Mugsy, thanks for letting me know the name of the numbers thing... I just might get tested... I'm still really mad about losing my job and there was a ton of harassment (sexual, emotional, and otherwise) going on there... I'm better being out of the situation, but another ex-coworker and I were thinking about a lawsuit. It would greatly help my case to prove that my numbers thing wasn't just me being a lazy, ditzy employee. But thats another whole post.

As for my son, we have tried to sit down with him. He just is so frustrated hmself that his attitude is getting unbearable. And yes, I agree with you about failing the class as a life lesson learned. My husband is against it because it would ruin his chances for college. But know what? He's not ready. He will be in for a major shock the first semester. My husband doesn't think so, but I do because I see his study skills and how he reacts to stress. Freshman year can be a wonderful learning experience, it can also overwhelm you.

Then the problem with college is that my son is a great runner. We have division I schools (if that means anything to you) lining up to talk to him. So, he'll go to school and run, but what about outside running? Will he be able to handle the pressures of class, a professor that expects YOU to take note instead of handing them pre-typed to you? How about the pressure of being handed a book on Monday and being expected to finish it by next monday's class? Or a paper assigned Tuesday due wednesday - 2000 words typed. He'll absolutely flounder.

Cali, I do know what goes through a teenager's brain as I was one not too long ago. He's my step son and there's only a 13 year difference between my son and I. I know that he doesn't drink, smoke, party with drugs... that would all affect his running. The last thing in the world he would ever do is engage in something that could potentially keep him from running. His excuse for not doing yard work is that he might strain something while pulling weeds

Thanks all of you guys! I seriously appreciate the advice. It makes me feel better that I'm not screwing up (too much ) and that he's just being a normal stubborn 17 year old man-in-training.