Mary Poppins: Practically perfect for the whole family

Check out my take on the Marriott Theatre's production of Mary Poppins over at Chicago Parent.

Happy 9th birthday, Zoe

Your school picture

As I sit down to write your annual birthday letter, you're in the basement, hollering and crying. I was hoping for a nice, calm evening. I'd interview you, as I do most years. We'd read together and then I'd tuck you into bed and get started on the clues for your annual birthday treasure hunt. But that warm and cozy vision might not happen tonight. Because you, my almost 9 year old daughter, are losing your shit.

You see, musical instrument lessons are offered to fourth graders, and you've been struggling with the trumpet. Your elementary school music teacher suggested the euphonium might be easier for you. Of course, the euphonium rents for fully double what the trumpet costs, and given that you've yet to meet your weekly practice time goals, I said I'd only upgrade you if you put some skin in the game. I asked for one week of 40-minute per day practice, 20 minutes on each instrument. And you freaked out.

You're an amazing kid, Zoe. You're an excellent student--an avid reader who also loves math. You continue to excel at gymnastics, adore Hebrew school and have a wide circle of friends. Yesterday, at your birthday party at Xtreme Trampolines, you took the time to introduce all of your invitees to each other and made sure no one felt left out. You're even nice to your sister some most of the time. You've just got an entitlement issue, and battling that is something I'm struggling to figure out.

*******

Ten or fifteen minutes have gone by, and you've calmed yourself down and crawled into bed. You asked me to come up and read to you, and I explained that after how you've behaved toward me, that wasn't going to happen. Then you asked, nicely, if we could do the interview and I agreed.

What is the best thing about being 9? I don't know.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Author that illustrates her own books.

Do you want to be one thing or many things? Double, or maybe triple--author, librarian, teacher. 

What is your favorite toy? Legos and my imagination. And books.

What is your favorite book? The Harry Potter series and Percy Jackson series.

What is your favorite TV show? Phineas & Ferb.

What is your favorite song? I don't have one.

What is your favorite movie? I'll have to think about that. Beetlejuice.

What is your favorite restaurant? Salerno's, Pompeii and any kind of barbecue restaurants.

What is your favorite cereal? Don't have one.

What do you love about Mommy? She buys me stuff. And is nice.

What does Mommy like to do? Roller skate.

What do you love about Daddy? Really nice.

What does Daddy like to do? Go on the computer.

What do you love about your sister? Nothing.

If you could change your name, what would you choose? Elizabeth.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Mexico.

What will your house be like when you grow up? Cozy little house.

How many children will you have? What will you name them?  I will have two to three children. If two, they will be named Georgia and Ivy. If I have three, I will name them Lizzie, Jake and Samantha.

Last year's interview
Interview with 6-year-old Zoe
Interview with 4-year-old Zoe