After the launch

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
101

<p>G-mom- dont turn it into a big thing, just point out to her that having the accomodation will help later when school work is an issue, like she should make an appointment, and make contact so they can be in her corner if it comes to that on a late paper or whatever. Play it casual. The truth is probably somewhere between “she never even tried” and she “she showed up and they blew her off”</p>

<p>Also, I dont know if I mentioned it before, but when in Baltimore, you must go to the Visionary Art museum. Go as a family after pizza uno gf pizza lunch…</p>

102

<p>so I was trying on my photographic selective memory stock and this must be it.
<a href=“http://mancinisbakery.com/news.php[/url]”>http://mancinisbakery.com/news.php&lt;/a&gt;
last summer while wondering around downtown Pittsburgh, I smelled out this joint in the Market square, but missed to get the last piece of spinach bread. there were only tag and crumbs on the tray left - sold out.
the storekeeper said it always go fast.
I did buy muffin and coffee, was good enuff but when you miss something you wanted and the stuff is happened to be best selling item without you never ever knowing, you’d feel the loss is somewhat gigantic.
retro interior, counter, glass cases, there were many old fashioned sugar items. may help fattening quick.
check it out when you visit famkid.</p>

103

<p>@GMom - yes, I’m worried about the night biking. I don’t know if I should be more worried about night walking! It’s only a few blocks away, but that could still be trouble.</p>

<p>About your daughter, maybe she just forgot to follow through with the appointment. Did she need to give them the therapist’s info? I think kids start off by just wanting these things to fall in place for them, they don’t want to deal with the nit-picky bureaucracy themselves. You could call her and say (or leave a message), “honey, I contacted the LRC and they say you need to …xyz. Have another crack at it even if they’re busy. It shouldn’t take too long”. My D wanted me to call her bank to find out where the nearest branch was and could she change something about her account? I made her do it herself and she was not too happy with me but she called back quickly and had gotten the bank questions all figured out. Whew, less calling for me.</p>

104

<p>About the movie theater snacks - I would like to say I’m as strong as the rest of you but I have caved in on occasion. I love Twizzlers, I just can’t help myself sometimes. And movie theater Twizzlers are never stale. </p>

<p>It’s funny, if you go to the movies in New York now, they have calories listed up on the lit up board along with prices. I thought at first that a large popcorn was more than $10 and then I realized it was more than 1000 calories! You’ve saved more than money avoiding all those treats!</p>

105

<p>snowcaps. the must.</p>

<p>PNCA’s questionnaire sheet asked
" what is your favorite movie theater snack?"</p>

<p>suppose they can tell what kind of student/ artist by which candy you’d pick, or sense of humor enuff or not to bother answering the question.</p>

<p>yes everything is calorie posted around here, it was sort of intimidating at first - gee this scone is 450 Cal? better not have it before real breakfast - but nowadays just another thing it’s there but so what, like, SVA subway posters ( heheheheh)</p>

106

<p>The snowcaps are tempting but my parents brought me up like rationing was still in force so I just can’t do it…spending money is quite painful for me so you can imagine the agony of forking out for CMU if I won’t pay for snowcaps at the movie.</p>

<p>…then again, last night I went to uber fancy/chic restaurant to celebrate 20 years of married bliss (we had a gift certificate or else H would not have been able to get me in there)…I told husband that we could blow the $100 certificate on appetizers and wine and then go to the very nice taco joint down the street…he insisted on the full meal, yada yada…so we were seated next to a table with one recognizable Senator and a congressman (I think, but they all look the same) and their stepford wives (sorry but they did look like plastic). The food was exquisite and the wine was WOW…but what is with the silly tableware at these chic restaurants?..funky knives (but no fish knife!?..the whole point of paying $50 for a tiny piece of sea bass balanced on various layers of organic, vegies etc. is to eat it with a fish knife) and deep plates so that when you took a rest your knife and fork slid to the bottom of the plate unless you took them out and rested them on the bread plate. There were too many obsequious waiters/servers/sommeliers (no idea how to spell)…and I was asked way too many times how the food was…the coffee was $3.50 and dunkin donuts does it soooo much better. </p>

<p>Still the main course was memorable and we actually agreed NOT to discuss DD or DS and, therefore, had a lovely time. I told H about the stories on this american life (the lightning strike at the christian camp was just so weird but sad) and reminisced about other memorable meals (some fancy, some funny, some awful)…he could remember what we ate then night we got engaged (he said I made us go for the early bird special to save money…so he knew what he was getting into) but then again neither us remember what was served at our wedding (my mother was in total control which probably accounts for this).</p>

107

<p>H and I once used a gift certificate and chose to go lunch for our anniversary instead of dinner to make it go further! And I definitely don’t remember the food at our wedding. I do remember at one point hiding under a porch with H during the reception to catch a break though. </p>

<p>H is a big popcorn eater at movies…I try to dissuade him by saying there is not enough time to wait on the line but he’s got the two things tied together. It must be a deep childhood thing. Popcorn used to be cheap. And double features were standard. </p>

<p>Snowcaps…noooo
Even worse, Whoppers! Torture candy that my dancing school teacher used to hand out from that milk container after class.
Shudder.</p>

108

<p>^snowcaps are hard to come by. two known places sold them went outa business, Blockbuster and Virgin record.
how much is is nowadays at theater? $ 3.50 a box that half filled with air? you can share with whole family. I seldom see films at where snowcaps are sold, last one was Ironman 2.
I treat it as special special occasion.</p>

<p>fammom,
fish knife!! I can smell proper hidden brit-ness in you.
we must be in the same wavelength.
yesterday after school, my kid helped unload my boss’s social/business materials ( bears and dogs, other stuffed creatures) at some fancy Park Ave gala, when the job done, he was sent back with “thank you” 25 bucks.
I was nosy and asked how it was,
"like, the War and Peace, you know, they talk, like, say nice things but don’t listen nor acknowledge each other " ( is this same in Stepford wives and politician geezers way?)
he was not fed any of fancy party food, so we went to Eataly with his earnings.</p>

<p><a href=“HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost”>HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost;

<p>Mario Batali opened this eat-in drink- in Italian food capital in old Toy Building lobby few blocks from our office.
The area have been the toy district historically but gone Asia everything is, end of era.
Eataly was started in Italy ( duh) then gone to Japan ( where else, most $$$ sucker per capita) this here is the first US franchise.
what you see is euro style market with gorgeous raw meat, fish, sweets, land of pasta, cheese, bread, coldcuts- you are to say “salumi” - and open restaurants/bars you can eat those things cooked professionally by Mario-sh way.
we went to " pesce " area ( all signs are Italian with picture to guide you thru, they even got useless Italian ATM machine and ipad station that fixed in Italian news site written in Italian)
the opening was only few weeks ago and place is a mad scene, we are seated on the bar.
next to us is this fancy girl eating whole grilled fish on roasted sliced lacy potatoes with quite a knife skill, like, playing musical instrument.
we ordered Fritto Misto, rather preferred all calamari but they don’t have it, consisted three shrimps (odd numbered pieces, always) making statement and few halibut nuggets, tiny whole fish thing we Japanese use for making fish broth, dry crunched fresh herbs scattered about - parsley sage rosemary and thyme. touch of float-y sea salt and squirt of half lemon that came with it.
oh it was heavenly
but $ 22.89 ( w/ tax) plus tip would exceed our budget already with only one appetizer plate shared.
well, been there. done that ( only “that” one appetizer hemmmm)
maybe next time, whole branzino with fish knife after breaking my CD account.</p>

<p>as we are heading out, I bought myself gelato for the occasion outa my pocket ( amaretto, meaning apricot, didn’t know that 'till I got one. it sounded like some almond, sweet-y thing to me. was good anyways) for he did not want any saying
" I had the best one in the world at Siena (with MICA Tuscany). you don’t know what you are missing. ahhh… emm …can I have a bite?"
It came in genuine Italian dorky fruit printed tiny paper cup and Italian tiny plastic square spoon randomly chosen by scooper out of four bold Italian assorted colors, cobalt blue, lime green, deep red, dandelion yellow…
I got blue one, donno how much this spoon’s costs contributed in $ 3.90 price tag. it says on the back AL CAS 17 with some mystery logo, maybe Italian recycling symbol?</p>

<p>where was I? oh yah
happy anniversary, like marries likes, is the key, sometimes. you seem made for each other. awwww
so- how did you two meet?</p>

109

<p>Forking out for CMU is worth it! So is forking out for gelato, usually. Yours sounded good, bears. I always thought Amaretto was made of almonds but it’s made from apricot pits! We try to keep a bottle on hand to splash over a bowl of cut up strawberries, peaches, whatever. Pour a bit on, wait an hour or so and YUM.</p>

110

<p>bears, my favorite part of your story is that you son took you out to dinner. Nice boy.</p>

111

<p>So picture me hitting myself in the head (again!) amaretto is from apricot stones?! really? That’s why it smells like almonds? Big high five (virtually) BandD and Greenwitch as my store of knowledge increases (not just about art)…wow! Totally agree with Switters about the pricelessness of a dinner bought by S. So sweet! </p>

<p>OK now I need CC group advice…Should should I text or call S’s GF? Advice? They broke up and supposedly it was more her than him. However, I suspect she is really torn up about this and would like her to know I care even if I don’t want details, don’t want to take sides. I do care about her and worry about her. H says not to initiate contact. I think I should ask S if I should/could call. Go ahead…I am so unsure what to do. I also thought about sending her a small care package and note since I have her address at school. I was planning to do this before they broke up but now am full of indecision.</p>

112

<p>G
wait wait! so what amaretto itself taste like? because the geloato I got was pretty much of apricot sorbet, I can’t tell the differences if it was out of H</p>

113

<p>Fammom, that’s a tough one. I’ll say go ahead and call her. Especially if she’s a talker herself. Girls usually like to process things, over and over again, by talking to friends. Make SURE she knows it’s OK with you that they’ve broken up and doesn’t end up feeling guilty for disappointing you or something. Kids seem to always blame themselves, even at this age.</p>

<p>Don’t involve S, but you can tell him about it later, casually. Something like, “I spoke to old GF, just to see if she’s well and to tell her I always liked her…”. They were together for a long time so he should understand that you have some feelings for her too. I don’t think I’d send a care package but a card would be nice. See how you feel after the conversation. Then have some Amaretto!!!</p>

114

<p>famom…I don’t know. It might be more painful for her if she is grieving over it. She may need the space to let go. I suppose she knows you know? Maybe she doesn’t. You could send her the package without mention of the break up, sticking with your original intention and see if she reaches out to you. Bear’s question makes sense. Will you see her during break by chance?. I would feel funny about doing it and not telling my son. He comes first. If he didn’t want it I wouldn’t do it.
I am having the opposite problem. Son’s GF is really unhappy at college and he suggested she call me for support. After talking with her I feel I am not the right person to be there for her. Her problems are more involved than not just liking her school. Truthfully, the more I know the more I wish she and S’s relationship would end and trying to counsel her with those feelings mixed in is difficult. She sort of asked me to come visit her. The funny thing is that while they were dating during high school she wasn’t especially open and talkative with me.
I know she is already going up to see my son at school this weekend and he is only just beginning to settle in. I was glad they were going to have some space from one another but I guess a 3 hour train ride is not enough. I talked it over with a friend who said it sounded like the girl could use some professional counseling. (Parents are not really there for her). I told my son I am concerned about her and thought maybe that counseling would be a good suggestion. He agreed and then said “aren’t you going to go visit her”, meaning I suppose, that I should be the one to suggest it. oohhh…Can I just stay out of this without feeling like a rotten person?</p>

115

<p>FAM- you hit on my area of much experience. I suggest sending her a note, letting her know that you are thinking of her, and letting her know you have warm feelings for her and wish her well. </p>

<p>I actually got two of these notes from previous long term gfs of S, kind of thank you for being nice to me notes. (My S is a serial monogamist) It kind of helped with the transition. I am working on getting to Bear’s attitude about the whole thing, which is dont get too attached…</p>

<p>DRAE- AT first, I was going to say my gut tells me you should go see the girl. Is it a long trip? Also your S thinks you are a hero, what most of us would give for that. It will be messy, but you should check up on her. HOWEVER at second thought, I dont know, this is tough. This is a relationship you don’t sanction. Do you think your S is on the road to a break up with someone who is going to be devastated by it? Maybe you should lay it on the table with S.</p>

116

<p>I got up and read them “family” members’ different opinions.
first I thought it was mom- girl difference ( fammom has D, G got three (?) ), then it must be how cool mom herself is - thing. ( drae + switters)
I should work on warming up with “girl” things. I was never the one, sandwiched between rowdy boy sibs, all boy neighbor catching frogs and crawfish. middle-school was a torture I had no clue how girl issues worked. I managed to copy, paste, cut, edit thanks to manga. thou still hit me here there - such as nail trimming issue.</p>

<p>One of my friend has no family support and her HS sweetheart’s mother is still her “mom” she’d visit and share everything with, while her (mom’s) own S is gone away far (emotionally and physically)
I used to read similar stories in " Real Simple" magazine in its heyday.
I think fammom knows herself and this girl the best, let’s see what she is gonna do.</p>

117

<p>bears…I grew up with brothers too and now two sons. Maybe I am just not experienced enough to feel confident to help this girl. Anyway, I came up with a plan. First I will step back until they have their weekend together. If I get any clue from S that he is wanting space from her I will asses at that point how to proceed. If it is status quo, I will go visit her. The friend who thought she might need counseling is actually from our high school and was one of her favorite teachers. She offered to come along so we’ll take her out to lunch together. That will keep me from making it so personal.</p>

<p>Thanks for the support.</p>

118

<p>good mama bear drae
will meeting be near Parsons? then I can sneak out and go learn girls’ way.
I know it is a wrong thing to say at the moment but wanna be a fly on the wall… drama! drama!!</p>

<p>OK, now, seriously
you sure know how to give room to little draemon.
It is sort of like dance, with mom and son - step in too far, he backs off.
I back off, not “pretending” but when I am really not paying attention and least expecting, he’d open up and say something really really matters to him or me or both few days ( or month, a year) later than the time it needed to discus and decided.
anything major in his life, I needed to plan way way ahead, like 4 years before summer program, 6 years before Cooper admission, 18 years before his employment.
I’m done now. It won’t kill us if I didn’t do it “right” I’ve learned that much.
yep, switters, I have so much better relationship now that I got off the helicopter and my feet on the firm ground ( till next earthquake hit. arghhhhhhh!! )</p>

119

<p>bears…I actually thought of asking you to go see her!</p>

<p>She is having a tough time with Parson’s. Not “college-y” enough. Not a very nurturing atmosphere. Lots of older students, commuters and hate to say it (but it is her description)…spoiled rich girls. The dorm is very far from the dining hall so she doesn’t get that social eating together experience and she has some awful teachers. It is sad. My husband says maybe it is what she needs to make her stronger, to help her realize what she does want. That forging experience someone mentioned above.</p>

<p>But to add to the difficulty…in the first week of being there a freshman girl went out partying all night, stepped onto the window ledge of a tall building and fell to her death. Reporters came lurking about and I’m sure it put a shadow over everyone there. Add this to her personal stuff outside of the school and it really does make sense that she is feeling vulnerable.</p>

120

<p>what sad is kids die all the time in NYC it is not even big deal.
she should have gone to Cornell.</p>