Lately, C. (9) has been intrigued by the fact that people put a variety of opinion-expressing signs in their yards. Whether it’s support for a presidential candidate or a sign protesting the building of a highway, he finds it interesting that they take their strong feelings and put them up in the yard for the whole world to see.
I mentioned on my blog last week that he’s into maps, and because he’s naturally a very opinionated kid (It’s genetic — and entirely from my husband’s side. Really. I’m not opinionated at all.), it should come as no surprise that he has formed strong opinions about geography.
So in the car the other day, he said,
Maybe when I’m grown up, I’ll put a sign in my yard that says, “Kazakhstan isn’t in Europe.”
[Though Kazakhstan is usually considered to be in both Europe and Asia, he strongly believes it should strictly be considered part of Asia. Like I said, opinionated.]
Picturing a cute little house obstructed by a yellow billboard pronouncing his map-related convictions, I gently replied, “Well, okay. You might want to check with your wife before you put any signs up in your yard, though. Just to make sure the two of you are on the same page.”
His solution?
“Don’t worry. I plan to look for a wife who is as obsessed with maps as I am…AND who shares my geographic theories.”
I have to admit, I had a list of things I was looking for in a husband, but “geographic theories” wasn’t on it. Oh well, better safe than sorry.
I only pray that as he grows, we can help him define the things that are truly important to him, and that he would choose a wife who shares those priorities. Whether geographic theories ends up on that list or not, we’ll just have to see.
Thanks for a laugh this morning. I too never thought about “geographic theories” in choosing a spouse (or a friend–or at all). My husband is very directionally inclined, while I am not. Amanda follows me, and Kyle already has an interest in maps.
C. could always move to our town. There’s an unspoken agreement not to post signs in your yard. Actually, I think you’re allowed to put up “This guy painted my house” or “These remodelers are the best” but no political signs.
I’m not sure where C.’s sign of the geographic nature would fit. He could probably slip it in.
Opinionated? Na… Not us!
Cute story – Hope C. is feeling better.
He’s always one step ahead of you, isn’t he?!
Katrina,
It is good to know that we have successfully passed on the “confidently opinionated” trait that has been so integral to the peace and harmony in our family for generations. HA!
PS
Should we confess the theory about beleiving healthy families should test themselves with a good argument every now and then?
Love it, that is great
Hysterical! And cute
Oh my goodness, that made me LAUGH!
That is hilarious!
I was about to say you need to write that down so you’ll remember it. . . .but I guess you have!
What a cool kid! How many 9 year olds have even heard of Kazakhstan? That’s awesome!
Love your blog. Found you through BlogHer.
THAT is hysterical.
Jolanthe
I ran this one by Dan who also obsessed over maps and almanacs as a kid and he completely agreed with C. that you have to be insane to say Kazakhstan is in Europe.
I don’t even know where Kazakhstan is! However my nine year old daughter is very interested in geography….
I have to say that I am so glad I wasn’t drinking my coffee when I read that yard sign-to-be! Isn’t freedom a wonderful thing?
I so love that! Geographic theories! And what a sign that would be – I say you get one made up and give it to him for Christmas – to post in the yard. It could be a real conversation starter – and since he feels so passionately about it . . . .