Rose Colored Glasses

After spending the weekend dropping off my son at college I was feeling nostalgic, remembering all the good times. What I seemed to have forgotten, which is all flooding back to my memory now is all the struggles, being a fish out of water, having trouble finding your way around, having trouble socially, making bad decisions. It is all coming back to me as I hear in his voice through his first weeks, the anxiety that goes along with being a Freshman. I have to say many of the memories are not ones I care to relive, but as they say, it made me the strong person I am today. So when he calls me with all his worries, I will remain tough and just listen and remind him we have all gone through this awkward stage in our lives, and we survived.

Separation Anxiety

Ever since he was born we dreamed about this day, off to college! East Georgia College for now with a plan to transfer into Georgia Southern. The toughest thing for me to witness was him and his girlfriend saying goodbye, both in tears, I can say I remember that feeling well!

He is now settled in his college apartment. Jim and I did our best to get him all set up with everything he needs for a good start, hopefully I will be able to say he took advantage of the great opportunity he has. Even as we were pulling away in the car we were spouting last minute advice. It was strange driving away and giving up "control," he is on his own now. Except for the fact that he can call and text any time day or night! Going off to college doesn't seem as final as it used to be, when kids had to write letters to their loved ones. I am excited for him to start his own journey. Although, I did sneak him a text last night "Goodnight son" to which he replied "Love you Momma." I think I will let go in baby steps. . .

Summer Update

I have been having a busy couple months I got a promotion at work and am now using every ounce of brain power and don't have much left for blogging. We have managed to have some fun this summer. It started of with a big graduation party, Jim did a great job transforming the backyard and feeding the crowd. Bryan requested a Southern BBQ so we fired up the neighbors smoker and made a bunch of pulled pork and chickens, it was a big hit. We slept 17 in the house, it was really special having everyone come to wish Bryan well. Weren't able to "get away" but have made the most of the beautiful area we live in. The best thing we did was go to my boss's luxury cabin on Lake Nantahala seen below.

Mission Accomplished

It has been a long and uphill battle but my son is graduating this week. Academics are not his passion, to put it in a gentle way. He has had me sweating bullets, talking with teachers, nagging him incessantly, all the while he is cool, calm and collected. Never doubting himself for a minute. I was always an overachiever and would not accept less than my maximum effort. So you can imagine my befuddlement with my child, the one I had raised, just fine with low marks, as long as he accomplishes his goal of passing. It is nothing short of maddening.

But he did it, I can breathe a sigh of relief for now. Time to celebrate! Hopefully all the aggravation will fade away from my memory.

Signs

I am all wound up with anxiety surrounding my son's impending graduation and college move. I could list all the worries, but I am sure you can imagine, the list is endless. I have been trying to quell my anxiety by working out, listening to music, saying the rosary etc. Well I think the universe is trying to send me a message, if I would only just take it to heart.
Recently while driving in the car the worrying started, and I looked up and the license plate of the car in front of me read "ITLBOK" as my younger son tried to crack the riddle I instantly said oh it says "It'll be Okay" I laughed and took a deep breath.
Then this morning, another stressful moment was upon me: filling out student loan papers, and I turned my attention back to work and the article I was asked to layout was entitled "Fear Not" and explained the concept of nothing ventured, nothing gained. Okay, I am starting to get the message, calm down Michelle, things have a way of working out.
My wonderful parents used to have words of encouragement hanging all over the house and one in particular is the advice I need at the moment: "Inch by inch life's a cinch, yard by yard, life is hard."

Not Like We Used to Do It!

The day I had been waiting 17 years for finally arrived! My baby boy was going to the Prom! I was excited to see his girlfriend and him in my living room looking beautiful. I would be snapping photos and tearing up as they drove away....not in the 21st century.

From the minute she was sending him cellphone pictures from the dressing room, seeing if he liked the dress she was trying on, I knew it would not be "like I remember it."

The Prom and all that surround it, is now a group event --don't have a date --no problem you just pick a "picture partner" no strings attached. Pose for the photos and you are done, no need to buy her dinner.

The boy going to pick up his date in his car? Nope, the girl is dropped off by her parents where they all board the Disco Bus. At the end of the night the girl is picked up by her parents to take her home.

The boys aren't even that interested in finding their date in the crowd! I was envisioning a totally different scenario of romance and hand holding.

The photo op consisted of me following Bryan to the gathering place, hunting down his date and jockeying for a position like paparazzi with all the other parents for a good shot. The parents were all looking at each other saying "This in not like we used to do it!"

Apparently they had a great time, he texted me, telling me he "danced his heart out," at least that hasn't changed.

Two of My Favorite People

My cousin Brendan got married on St. Patrick's Day at 12 noon, with the sounds of bagpipes echoing in the air, what a great day, the weather was flawless, no humidity, about 70 degrees, and the flowering trees of North Carolina were putting on a beautiful show.

We were met at our beautiful hotel room with a goody bag and a carefully planned itinerary. we arrived late the day before the wedding after fighting Atlanta traffic. I was totally exhausted but had trouble sleeping knowing in the morning I would get to see my extended family for the first time in about 18 months. I popped awake in the morning, jumped in the shower and headed down to the lobby for a family reunion over breakfast. What a great feeling to have all the people you love together in one room! Such a rare occasion in our family-- we are spread out all over the country.

Brendan's wife is a perfect match for him and fits right in to our clan. We hit it off from the minute we met, and I am so happy to see this union!