Great blog, Nickolas.

Ok, why do I feel this need to hand out advice at every opportunity? I'll have to take that up with my shrink.

I'm glad you have a dad who looks out for you. Somehow, though, when dads do their thing, it never seems to be a positive experience...at least not for the first 15 or 20 years.

When I was younger (note that I never say "when I was young" ), I played football. In fact I played right through university. I have my dad to thank for that. For a long time I hated it, especially when football got serious. Football was fun at the pee-wee and bantam level. It got really serious after that. I wanted to quit, but my dad didn't let me. I feel very grateful that he did that for me. I learned a great deal.

So let's hear it for dads who care, when it would be so much easier not to. That's their job, actually their duty, when it comes to their sons. They prepare you to be a man in this world and that ain't easy.

Hugs,

Conner

Nick-

Judging from your posts, you're pretty smart for 14.

It souldn't take you too long to beat down the homework beast.

When I was your age, I hated this time of year because I had a summer hangover. I'd get used to all that time and freedom and there were much more interesting things to do than school.

It wears off after a while but it's a real pain for a few weeks.

Just think happy thoughts of long weekends, thanksgiving and Christmas Break.

Oh- and try and fit in some fun along the way.

All my best,

JS