Journey & Adventure

I can’t believe we are already in the last week of July.   Eeeks!   Summer is passing me by.   How has that happened?   Where did it go and how can I get it back?   Seriously, I’m freaking out about this one.   The weather has been on a “cool” side and not in a “wow that’s awesome” kind of cool.   More like cold, put on socks kinda cold…brrr…   This summer has been a summer of “procedures”, with visits to Drs., Dentists and Specialists.    First, I had a filling, then a root canal, then another filling to fix the crown where the hole was made from the root canal.   Then there were miscellaneous Doctor’s appointments, blood tests or as I like to call them “tune-ups”.   Then, I had a biopsy on a spot that I’ve had above my left eyebrow for at least a year and that hasn’t seemed to heal and just last Friday, a follow-up appointment for the results.   Turns out, I have basal-cell carcinoma – a form of skin cance...

After a couple of years of wandering aimlessly through a couple of different college programs, The Boy has decided to take a year off from his search of post-secondary knowledge. In hindsight, J and I should have encouraged him to do this sooner, as it would have save a lot of time, money and frustration by everyone involved, but as parents, you want your children to succeed, have more and do more than you personally. During my generation, we finished high school knowing we were lucky to be heading off for college because many of our parents didn’t have that ability. They simply finished high school and entered the work force, got married, started a family, etc. A post-secondary education wasn’t expected from them, or in some cases it wasn’t even an option. In this day and age, we expect our children to be destined for greatness and when greatness doesn’t come exactly how and when we expect it – on our terms and schedule, we become overly concerned that there is something fu...

It’s Thursday and I’m beside myself with excitement. Why? Well, The Boy is finishing up with his last exam for the school year, which means: The Top 10 Things that excite me about The Boy being done school for the summer… 10. No more early mornings. 9. No more late nights. 8. No more having to hear how “STUPID” his professors are. 7. No more cranky people in my car, except me. 6. No more trash in my car that is not mine. 5. Once again, I’ll be able to listen to whatever music I choose. 4. Once again, I’ll be able to sing off key to said music. 3. No more having to hear his ringtone for text notifications. 2. No more stops alongside the road because The Boy downed a whole bottle of Gatorade and cannot possibly wait until we get home. And the #1 thing that excites me about The Boy being done school for the summer… 1.My car will no longer smell like “boy” (aka stinky sneakers and stale farts). PLEASE NOTE: I love him to death, I j...

Let me first start by saying that I have no experience in this area, but am slowly gathering some knowledge through my research while trying to help The Boy “discover himself”. Truth is - I’m trying to get him out of my house and into the world… Although, I joke about his wasted college days, I don’t see anything that helps you decide the things you DON’T want to do in life as a total waste. Yes, money has been spent on school that could have been better spent elsewhere. Enough said… I’m not dwelling on that. Moving forward… So, The Boy is once again at a crossroads of what he wants to do with his life. He’s tried three separate college programs (broadcast television, business marketing and most recently, culinary management) and none seem to be fulfilling a need in his life. While he enjoys culinary, it’s not something he can see himself making a long term career out of. He’s a hard worker, but just doesn’t have the passion for it. With all that being said, it’s been di...

The Boy goes back to school in a couple of days.   I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it in the past, but he’s decided on another course change for the upcoming school year.   As a matter of fact, he’s decided on an entirely different approach.   This year he plans on living at home and attending college in the same city as where I work, so he will be able to commute with me.   The benefit of this is that, he’ll save a ton of money on housing and I’ll be able to ensure he’s getting the support he needs to make this year count (read…I’ll be nagging him so bad, he won’t have any other choice than to get his shit together).   This year, he’s decided on Culinary Management, which is a fancy way of saying Chef Training as his program of choice and so far he seems committed to it.   He’s even gone so far as getting a second job at local catering company/deli/butcher shop in order to gain some hands-on experience in the culinary fi...

My son was home from college this past weekend for Thanksgiving.   It was great to spend some time with him.   I know it’s only been a little over 6 weeks since he’s been gone, but I could really see how much he’s matured in such a short period of time.   He actually used a sentence like “It would be frivolous of me to ask you buy that.   I don’t need it.”   Whaaaat? He’s decided that he does not like the program that he’s in and is planning on switching in January.   He’s currently in Broadcast Television, but wants to move into Marketing.   He’s was worried that J and I would be disappointed in him wanting to switch.   J and I both told him that we won’t be disappointed in him; provided it’s want he wants to do.   We’d rather him be happy in life than to regret his choices.   The semester won’t be a total loss since two of his four courses are transferable to the new program.  I support his choice to move to ma...

J and I have just finished dropping our Baby Boy off at college.   He was super excited and couldn't wait for us to leave.  I know he'll be fine.  He's like J and I -  adventurous and adaptable.   I'm super excited for him, but rest assured that I will shed a tear or two when no one is around to witness it.  So until then I need to hold it together.  Anyone got duct tape?

My Horoscope for Today... The Moon in your sign gives you an edge, even when dealing with a cold, difficult person. You could be uncomfortable with what is coming up at the workplace. You cannot count on someone like you have in the past.  My Response:   I deal with cold, difficult people everyday.  They can go @#$% themselves today, just like they did yesterday.  Boredom I've been bored out of my tree this week, so much so that I Googled "boredom".  Here are some of the things I've found: Gotta cat?  This one I have to try... I always suspected Barney was a perv... See - I told you I was bored.   Anyhow...On Sunday, we're off to drop The Boy off at college. By Sunday night, I'll be a slobbering, weeping moron.  Wish me luck. Have a great weekend everyone!

Don't tell my co-workers because they will tattle on me, but I'm taking a "sick" day today.  I'm not actually sick, I just need to get a bunch of stuff done in my life today (dentist, back to school shopping with The Boy, cleaning my bathrooms, getting groceries, etc.) and I'll be damned if I'm going to waste a vacation day on that crap and forget about the weekends - I'm too busy doing fun stuff to worry about the toilets. So, on the back to school shopping thing - how old do your children have to be before you stop buying their "back to school" stuff.   I know The Boy is technically a "man".  (I couldn't even keep a straight face typing that one...LOL! ) Regardless of his age, I feel I should be at least providing the necessities (and a new toothbrush) for him before I send if off into the world.  God knows, today's underwear and sock purchases will probably have to last him awhile.    Now don't get me wrong, ...

Last night, my son casually announced that his college applications need to be finalized by middle of December. Son: Oh yeah, I need to decide my future by middle of December. Me: What? Son: Yeah, middle of December. All my college applications need to be finalized. Me: WTH are you talking about? College what? Son: Mom, you know COLL-EGE. A place where I’ll go to CON-TIN-UE my education. Me: I know what college is, but this can’t be possible. What grade are you in? It seems like it was only yesterday that he was starting kindergarten. I remember every single report card vividly and nowhere did they include the warning “YOUR CHILD IS STARTING COLLEGE IN 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 YEAR(S)”. I am not prepared for this – emotionally or financially (more emotionally). Selfishly, J and I have been living our lives to the fullest – traveling the world, wining and dining ourselves silly and then all...