this morning big j comes into the kitchen wearing his little brother's sweatpants. too tight, too short and the pockets are flipped inside out. i told him to go look in a mirror. he came back and said, "i looked in a mirror. i match."

i told him his colors sort of match but the size isn't working for him. he huffs in frustration and tells me it doesn't matter. i tell him it does and to go change into his own pants.

he comes back wearing shiny, slippery baby blue sweatpants with a navy blue stripe down the side. his shirt is red and black.

i tell him this time he really doesn't match and he should just go put on some jeans. again, he tells me he doesn't care. i tell him he looks like a geek. he tells me he's fine with that, and wonders why it should even matter. i tell him that unfortunately, it does matter and that looking good will help him in his career some day.

he is really mad now, his face gets all red and he yells, "so you're telling me i'm going to be a hobo because i don't know how to MATCH? what is WRONG with this world?"

he storms off to his room to change again, slamming the door.

little j and i look at each other and burst out laughing.

i yell to big j that i love him and that he is the most amazing kid i've ever known. he yells back that his jeans feel like cow leather and he's not wearing them.

finally, he comes out wearing navy sweatpants with his red and black shirt. i really didn't have the heart to tell him. i looked down at his black socks, winced, and just looked away.

when he pulled on his bright blue and yellow tennis shoes, i had to physically bite my tongue.

i hear steve jobs had the same problem...thus the black turtleneck, jeans and black shoes every single day. maybe a daily uniform will be the answer to big j's lack of fashion?

now. what to do about his father?