Changing Course

I didn't go on about Photoshop because there are so many how-to's out there, I didn't feel it was worth it. And truly, the best way to learn it is to use it. Make mistakes. Do everything over until you like what you see. As long as you don't make the mistake of saving what you did on your original image, things will be fine. Always change file names; add a number or letter to your work, make up your own code so you remember what means what and you'll be ahead of the game.

Today we celebrated my twins' 17th birthday. From the moment you find out you're expecting, you know that your kids will grow up, but you are never prepared for how fast it comes. We find ourselves reminiscing a lot about their early years, their cute moments, their entry into the world.
I think we did ok with them. My son is intensely into his music, constantly playing the piano or his violin or composing. When he's not doing that, he's on every political or economical website, absorbing information, giving his views. Learning. My daughter is a good kid too. She's a typical teenage girl, into her friends, shopping, having fun. She would love to get her license, but we just can't afford the lessons now. And she would rather spend whatever money she has on concerts or clothes than save for anything, no matter how much I try to push her to. She's also very into her dancing, having been doing it since she was three. She wants to continue it in college. She also wants a bunch of piercings, which doesn't set too well with her parents. But I give my views and tell her when she's 18, if she can pay for it, I can't stop her.

We try to teach them consequence, of the effects of choice. I never made every decision for them, even as toddlers. I gave them choices and whatever they chose, whether in what to wear or what to have for lunch, I only made sure they stuck to it. Want the green shirt? Fine, but you are not changing it unless it gets soiled. Want Spaghettios? OK, but I'm not cooking something else later. For the most part, this has stuck with them. They rarely change their minds about anything unless they became better informed. My son wanted to major in Economics, now he's talking Music. That's ok, either way. In the end, I just want them to be happy with their paths in life.