Ah, summer, signs & college kid check-out procedures
AH, SUMMER
Sunday, Coach and I took Curly to lunch as part of our ongoing 2-meals-out-per-kid-solo-a-year effort. Afterwards, the three of us went to the pool for a bit.
Before that (but after my most frustrating ever day): Last week on Thursday (the day Reg's extended EEG study ended) I hosted the moms and tots that I will sit for this school year. Sunday I went for my every-other day 4.5 mile slow-ass run. I spent over an hour at my folks' house while Dad went to mass. I came home and deep cleaned my bathroom, did laundry, and got some writing done. That's when Coach and I treated Curly to lunch.
It felt good to relax.
This was the day that we ended up corralling all of the kids and going to dinner - eating lunch and dinner out? We don't even do that when we are on vacation. It wasn't ideal but when we started to feel like people would be home for dinner - we were like, OK, let's do this in case this is our last chance before everyone leaves for college.
I took videos of Curly and Coach playing volleyball in the pool. The background music in a few clips was awesome. I'm sharing all 3 clips. The first one I'm posting has crappy background music, but it's the funniest one. I was sitting right under the pool speaker.
Coach recovered nicely from getting spiked on, and I was glad to have taken a few minutes of videos.
HIGH SCHOOL
We are sticking with the local high school. We found out Reg couldn't get the waiver after all. Days after we decided this, we learned that the girls' coach left to coach at a nearby college. Reg then had his grand mal seizure Aug 1st and we found out he can't drive for 6 months. (can you hear me softly sobbing in the background as we send our other driving children to college, Reg is sobbing softly too, but in true Reg fashion, he's handing it all quite well).
Coach and I looked at each other and said, THANK GOD WE DIDN'T SEND THEM TO A DISTANT SCHOOL THAT HE WOULD'VE HAD TO DRIVE TO. That would've been a disaster. Then the night after we were in the ER all day, the boys' coach announced that he was leaving the high school for a different job.
Signs, they were cropping up everywhere. We'd already made our decision, but with any difficult decision you wonder if you've made the right one - and we are convinced now.
WHAT'S HER NAME?
We broke the bank and walked to get ice cream after our dinner out Sunday night, where I ran into a woman from my writing group. She hasn't been able to attend for a few months, but I KNOW her . . . why then, could I not remember her name? So embarrassing. It was on the tip of my tongue. When we got home I called to the kids AMBER - HER NAME IS AMBER!
On the way to dinner in the new minivan that seats all 8 of us, (that story is coming soon . . . I already wrote it), I made a few announcements.
Me: Those of you heading off to college, there will be check out procedures. No one leaves without me checking you out.
* Here I was interrupted for apparently "using the voice"
Me (trying to adjust my voice to sound normal and not angry because I've been burned by college kids before and refuse to be burned again): Anyway, think of it like you would if you were trying to get your security deposit back. Your rooms will not be trashed. The room will appear as if you were never even there. You will not leave unless I approve the state of the room. I suggest that you start 72 hours before you want to leave, because there will be conditions to meet.
I will sign off here on that wishful-thinking note.
What do you do when you can't remember someone's name? Admit it, or mumble something inaudible/fake cough, or carry-on like you didn't just forget his/her name? Also, I should mention that Coach and I are celebrating 26 years of wedded bliss today, and I managed not to steal his contact lenses.
I'm so sorry that Reg can't drive. My brother-in-law had a seizure recently (while driving!) and couldn't drive for 6 months. I guess that's standard protocol.
I'm so glad you are getting confirmation that you guys made the right decision about school!
I so feel you on trying to squeeze in family dinners, ice cream trips and time together and I only have ONE leaving for college. I feel so bad for Reg but I am so happy that you made the right decision and it was very obvious, love those God-winks. And happy happy anniversary!!
Your story about the school: sometimes things work out so well that I am just so grateful for the decision I made. I am SURE you feel that way too. Imagine! You dodged a bullet there. But I am so sorry that Reg can't drive. This happened to a friend of mine, her daughter had a seizure and couldn't drive for six months, which was a big problem as her job was a fair drive away. My friend is legally blind, so can't drive either. In any case, I am glad you chose to stay nearby.
The world is showing you all kinds of signs that you made the right high school choice!
Good luck on the college check out. Fingers crossed that it works. By this time tomorrow, we will be waiting in the check in line for the dorm for our very first college move in day! I guess I should ask the girl what she wants for dinner for her "Last Meal" at home. Who am I kidding? She'll be home every few weeks so we can do her laundry. I wish I could show you the insane amount of things that she wants to take to school. It's crazy.
Ha - I love your security deposit approach! Very smart.
I am CONSTANTLY forgetting people's names. I try to just own up to it, like, "Oh my gosh, I am having a total brain glitch, can you remind me what your name is?" I think it happens to everyone.
Or... sometimes I will do the thing where I act like I think THEY don't remember me, so I'll be like, "Hey! I'm Ernie from your writing group!" Sometimes that will prompt the other person into sharing their name. Sometimes it just gets weird looks, like, "yes, I KNOW, we saw each other YESTERDAY." Lol.
Happy Anniversary! And you drop a hint about a new minivan and then walk away? Such a tease!
I have two at home who go to college next week. Luckily, one is extremely neat and one is pretty good, so there will be no need to have formal check out procedures. They also pack a reasonable amount of stuff, so it shouldn't be too hard to move in. They had the examples of their older brother and sister who both had to go to school via plane - 2 bags and a carry-on was all they could take!
Beth- Thank you. Coach surprised me and came home early. Ah, but it was so he could review the slides for his upcoming course. He's teaching this weekend and they changed all 300 slides so he has to redo all of his notes. Very last minute. Just glad he found the time to do it so his stress level is lower.
One doc said 3 mos no driving. One said 6 mos no driving. Our ped. Neurologist said it is 6. State law. We will manage. Better safe than sorry
Colleen- God-winks . . . that's a good saying. Love it. Yes, I was worried that we would regret our decision and now we KNOW. That helps. We do wish they were at Catholic school, but the youth minister has asked the two youngest to be on the leadership committee for the youth group. Hoping they can plan some fun events and invite the kids that they know.
August is crazy busy and the packing and kist making for the college crew is nutty right now.
Nicole - These kids want to be at school as soon as possible. They want the hang out with friend time. Well, we shall see if management is OK letting them check out.
That poor girl with the seizure and the legally blind mother. How challenging. We are relieved that we won't have to deal with school transport troubles. I will be baking lots of cookies to distribute as thank you gifts for all the rides our two kids will be bumming.
Kara- Yes- I had hoped for clarity with that decision BEFORE we made it, but feeling good to have the knowledge that we made the right decision now.
Bestvof luck with the college move in. Sheesh- I have not asked Lad what he wants for his last meal but he raved about last night's meal so I think we are good. It was cool here so I baked cookies, baked banana bread, and made everyone's fav dinner that cooks for an hour and a half.
Suzanne- Lets just say I have been burned before. Big time. They leave their rooms like a cyclone has gone thru. Not.Happening.Again.
I like your name tips. This woman recognized me and she was dressed VERY casual, unlike book club so when she greeted me she caught me off guard. Her name was SO on the tip of my tongue, I felt like I could taste it. AMBER!!!
I'm SO happy that you found some fun/relaxing time at the pool AND quality meal time with your kiddos! You deserve all that good stuff.
I think you did a good thing with the high school decision. I mean, you know you did. It worked out how it should.
Please let us know how Check-Out Goes for all the College Goers.
I hate it when I can't remember someone's name. I can't do this in person, but later on, I start at A and go through all the common A names, then B and so on and so on. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not.
Happy anniversary! And congratulations on winning the mom-taxi lottery. Driving Tank to Omaha should give you a wealth of humor to enjoy and to reflect back on until he's back to entertain you again. (Tank's landscaping fan.)
Happy Anniversary, and may there be many, many more.
I like your College Check-Out. I wish I had done something similar before my kids moved out, period. Let's just say that reclaiming their second-floor shared space was A Process. A Process done in short, measured increments in order to preserve my wellbeing.
You are smarter than I was. (And I have The Voice--a Mom/Teacher Combo--and it's deadly.)
Anonymous - I'm sorry I don't see it that way. My injured glute does not like it when I sit for very long - like 20 minutes tops, so driving for so long is going to be super painful. Tank is good company for sure. I think I've been so busy and distracted, I'm not even prepared for my college people to leave. Too soon.
Nance - Thank you very much. We have to celebrate another time with dinner out The girls and I had haircuts - mine was supposed to be last week, but she rescheduled me with the girls. I'd forgotten that waiting for Curly to get her haircut is the worst. It takes an hour to sheer that sheep. Sort of interfered with an anniversary celebration.
I've learned the hard way that I must insist on order and room checks before they are allowed to leave - or I will pay for it, and so will Reg and Curly. The aftermath of college move out day is plain ugly.
My mom was a teacher and she had what we called her classroom voice. I have no excuse except it's the only way I can get their attention.
Happy Anniversary! I hadn't thought of this in years, but one of my part-time jobs in college was to go through the dorms after everyone left for the year, access each room using a specific detailed form, then report back to maintenance. The info I compiled resulted in the fines charged. It was a lousy job, but it was money. My point is, you're smart to have the standards you do.
Looks like a fun time at the pool! Ugh! I remember when I ran into an old coworker and went to introduce my husband to her "Rich this is................" then she finally said her name! So embarrassed!! Happy Anniversary!
Jeanette - I've been there. Coach is worse than me. He sees PT patients everywhere. He usually remembers which joint they were being treated for, but not their names. That is always awkward - it starts with "How's your knee?" Then it stalls.
I really like the meal with each kid solo idea. My niece went through the same thing after her seizure. They found out why she'd had it, which was scary in the moment, but she's never seized again and got her license back. Hope the same for Reg.
Ali - I like the meal solo idea too. I don't mind taking credit for it, but I do wish I'd thought of it YEARS earlier. I think Lad would've benefited from more time with Coach and I. We were so busy and we were busy scolding him instead of giving him the attention he craved.
I hope the seizure are controlled. He had an MRI on Thursday and I assume we will learn about any findings this week.
26 comments:
Happy Anniversary!!!
I'm so sorry that Reg can't drive. My brother-in-law had a seizure recently (while driving!) and couldn't drive for 6 months. I guess that's standard protocol.
I'm so glad you are getting confirmation that you guys made the right decision about school!
Still praying for you all!
I so feel you on trying to squeeze in family dinners, ice cream trips and time together and I only have ONE leaving for college. I feel so bad for Reg but I am so happy that you made the right decision and it was very obvious, love those God-winks. And happy happy anniversary!!
I'm cracking up about the check-out procedures.
Your story about the school: sometimes things work out so well that I am just so grateful for the decision I made. I am SURE you feel that way too. Imagine! You dodged a bullet there. But I am so sorry that Reg can't drive. This happened to a friend of mine, her daughter had a seizure and couldn't drive for six months, which was a big problem as her job was a fair drive away. My friend is legally blind, so can't drive either. In any case, I am glad you chose to stay nearby.
LUNCH AND DINNER OUT! You're fancy!!!
Happy anniversary!
The world is showing you all kinds of signs that you made the right high school choice!
Good luck on the college check out. Fingers crossed that it works. By this time tomorrow, we will be waiting in the check in line for the dorm for our very first college move in day! I guess I should ask the girl what she wants for dinner for her "Last Meal" at home. Who am I kidding? She'll be home every few weeks so we can do her laundry. I wish I could show you the insane amount of things that she wants to take to school. It's crazy.
Ha - I love your security deposit approach! Very smart.
I am CONSTANTLY forgetting people's names. I try to just own up to it, like, "Oh my gosh, I am having a total brain glitch, can you remind me what your name is?" I think it happens to everyone.
Or... sometimes I will do the thing where I act like I think THEY don't remember me, so I'll be like, "Hey! I'm Ernie from your writing group!" Sometimes that will prompt the other person into sharing their name. Sometimes it just gets weird looks, like, "yes, I KNOW, we saw each other YESTERDAY." Lol.
Happy Anniversary!
And you drop a hint about a new minivan and then walk away? Such a tease!
I have two at home who go to college next week. Luckily, one is extremely neat and one is pretty good, so there will be no need to have formal check out procedures. They also pack a reasonable amount of stuff, so it shouldn't be too hard to move in. They had the examples of their older brother and sister who both had to go to school via plane - 2 bags and a carry-on was all they could take!
Beth- Thank you. Coach surprised me and came home early. Ah, but it was so he could review the slides for his upcoming course. He's teaching this weekend and they changed all 300 slides so he has to redo all of his notes. Very last minute. Just glad he found the time to do it so his stress level is lower.
One doc said 3 mos no driving. One said 6 mos no driving. Our ped. Neurologist said it is 6. State law. We will manage. Better safe than sorry
Thanks for the prayers.
Colleen- God-winks . . . that's a good saying. Love it. Yes, I was worried that we would regret our decision and now we KNOW. That helps. We do wish they were at Catholic school, but the youth minister has asked the two youngest to be on the leadership committee for the youth group. Hoping they can plan some fun events and invite the kids that they know.
August is crazy busy and the packing and kist making for the college crew is nutty right now.
Nicole - These kids want to be at school as soon as possible. They want the hang out with friend time. Well, we shall see if management is OK letting them check out.
That poor girl with the seizure and the legally blind mother. How challenging. We are relieved that we won't have to deal with school transport troubles. I will be baking lots of cookies to distribute as thank you gifts for all the rides our two kids will be bumming.
Ccr- Thanks.
Kara- Yes- I had hoped for clarity with that decision BEFORE we made it, but feeling good to have the knowledge that we made the right decision now.
Bestvof luck with the college move in. Sheesh- I have not asked Lad what he wants for his last meal but he raved about last night's meal so I think we are good. It was cool here so I baked cookies, baked banana bread, and made everyone's fav dinner that cooks for an hour and a half.
Laughing at the over packing to move across town.
Suzanne- Lets just say I have been burned before. Big time. They leave their rooms like a cyclone has gone thru. Not.Happening.Again.
I like your name tips. This woman recognized me and she was dressed VERY casual, unlike book club so when she greeted me she caught me off guard. Her name was SO on the tip of my tongue, I felt like I could taste it. AMBER!!!
I'm SO happy that you found some fun/relaxing time at the pool AND quality meal time with your kiddos! You deserve all that good stuff.
I think you did a good thing with the high school decision. I mean, you know you did. It worked out how it should.
Please let us know how Check-Out Goes for all the College Goers.
I hate it when I can't remember someone's name. I can't do this in person, but later on, I start at A and go through all the common A names, then B and so on and so on. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not.
Oh Happy anniversary to you both!! *cheers* XO
Suz - Well thanks Suz, I know you are being a big time busy bee right now. Thanks for being here.
Happy anniversary! And congratulations on winning the mom-taxi lottery. Driving Tank to Omaha should give you a wealth of humor to enjoy and to reflect back on until he's back to entertain you again. (Tank's landscaping fan.)
Happy Anniversary, and may there be many, many more.
I like your College Check-Out. I wish I had done something similar before my kids moved out, period. Let's just say that reclaiming their second-floor shared space was A Process. A Process done in short, measured increments in order to preserve my wellbeing.
You are smarter than I was. (And I have The Voice--a Mom/Teacher Combo--and it's deadly.)
Anonymous - I'm sorry I don't see it that way. My injured glute does not like it when I sit for very long - like 20 minutes tops, so driving for so long is going to be super painful. Tank is good company for sure. I think I've been so busy and distracted, I'm not even prepared for my college people to leave. Too soon.
Nance - Thank you very much. We have to celebrate another time with dinner out The girls and I had haircuts - mine was supposed to be last week, but she rescheduled me with the girls. I'd forgotten that waiting for Curly to get her haircut is the worst. It takes an hour to sheer that sheep. Sort of interfered with an anniversary celebration.
I've learned the hard way that I must insist on order and room checks before they are allowed to leave - or I will pay for it, and so will Reg and Curly. The aftermath of college move out day is plain ugly.
My mom was a teacher and she had what we called her classroom voice. I have no excuse except it's the only way I can get their attention.
Happy Anniversary! I hadn't thought of this in years, but one of my part-time jobs in college was to go through the dorms after everyone left for the year, access each room using a specific detailed form, then report back to maintenance. The info I compiled resulted in the fines charged. It was a lousy job, but it was money. My point is, you're smart to have the standards you do.
Looks like a fun time at the pool! Ugh! I remember when I ran into an old coworker and went to introduce my husband to her "Rich this is................" then she finally said her name! So embarrassed!! Happy Anniversary!
Ally - Wow, that job of your sounds quite unpleasant, but I agree, money is money.
Jeanette - I've been there. Coach is worse than me. He sees PT patients everywhere. He usually remembers which joint they were being treated for, but not their names. That is always awkward - it starts with "How's your knee?" Then it stalls.
I really like the meal with each kid solo idea.
My niece went through the same thing after her seizure. They found out why she'd had it, which was scary in the moment, but she's never seized again and got her license back. Hope the same for Reg.
Ali - I like the meal solo idea too. I don't mind taking credit for it, but I do wish I'd thought of it YEARS earlier. I think Lad would've benefited from more time with Coach and I. We were so busy and we were busy scolding him instead of giving him the attention he craved.
I hope the seizure are controlled. He had an MRI on Thursday and I assume we will learn about any findings this week.
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