My teenager should get an award...an award for "Most Excuses."  Last week it was a stuffy nose, then a headache and finally a pain in his ankle that Logan cited as reasons why he couldn't complete his Biology homework.  This weekend he claimed that exhaustion and an all-day acting workshop (very strenuous...NOT!) should excuse him from Spanish homework. In what universe?  He also should be memorizing a speech for drama, but instead consistently comes up with "excuses" that prevent him from doing so, like his braces hurt or his eyesight is inexplicably blurry.  (Of course, if a friend dropped by, his health -- and spirits -- would no doubt improve miraculously.)

I have to admit, on those rare occasions when he actually is under the weather, I question him -- and myself -- like a murder suspect under interrogation.  Convincing me he honestly does deserve a "pass" has become no easy task since his track record is riddled with "excuses."  I think it's time he re-read the story about the boy who "cried wolf"...even if has a mysterious affliction that prevents him from turning pages.