April 03, 2007

Contagious

"As soon as May gets here, we're going to be playing Ultimate Frisbee all the time," With-a-Why announced the other night. He's about the seventh kid in the household to make that announcement.

Boy in Black's first year of college ends at the beginning of May, which means he will be living at home again. He's been playing on the Ultimate Frisbee team in college, going to practices and tournaments and learning all kinds of things, like this move called a lay-out, which involves slamming your whole body into a mud puddle in an attempt to get catch a frisbee while simultaneously getting every item of clothing as filthy as possible. I have no doubt that as soon as Boy in Black moves back home, he'll be holding frisbee practice here every evening, with his siblings, our extras, and anyone else who wants to play.

It's always been that way. When Boy in Black wants to master something, he concentrates intensely, practicing over and over, putting all his time and effort into that one thing, until he can do it well. All my kids have that ability to be focused like that, but with Boy in Black, the intensity is somehow contagious. Boy in Black gets obsessed with some kind of game or project, and all the kids in the household, his siblings and our extras and his friends, follow him.

It's happened with music, of course, but also with games like chess or Scrabble or poker. Whether Boy in Black decides to tape weird stuff to the ceiling fan or tack blankets over all the windows for a game of Monster or build a snow ramp in the front yard, he always has a group of loyal followers. Whatever activity he chooses becomes the main activity for the household for the next few weeks. Recently, he was showing the younger kids in the house how fast he could do the Rubik's cube, and next thing you know, they were all practicing frantically, trying to master the technique, until every little block of colour was worn around the edges.

Cube

14 comments:

RageyOne said...

I still can't solve a Rubik's cube. :( I have one on my coffee table and folks love to play with in when they come over.

Kyla said...

I'm sure everyone will be glad to have him home!

I can't do the Rubik's cube, but I love to fidget with them!

BrightStar (B*) said...

That is really cool! It's hard to believe it's worn down like that.

I haven't ever been able to solve a Rubik's cube.

I love that your family is so close, and it's great that they will all be together soon!

timna said...

almond joy wore one of those out this year, so much so that the boys' swim team got her a new one. but she can do it pretty fast now. bent t. is trying to catch up.

I like the slam into the puddle move.

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic picture!

I have a teenaged student who can solve a Rubik's Cube in under 45 seconds.

Sometimes I wonder what the heck he could be learning from me!

Phantom Scribbler said...

I love the picture. Love it.

merseydotes said...

Before I read what happened to the Rubik's Cube, I was sure that was a picture of a giant modern sculpure from your trip to Paris!

KLee said...

Oh, no! Your kids already sucked me in with the weffriddles! I *refuse* to be led by the nose to the Rubik's Cube!

But....I do HAVE one around here somewhere.....

Your kids are a bad influence on me! I'm way too highly suggestible!

Yankee T said...

It's a good thing Boy In Black is so good. It would be hell to have everyone copying a jerk or a deadbeat.

Soon, you'll have Beautiful Smart Wonderful Terrific Excellent Outstanding Perfect Daughter home, too, huh?

jo(e) said...

Yankee: Yeah, we're lucky he's this nice, compassionate, smart kid because he certainly does wield an influence over the younger ones.

My daughter just booked her flight home. ONLY THIRTY DAYS UNTIL SHE'S HOME! I can't wait.

BeachMama said...

Wow, that is one worn out Rubik's cube! How wonderful that Boy in Black is such a good influence and such a studious kid. Must be looking forward to having your kids home for the summer.

Lilian said...

I love the photo! I'm wondering what shiny surface is that, to reflect the trees, sky, and the cube... It could be smooth ice... or... what? I'm curious.

jo(e) said...

Lilian: I set the cube on the hood of the car and snapped the shot.

Liz Miller said...

Excellent picture and what a lovely post. I love your family.