many days I spend a lot of time sighing and/or growling, but how can I not be thankful for a daughter who won't take no guff off of nobody? Besides, I can see through her tough exterior. Inside there's an amazingly perceptive young woman who is a devoted friend and generous big sister. Though she doesn't vocalize it, I see within her a commitment to honesty and doing what is right. Her tenacity keeps her on the right path and for that I am truly thankful.

I love you, babe. You make me smile.


For more thankful Thursday posts, visit Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

13 comments:

Ginger said...

That's hilarious! I was laughing so hard I had to read it aloud to my husband. God bless you and your teenager. Long may she be a feisty woman!

Nise' said...

I don't miss those days with my daughter, and know I will hear "how did you ever survive me" from her when she has her own daughter. I said it to my mom! Gotta love 'em.

Living Beyond said...

Love it! What a great post I love how you can write things down so eloquently!! BTW congrats on the coffee - you really deserved it - you post was amazingly creative and right on the mark!!

Have a great BIG Thursday
Shelley

Brenda said...

I can just hear and picture her whole conversation! : ) Very funny. The "Knowing it all" has ebbed and flowed with my girls through different stages. One is 22 and one is 19. We ar waiting for it to end. I'll let you know when it happens : )

Denise said...

You make me laugh! The energy in your house is so great! I love the way you write. I can picture you and your family so vividly sharing this moment in time. Thanks for the humor today!

Rachelle said...

I love that girl too! Great story. I wish your family was a reality show......I'd watch!

Denise said...

Bless you dear one.

Vicki said...

She makes me smile, too, Tami. This whole post took me back to the days when I was wrestling (emotionally, anyway) with my three. Those teen years can be so frustrating. But it's good when we can see them as the adults they're fast becoming. Your daughter is a hoot! Thanks for a great piece of writing, too. I always leave here wishing I could write a bit more like you:-)

blessings,
Vicki

Aunt Angie said...

And we have a winner! Your post Tami---is so---so---what I needed tonight! Reminded me much of our girls at home! Yes, I have one of those---she has made an incredible Mommy. She is my baby girl---but she learned how to defend herself from her older sister picking on her all the time...and I quite remember her giving just a bit too much sass to a teacher who, incidently was a "friend to her"....after her paddling---then being sent to the office for asking the teacher/friend "is that all you got?"---then her second paddling....she was apologeticly cool. She and the teacher remain friends. She does not sass adults.
I loved your post!

SandyCarlson said...

Tami, That's great that you and your husband have a self-confident girl. May she always know this strength! I hope she prints this post and keeps it forever.

(Thanks for stopping back again. I've enjoyed your input very much. God bless.)

Unknown said...

The Teen years. I have six months until my daughter is 13. I. AM. Scared.

Fun post.

Christine said...

I love this post. What a wonderful, feisty young woman!

Lysa TerKeurst said...

Oh girl, girl, girl. I feel your pain! I have 5 kids- 4 teens and one 9 year old who acts 13. I want to get them matching uncool t-shirts that say, "I save the drama for my mama."

I could torture them and make them wear them all at the same time.

And then we'd be guests on your reality show and forever be labeled as the seriously uncool family.

I would love that. Why is it we can get such joy out being so uncool and torturing our teens???

Smiles--- like whatever smiles---totally!