<p>But owlice, if I party like it’s 1968, that means I can only have chips and Kool-Aid, and whatever desserts I can cram in before my mom notices. </p>
<p>Can we party like it’s, oh I don’t know, 1982, instead?</p>
<p>gladmom & owlice, I was going to offer to share the yellow cake with chocolate frosting that I baked for D the other day - unfortunately, it was all gone! I think H had a huge midnight snack last night - about half a cake! Sorry about that.</p>
<p>Gladmom, while all of your bracelets sound beautiful, I like the sound of your favorite - Blue Oceans. </p>
<p>Harriet, we must be pretty close to the same age! I would have been 4 in 1968 and Kool-Aid was pretty popular in my house back in those days.</p>
<p>mountains - I agree with jym about post 1933 - LOL!!!</p>
<p>Congrats to all you vigil-antes!</p>
<p>I’ve lurked her for a LONG time–I think this is about the BEST thread on CC, but maybe that is just the food!! No, really, it is the company!! Anyway, I could use any advice offered, about coming to terms with my student’s decision–fabulous choice of a wonderful top 10 LAC institution, not Ivy and that is fine, but I have far more reservations about the place (no particular reasons, except that it is not as “adventurous” in terms of a different part of the country, than I would have chosen, and I am worried about the class status of fellow students, and the social culture). I suppose I should just PM Curmudgeon and ask him–and I have to make like I work for a living, so can’t catch up on this thread right now, though perhaps my answers are there, as we have all been putting those checks in the mail. I just still find myself in tears when I think of what student did not choose, tho’ maybe that is my responsibility as I clearly am twitterpated about another institution as opposed to the choice. It is also a matter of “name” as in student’s life situation and crowd, the “name” is important, to him, and saying he is going to Unheard-of College (which offered merit money as well) is something he is tired of. Oooops now I revealed that it is DS–the places referred to are small enough, that I want to be careful.</p>
<p>Any advice and companionship in this part of the vigil (he is also waiting on waitlist news from a far more adventurous possibility, think plane rides!) I would greatly appreciate!</p>
<p>We are here for you! I suspect many of our children made choices that some of us found heartwrenching and even wallet-wrenching! With my first child I really had to take a deep breath and not say what I really thought - and it has worked out very very well for him. With my second child, my first prayer every morning of the last month was - dear Lord just help me to help him to end up where YOU want him. A very conscious attempt at stepping away from the control!</p>
<p>Not that this will happen to any of us, but what if “the worst” happens and they hate their school? Thats right, they transfer and find a better fit. Happened to two of my friends last year - one who was very involved in the process and one who let her child take the lead and was very not-involved. Its all good. They spent one uncomfortable semester, ended up at better situations and are much happier. It happens. </p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with learning how to fail with grace!</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>radimom, you so belong here!!! Here, I keep the hard liquor tucked away under my desk, take a good swig of scotch! I went through those feelings with my older daughter’s choice last year. She turned down some great schools that even offered her $$, to attend a public LAC not too far from home. I was so uneasy about the school, but she ultimately knew what she was doing and has had a wonderful first year there. She’s getting a fantastic education in her major and has been involved in activities she really loves. Her only complaint about the school is that no one has ever heard of it (however, it is thought highly of in academic circles). The kids seem to find adventure anywhere, even if they are in a small campus bubble. Your son will be fine at his choice. There must be something there about the school that suits him and that will keep him happy. And the one advantage to the school being a drive away, than a flight away is that you can sneak away for a day trip to take them to lunch now and then…though she usually cringes when I do this.</p>
<p>And even though I really love D2’s choice of school, I still had pangs of regret mailing those letters yesterday…especially that they were lovely schools that offered her $$$ (she picked the only one that gave her none). SIGH Oh, and she’s on the waitlist for the school that still holds her heart.</p>
<p>Glasses, that blue ocean bracelet has my name on it!!! Must have!!! Love that CC store, I never noticed it before…cute!</p>
<p>Ok, time to PARTY! Clinks glasses of champagne with everyone and raises glass to toast our kids, may they all thrive at their chosen schools and continue to make us proud of them as we all are now!!! Salute!!! </p>
<p>The best thing about the virtual party is that I can simultaneously stuff my face with cake and guzzle champagne…JOY!!!</p>
<p>radimom - Welcome, welcome, welcome.</p>
<p>I second-guess my S’ choice … hmmm … about every hour but, like kitkat, I say a similar prayer and have learned to trust the process. I am generally happy with what he chose, but then I read something not too great about the college, and I am off to the races with doubts. I just have to remind myself that no college is perfect and part of my angst is having to create a new normal once he is gone (only child).</p>
<p>We are here for support, venting, food, drinks, bracelets, and whatever else we can conjure.</p>
<p>just frosted the carrot cake with cream cheese icing–and poured the kahlua into the fresh brewed coffee–please, help yourself…</p>
<p>I too find it’s hard to let go of the road not taken…especially when we think our student might possibly fare or fit better on one of those roads…but as so many wise parents have said–let’s have faith in our kids and in the universe that wherever they are they will use all their life lessons, intelligence, intuition, supports etc to make it a positive and meaningful experience…</p>
<p>yup, mountains…I also have been having sooo many doubts about my D’s choice…I just have to believe that it will all be ok after she gets there…there are many aspects about it that I am concerned about, but in the end, I know that the curriculum there is what she has wanted for years…Someday I won’t worry…that day has yet to come…</p>
<p>Congratulations everyone - on reaching this milestone! </p>
<p>Radi-Mom: We all have doubts and questions about why our kids made the decisions they did, or why the admissions people made the decisions to not let our kids make some decisions and we can go on and on.</p>
<p>Good thing for this “Community” we’ve found for ourselves - we can speak with abandon and have the support we need. Here we see that we have all had some of the same worries and doubts, and we strengthen one another with our support.</p>
<p>A glass of Dom, please, to salute all my CC friends!!</p>
<p>It does seem that as soon as one hurdle is crossed, there are other new ones to face. How nice to have a place where we can enjoy a slice of carrot cake, a glass of champagne, sometimes a laugh, sometimes a cry, and friends! </p>
<p>Today was the first day the gag order had been lifted and I could tell IRL people where my daughter is headed to college. In my travels, I ran into three individuals who asked about her college choice, and none had heard of Smith College. The blank looks were really awkward. </p>
<p>So, the next time I get that look, do I mention: a) it is a women’s college, or b) its fine USNWR ranking, or c) the wonderful scholarship she got, or d) the names of famous alums, or e) other? I’d like to say something that causes the blank stares to be replaced with SOME indication that they understand why in heaven’s name she would pick a school they had never heard of. Anyone else find they have to justify or explain their child’s choice? </p>
<p>By the way, the carrot cake is delicious! I love the cream cheese frosting!</p>
<p>radimom</p>
<p>Welcome!</p>
<p>I went through this last year with my son. I thought I knew the one best place for him and was sure he would come to the same conclusion. I did keep my mouth shut in front of him because I knew he needed to make his own decision ($$ was not an issue) and he chose a different school. I was totally flummoxed and had trouble accepting it even though I knew the one he chose was also great. I really just had to suck it up and act happy until I was, in fact, really happy. And I am. It has been a GREAT fit for him in every way and even came with significant merit $$, which <em>my</em> choice did not.</p>
<p>Our kids are the ones who will be going to these schools. It makes sense for them to choose, within our financial limitations. And, yes, they can transfer if it doesn’t work out.</p>
<p>jncq
If you have to explain Smith to someone, they are probably provincial (oh dear, I don’t know how to say that in a politically correct way). Anyway, come sit by me. Four years later, and my relatives still don’t know where my S attends college. The principal of his HS asked why he would skip his senior year to attend some state school in Ca. What matters in the end is sharing your joy with your DD.
I spent many years in the Amherst area, and feel certain your D will love her experience.</p>
<p>I’ll just stop in to say that every now and then I still have to explain how my son is able to attend Vassar, a women’s school!</p>
<p>Oh, and I gave birth to fourteen pounds, six ounces … okay, it was two babies at one time, but still … Needless to say, I didn’t go back for round two.</p>
<p>I’m still educating people about how boy/girl twins can’t be identical. You’d be amazed by what people don’t know.</p>
<p>crashing the party to reassure bookworm that, as someone who come from a provincial part of the world, she can relax re pc-ness. Provincial is as provincial does and to not know Smith is indeed provincial. </p>
<p>Mind if I stay for some cake? I won’t be where you all are for another year.</p>
<p>Crossposted w/ twinmom…I hear you! . Can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to explain that identical means identical inside the diaper too. One time a guy asked “twins??”
me: “yes”<br>
guy: “Siamese??”
me: blank stare as I am loading them 1 at a time into separate car seats</p>
<p>jnsq asks “Does anyone feel the need to justify S or D decision?”</p>
<p>Well, yes I do. My S chose a university far from home and not familiar to folks here in our part of the US. WE know why he chose it and WE know why it’s special, but those who don’t need an education (pardon the phrase) in looking outside the box and further than their nose for opportunity and challenges. Maybe if more of them did that, our state wouldn’t be close to LAST in every ranking/poll for education and health.</p>
<p>I commend my S for not being afraid to step outside the lines and forge a future for himself!! </p>
<p>And, as far as my happiness, well – I am sad to have him leave, sad the end of a chapter is near, and yes, sad that my alma mater didn’t give him the time of day, BUT — lest he feel shaky with his choices and less than excited, I am going to heed a fellow CCer’s advice and not cry all the way there in August so my tears don’t dampen HIS spirits. I will keep a pocket full of sunshine and cheer him on every step of the way!</p>
<p>More DOM please… in a glass etched with DS’s school crest…</p>
<p>Thanks, bookworm. At least my FAMILY has heard of Smith, though I heard some strange comments from one or two when my daughter shared her good news with them. Today was wear-your-college-t-shirt-to-school-day, and though there were no positive comments from peers, and one teacher thought Smith was in upstate NY, my daughter said, “I felt GREAT inside all day!” </p>
<p>Welcome to the club, radimom! I am a newbie here, too, but be assured, you will find tons of support and and acceptance – and the best food and drinks around!</p>
<p>historymom - “Siamese,” - LOL. Some people just don’t know very much, do they? </p>
<p>BTW, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is one of my favorites - second only to devils food with chocolate frosting. Too bad nobody else in my family is a big chocolate fan - so we never have it here. Owlice, if you’re listening, I’m putting in a request. Either that, or I’ll have to bake it myself and serve it virtually - the only problem is that I’m the only one who would eat it IRL.</p>
<p>Welcome, radimom. It’s nice to have some more company here in the lounge.</p>
<p>HistoryMom:</p>
<p>Yup.<br>
Stranger: “They must be identical. They look so much alike.”
Husband: “Not from the waist down.”</p>
<p>Another day …
Stranger #1 in store: “Are they twins?”
Me: “Yes they are.”
Stranger #2 in store - LOUDLY: “They can’t be twins. Twins have to be the same sex.”
Me: “Trust me. They’re twins. I was there.”
Stranger #2 - clearly agitated: “You’re wrong. They’re not twins.”</p>
<p>Third day, in supermarket:
Cashier: “Are they twins?”
Husband (tired of this question): “No. They’re triplets. We left the third one home alone in the crib.”</p>
<p>After a while you give up. What matters is your family’s happiness, not what other people think they know.</p>
<p>jnsq - We have the name recognition issue too, with next to no one here in our corner of NC having ever heard of Williams. What’s interesting, though, is that when my S answers people’s questions about where he’s headed in the fall, they always pretend to be impressed, even though they don’t know the first thing about it, including location. Guess they don’t want to seem provincial. 
Oh, and I’ve also been asked if Williams is a women’s college.</p>