Parents of the HS Class of 2009 - Page 1843

Modadunn · 10-11-2012, 11:14 PM

I agree that McS is going places. (I have a friend whose son went to NYU film school and is big on special effects..and I have the same feeling about him).

Analyst - I agree with both it's your son's karma that will land him just where he should be AND that it should cause you extra angst while he gets there.

And I do agree that any angst and worry among us all is OUR problem and not our kiddos'. Which is just one more reason I am glad to still be coming on here to catch up with all of you, your lives and your kids' lives! It lets me take my angst somewhere else AND forget about it all at the same time!

Missy - there should at least be some sort of hazard pay to take a cab that late at night. At the very least they should be in the position to catch the last train home.

Shawbridge - I saw that coming. After four years, I know that your S is probably capable of actually working himself to death. I have preached to all my kids to try to see this kind of stuff coming so in this regard they do tend to put themselves to bed on nyquil at the least little ache to sleep it off. Upside is they don't tend to knock on death's door, bad news is they can't go anywhere without nyquil access.

I was going to go watch D play in a tournament this weekend (as it's only about 3 hours out of my way to go home (although adds 6 hours to tomorrow). But she needs to get clearance from the NCAA and so is on this race to get all this paperwork done. Add to this a speed test of running the full length of the field 8 times (up and back counts as one) in under 40 seconds. She is at a disadvantage because unlike the recruits, she neither knew about the test nor trained for it. She failed the first attempt and has now lost some confidence that she'll be able to without some extra work (meaning she might not be able to play in the tournament). However, I did finally convince her that the Academic Advising and Support services person had the job of helping her fix her schedule. Basically, she's out of the loop and trying to get through the system having never experienced a system like that. So... at least she's starting to take my advice somewhat.

Progress!

FallGirl · 10-12-2012, 07:15 AM

but I watched the debate last night. Well, S had it turned on and was glued to it, I was just in the same room sorta watching. At one point I expressed an opinion that I should not have and realized my mistake b/c of course S quoted it (and identified me) on his twitter. Had a feeling he would but supposedly I don't know he has a twitter so I can't say anything. Lovely.
I need a muzzle.

kmcmom13 · 10-12-2012, 07:29 AM

Cheers to progress, Moda. Thanks for the votes of confidence re mcson's unpredictable future

In many ways he's very non-goal oriented, or at least non-competitive, so if life takes that kind of turn for him it will be one part serendipity. Y'all may have to hang around this thread a really long time to find out

I hope the chicken soup and sympathy helps shawson recoup his formidable stamina, Shaw. I am constantly amazed at his energy and drive. I'm sure he knows deep down that he can cut himself some slack, but it might not hurt to tell him that - it's entirely possible that he worries about disappointing you, out of admiration, not anything you'd consciously telegraph to him

I also hope the girlfriend situation resolves itself soon. I don't envy the young when it comes to distance relationships. Tough enough for fully formed adults to handle!

Missy, there are lots of areas in south Chicago that would cause me concern, but the mile or even the loop isn't one of them. Then again I don't know where she has to get to from there. It likely hasn't dawned on the natives it might be an issue. With Columbua right downtown it's not unusual to see gaggles of students floating around at all hours, but I suppose there's comfort en masse. Does she have a work buddy she can cab share with? Or do they schedule them solo?

I don't remember if I've previously shared some of my public transport faux pas in Chicago or New York, but my naive canuk trust and fondness for public transit adventures (or directional challenge) has occasionally landed me in a few odd spots. I once landed mcson and I into the heart of south Chicago by mistake but a giant black woman who took no quarter came over to us on the train, sat down, mused that we must be a little lost, and informed us she wasn't going to let the crazy guy with the hypodermic needle mess
with us (he was walking up and down the aisles stabbing seats for no apparent reason.) Another time I ended up in Harlem at four in the morning and happened upon something that appeared to be a possible gang-related squabble. A passing laguardia guard on her way to work got me sorted. For every bonehead on the planet, there really are usually a few decent folks, everywhere, no matter where you go. Most people have more sense than to test this theory, however

I once got into trouble with work when I was a reporter over this kind of thing, but I think that time it was because I got involved. I had been sent to cover the red wings stanley cup - last game and expected victory. Pundits were claiming Detroit would be wild and set on fire, etc. The sports crew were in the arena, and my partner photog was supposed to head over there at the end of the game, but I was dutifully getting my street color at bars and of course, on the street. You can't write a streeter if you're not in the mix! My guy was ticked that I insisted on staying there. At any rate, at one point I was kind of riding the flow of people and this fight broke out in a back alley. Back home, in Canada, where there aren't as many guns, I was in the habit of breaking up street fights when I worked the late shift, because I always had a police scanner and perps would mistake me for undercover and scram. I will say they don't have the same respect for the scanner in Detroit, but I did manage to get the fight broke up, though they did have knives nobody was hurt and it all worked out fine. And I think it was the only near violent incident in all of downtown Detroit that night, because it was more like a love-in than the rip up the pundits predicted, but I did catch hell over not sticking with my photog, even though they didn't need me at the arena and even though the real story was the reaction out in the streets. It kind of ticked me off, because on one hand they were all carrying on about the lovely color of the story, but at the same time telling me I shouldn't have done what I needed to get that color. No doubt, because I was a girl

Speaking of which, Shaw, I suspect that fashion employer doesnt even "need" to discriminate -- I suspect it's a self-selecting process. Like attracts like

sabaray · 10-12-2012, 08:31 AM

I've been trying to keep up with reading along but haven't been able to type much- our frisky puppy was excited and grabbing at his leash (which was attached to my hand) and ended up with my hand in his mouth. Firmly. So for the past week I've had a giant bruise and stiffness on the back of my hand, making it difficult for me to get my real work done and also keep up with you folks. I am wondering if I should have had it x-rayed but it seems much improved today.

Sounds like everyone has been busy. D was home last week/weekend for their version of fall break. Very pleasant and relaxing. Lots of drama going on with the sorority and housing; I'll spare you the details but I'm an angry mom. I suspect I'll be paying for two apartments in the spring. Still nothing firmly settled as to where D will be working next year; she has time to decide, but potentially is looking at a move to Dallas. Missypie, we may need your guidance!

TA, I know it's discouraging with the job hunt; many of D's friends are in the same boat, looking at spring recruiting. I have every confidence that everything will work out for both TA sons. Happy belated to TA H.

FallGirl, I know what you mean about ending up on Twitter. That has also happened to me more than once.

Oh well, time to get off to work. I'm taking next term off from teaching and expanding my hours at the firm. Despite my initial reservations, things are going well and I like it. So that's a good thing.

TheAnalyst · 10-12-2012, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Supposedly I don't know he has a twitter so I can't say anything. Lovely.

I can so identify with that. Too funny. S1 posted a new profile picture on his Facebook page of him and his brother when they were young children but I am forbidden from acknowledging that I can see his Facebook page (and S2 won’t friend me at all). Two of our former au pairs, both of whom live in Germany, commented and I would have liked to have been able to say hello to them. Small world.

Sabaray, thanks for checking in. I was missing your posts. Moda, hope your D passes her speed test. That sounds really challenging without training. kmc, love your stories, as always. Arabrab, congrats on the NYC deal.

S1 called H for his birthday yesterday. His apartment is smaller than his bedroom at home, so it was good to hear that he still loves it and has no problem living with his gf in such a small space. It will be interesting to see how the distance relationship thing works out over the next two months. He did not get the visa application submitted because the line was too long and he had to get to work. Since today is a holiday, he will be leaving without that getting done. He has a flight back on Dec. 9th, the visa expires Dec. 15th, and he has a flight to Columbia for a two week vacation with his gf leaving on Dec. 15th. His new plan is to do the paperwork between the 9th and 15th and get a temporary visa while the new one is being processed. He sees this as no big deal and isn’t worried in the least. He was headed out the door last night at midnight to a concert, so not fretting about mundane tasks like packing either. I think he will find the pace in Perth to be a little slow and he will miss his gf a lot, but knowing S1 he will find some way to turn it into a grand adventure.

S2 also called and is in a good mood. I am trying to remain optimistic on the job front and trust that spring recruitment will be better. Happily, S2 isn’t as much of a risk taker as S1 and generally stays out of trouble. I was a little worried about our car after last week-end’s big football win because his apartment is in the heart of riot/couch burning territory but S2 assured me he moves the car to a safe location on football week-ends.

NorthMinnesota · 10-12-2012, 10:55 AM

I just found a gift for D2's graduation! It is a little silver ring with a compass embossed on it. In the card I will write "Wherever life may lead you, you can always find your way back home". So excited!

TheAnalyst · 10-12-2012, 10:58 AM

NM, that sounds perfect. I guess I need to start thinking about gifts for S2, graduation party and all that stuff.

ellemenope · 10-12-2012, 11:08 AM

Quote:

And I do agree that any angst and worry among us all is OUR problem and not our kiddos'.

I need to have this tattooed on my wrist...and refer to it often!

sevmom · 10-12-2012, 11:20 AM

I've been thinking of graduation gifts too. My son has mentioned a watch so may look into that. Have gotten a Dalvey of Scotland compass before for a gift. Also, have found nice things from M. Lahart (engraved and in nice gift box) M.LaHart ? University-Branded TAG Heuer, Fine Jewelry, and Gifts for Alumni, Students, and Fans

RochesterMom · 10-12-2012, 12:13 PM

On graduation gifts - we will purchase a new car for D. Same thing that we did for S. D will have SOME involvement in the purchase but we will limit it to around the same amount as S's was.

Not sure about S. We were thinking of having a custom suit done as he will be a lawyer but still deciding. I was thinking of a nice briefcase but not sure if he would use one. Seems he prefers a backpack but I would think that would change as he is out in the "real" world.

FallGirl · 10-12-2012, 01:18 PM

welcome back Sabaray. Glad your hand is better.

analyst I have a feeling that things will work out for both of your S's. But I know the feeling. I am convinced that I worry enough for all of our kids!

I should spend more time thinking about graduation gifts and less time worrying about things I can't control.

sabaray · 10-12-2012, 03:31 PM

I haven't even thought about graduation gifts- I'm too preoccupied with anxiety over things I can't change! D loves Yurman jewelry though, so I'm guessing something from there will suffice.

NorthMinnesota · 10-12-2012, 03:41 PM

D2 really liked her Tiffany key necklace that we got her last spring for her honor induction. That would also be a nice grad gift for a young woman. Could symbolize key to her future, key to success, key to knowledge, etc. Can you tell I like symbolic gifts?

downtoearth · 10-12-2012, 06:11 PM

MP can weigh in on this as well, My H is an attorney and has never used a briefcase. I think a suit would be a great gift. I loved the stories about getting lost and having random people help as it makes me know there are angels out there.
Thank you for sharing these stories.
I have been down for the count with the flu shot, I purposely had it done at work when I had the next two days off. am starting to feel better but not great. How is it that some feel nothing and others not???? wow I just booked my daughter's flight for TG. However I have booked hotels for graduation. Hvent been thinking of gifts.
I posted a link on my FB from a child at my work. I will try to post it here.

ellemenope · 10-12-2012, 06:20 PM

How does he carry his papers? Just curious...