'Situation changed over the past 24 hours. Gradually the two Icelandic 11-year olds have taken over, and have called upon a third from one of the neighbouring farms. Last night I managed to fix the settings for a computer game, fed Baltasar and a friend with kingsize burgers, cheesecake and popcorn. At midnight Baltasar asked for coffee 'as it may help him stay awake playing computer games'. Something close to a universal right for Icelandic 11-year-olds. This demand was nevertheless sincerely rejected.
This morning I watched him grasp a burger in the fridge, stating: 'I need meat now.' I've answered over and over how old I am, and accepted I AM old (but he also knows I can fix computer games, and hide the remote control). After a conference this afternoon, and a supporting call from his mum, practical work was negotiated to be carried out, and I felt an immediate joy when the boys dressed up and walked out for the 30 minutes it took to pick plastic wraps from the fence.
Baths are still not part of our agreement, and his hair style starts resembling that one of the Oasis front singer. If that wonderful boy ends up using his words and arguments as an international human rights lawyer, this world will be a better place.' NOTEBOOK, 18 January 2014.