Defining rites of passage

Given a debate in the hallways at work today with hopeforyou, over someone's celebration this evening ... I just don't see how celebrating the onset of an icky, unpleasant bodily function that causes half the population to be cranky and require chocolate and paper products one out of every four weeks is a rite of passage, other than as an affliction. Might as well design a ritual to celebrate, say, acne as the door to adolescence.

In this culture, IMO the things which most clearly delineate children from adults are gaining independent mobility and finances. So I think that a first paid outside job and gaining a driver's license are the true rites of passage in the US, both usually happening around age 15-16.

weekend plans

Couples counseling tonight... nothing happening Saturday at this point, but will hopefully go out Sat. night with Pat... church Sunday morning, Kevin's birthday that afternoon. General housecleaning and grocery shopping. Maybe work on my IAC papers for next month.

feeling loved, and envied by my offspring

James: "that's one of the most awesome gifts imaginable!" (referring to my "Big Tiki" USB drive, which i got in the mail today from geekchick). Cathy has an ability to surprise me when I least expect it, and often most need it, :-)

Not to mention a book full of evil electronic projects.... "if only I'd had that book for last year's science fair!"