Marian in Toronto

[vaneramos]

Marian and I came to Toronto last night and saw bitterlawngnome’s latest photo series at Statler’s Lounge, showing until the end of February. It’s about love, portraying couples in various interactions and expressions, and suits the intimate space well. The jazz singer’s volume was more overwhelming, but she was good. A few other friends were there, and I appreciated catching up with token_otter.

When we arrived, the server asked Marian whether she wanted a drink. She said no, but he misunderstood her as requesting the same as me (a Strongbow). He didn’t even bat an eye, but said I had ordered the last one. In a group of adults, it’s alarming how easily she passes for 18.

She’ll spend a couple weeks in Toronto this summer to take two courses, science and math, at Upper Canada College. It’s a boys’ secondary school, the elitist in Canada, but apparently offers co-ed summer courses. This makes my head spin. Math and science come easily to her, but she is acing everything.

I’m still feeling overtired, despite having slept better the past two nights. Tonight after dropping Marian off I’ll head home and see whether I can get back into a proper routine.

Comments

[mathan.livejournal.com]

The more I read about Marian the more I'm impressed with not just Marian but also yourself as a Dad and Father. :)

Does Marian have an idea of what she would like to do specifically with her life?

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

She is only 14, so it's a little premature for her to decide, but we have discussed it. She often jokes that she wants to live on an island and grow her own food. If she does that well and it makes her happy, I would be proud of her. I was a straight-A student, too, and have felt the burden of other people's expectations, so I've made it clear my greatest hope is for her happiness, and that she surround herself with people who treat her respectfully. More seriously, she has expressed interest in library science, and with her love of books and attention to detail, that would be a fitting vocation. I asked why she wants to take these summer courses and she said it will free up time in grade 12 to concentrate on harder subjects. She has also expressed an interest in working for a year before she continues studying. She may need to establish her independence, as her mother's family is wealthy but controlling, and they don't get along with her particularly well.

[dakoopst.livejournal.com]

Wow...and it wasn't long ago that you were worried about her poor performance in classes...

Isn't it amazing what having a comfortable environment will do for a kid?

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

The difference from a year ago is quite dramatic. Marian enjoys school and seems to have teachers who honour her strengths and interests, while showing her how to improve her work habits. She is under pressure from her grandparents to attend a more prestigious school next year, but Marian wants to return to the same one for the rest of high school, so I hope it will work out for her.