FWIW, our plan is an HDHP/HSA if it makes a difference. Before that was approved, I was also stockpiling a bit by being really aggressive on refilling exactly when eligible, as she doesn’t take it daily (and then the 90 day option came through, which was a relief.)
It’s the difference b/t a boy and a girl. I’m the same with mine.
Here is my 2cents on Seattle for those considering it. I was born and raised in the midwest and those hot summers and cold winters made getting out of there a priority. Moved to Seattle in the 90s in July and couldn’t figure out why people said it rained all the time. Then the fall set in and the rain started to fall. Back then it never got over 80 degrees all summer long. It was awesome! Now climate change has set in and we do get less rain and it can get to 90 degrees in the summer and stay there. You can typically wear a sweatshirt for three seasons, but you will need a rain jacket.
Seattle was made for people that love the outdoors, so many trails and beautiful places to visit.
I only heard about the Seattle freeze about 10 years ago and never really found it to be true, I walk every day and say good morning to everyone I meet and stop to pet other peoples dogs and chat. I guess it depends on whether you are a glass half full person or not.
Seattle really struggles with how to deal with homelessness, they want to let people be and make their own decisions, but they don’t want to be harassed or have to deal with the garbage, drug use and crime. They are always trying new ways to figure out what will work best for the city. Many people have commented that the U District and Seattle feels gritty, and I can definitely see that in some areas. I love it, the diversity, the food, the weather, all of it.
10 Likes
D25 is my older child and I’m currently excited and not sad, like you’ve described @OctoberKate. However, I suspect that might change. We’re pretty close and I’m a totally sentimental, weepy person. A coffee commercial can make me teary. But focusing on a plan, like getting into college, choosing a school, packing lists,etc. distract me enough to not think about how much I’m going to miss her. I can’t even think about the empty nest I’ll be facing when my younger child goes to college. I have a feeling I’m going to get even more involved in work at that point.
My husband is more like you @dfbdfb. He’s looking forward to when our younger child moves out too so we can finally have a clean bathroom. lol.
3 Likes
D25 just got off the waitlist OOS for UNC-Chapel Hill!!! (She applied EA, so it seems like those waitlist determinations might have been treated more like deferrals). I still think St. Olaf will be the best school for her, but I am sure she will be tempted by UNC. At the very least it is a really nice pat on the back for her hard work.
47 Likes
Beyond anecdote, it seems worth noting that Hamilton reports a first-to-second year retention rate behind that of only eight other private LACs.
5 Likes
Yes, this. I’ve been struggling to find words for why it feels different this time, and you said it so well (except my eldest went to a school only about a half-hour away, and still lives in the area!)
We also just lost our beloved pet rabbit of 12 1/2 years, so I’m really struggling thinking about what it will be like at home when D25 leaves. Similarly thinking about planning a big trip, but unsure if it will be in the cards.
9 Likes
That’s HUGE! Congratulations 
2 Likes
puppy maybe?
1 Like
Maybe not. Those are such different experiences. One or the other will fell right. As long as she is honest with herself about what she really wants she will make the right choice.
5 Likes
Dropping in to say we are still waiting on a couple reaches for S25, but S23 just texted from the Azores where he is traveling solo AND lost his passport. 
26 Likes
I’ve heard of visitors missing Clinton because of their direction of arrival. The village is extremely charming.
3 Likes
I have this same dream… I show them baby pictures of themselves just to prove it’s not me, it’s them! LOL
2 Likes
In regards to the Nerdy Community at Bama… did your student look into the Blount Scholars Program?! My D18 and S23 both thought it would be a nice cohort of like minded nerds.
In our case here in Arizona, U of A is University of Arizona, not University of Alabama. D26 doesn’t want anywhere east of TX, so Univ of Alabama is totally out. Plus, it’s too expensive and she hates football.
1 Like
I’m slightly concerned about my job with talks of dismantling the department of education. My district’s primary purpose is to service students with IEPs.
19 Likes
My heart sinks for all these kids (and obviously for you and the job insecurity too - awful)
8 Likes
2 rejections from “highly rejective” schools today. Still disappointed and one was his first choice. Probably alot of kids first choice. One more to go tomorrow, which I assume will be the same. Glad no waitlists so far though because I want him to be able to move on. On the bright side, I can take some potential admitted students days off the calendar during spring break. This is hard. Predictable, but still hard.
33 Likes
We are right there with you. Five rejections and a waitlist tonight. Expected, but still brutal. Sending hugs.
33 Likes
I am so sorry. I know we have some crossover in schools for our kids. They will land where they are meant to be. But this is brutal.
6 Likes