so just to inspire y'all a bit about a return to normality....

my 15yo's online friend group loves anime, and he's decided they're going to Japan together to hang out in Shibuya. so I am like yeah ok son.

then he's literally choosing flights - @lufthansa win on price and inflight wifi.

me - yeah i don't think you can all fly alone at the age. he pulls up a tab - "says we can, dad, i checked, no parental guardian required"

he's priced flights for 8 of them, then he starts showing me hotel costs, asking me how much food will cost.

"how long are you going for?"

"two weeks, next August"

me - "well... you're eating nothing but ramen noodles, you can probably keep the grocery bill down"

it's honestly just been delightful. he's having fun, taking it seriously enough, but not too seriously, he's taking his friends on an imaginative journey. every detail.

i told him he might have to wait til he's 17, but his whole approach is a breath of fresh air in a tough year.

"you know you won't be able to afford sushi, son"

"just one time dad, that's going to be a special meal, I'm pricing it up"....

optimism, hope, humour, friendship, and leadership in 2020. i am definitely here for it.