I know what you’re thinking while reading this.  You’re thinking, “Wow, this Jim guy seems to always have a good time and always has such wonderful insights, I bet people must line up to hear his ‘Words of Wisdom’”.

You would be mistaken on that last part.  For now.

Sometimes I have to roll up my sleeves, put on the old clothes and do some dirty physical labor.  Not as young as I used to be, but I can still bring it.

I had to go do some work in a house that was, well, less than clean.  It was hot and muggy, and humidity was on the high end, but I had a task I had to do.  On this day, I recruited my 13 year old, Charlotte, to work with me.  It was going to be hot and dirty work – so I told her dress appropriately and we’ll stop and get cold drinks, but when we get there – it’s work time.  I wanted to get in and get out.

Charlotte was on board.  I thought she’d actually be a big help.  When we got there, I needed to repair a few pieces of drywall and then we needed to grab some contractors trash bags and completely empty the house. 

On the way there I informed Charlotte, this was going to be a paid gig.  It wasn’t just some “Go-To-Help-Dad-Out” work detail.  This was for real.

And – being concerned about her and her development, I told her, she could choose either cash, or I would impart to her some “Words of Wisdom”.   She needed no time to think about it.

She chose the cash.

What is it with kids these days?  Does she not understand what BigJimmy’s “Words of Wisdom” are worth?  I mean, how can you put a numerical $ value on something like that.  See, if you are reading this, or have read other things on my blog, then perhaps you get it.  You understand what I was offering to her.  And like me, you are just as bewildered in her not wanting to absorb my wisdom.  Right?

Does she not understand the investment in her future she might be making?

I mean, seriously, does she not read my blog?

               *sidenote* – Charlotte does not read my blog.  I know, right?

But onto the job site we went.  It was hot and sweaty and we left tired and hot and drenched on our own sweat – but we got the job done.  And Charlotte was quite the help.  Seriously.  While I was repairing some drywall, she completely emptied out a room in two contractors trash bags.  I saw the room – no small feat.

We finished and cleaned up and on the way home, I again gave her the choice of payments.  AND – of course – she decided to stick with the cash.

I just don’t know what the deal is with these kids.  I offer them my very rare and hard to come by “Words of Wisdom”.  But no – she instead chose the cash?  Who knows what awe inspiring “Words of Wisdom” I might have gifted her with.

See, I know what her friends are thinking, and I know what they must say to her monthly – NO, DAILY – they are saying, “Charlotte, your dad is so wise, does he ever give you any inspirational words, and if so, might you share them with us so that we might also bask in what is sure to be a truly gifted thought?  For I have heard your father truly has a gift in the written word?”  See, I am sure they say just that.

Now, Charlotte tells me they do not.  In fact, she tells me, “They think you’re weird”.

(….. dagger to my heart).

But, upon hearing her friends are thirsting for knowledge and might be in need of inspiration, I have made an executive decision.

Next year, instead of giving out candy for Halloween, I’ll be giving out advice.  I might have to buy some traffic cones to help direct the flow of traffic, as I am sure kids will be lined up down the block and around the corner.

Hey, it could happen.

• Ramblings