College Boy

Nick sent me a picture of his half of his dorm room (sorry it's so small-Nick took it with his phone and sent it in a text). It looks similar to his room at home with the essentials of bed,although he hasn't slept in a bunk bed in forever, and desk. He's already asked for a few things to be sent in a care package. I'm sure he'll find something he likes to adorn the walls (He gave his Mars Volta poster away before he moved).
OK Nick, hurry up and start your own blog so everyone can keep up with you!

The Last Supper

Part 1

This last Monday we had a big family dinner so everyone could have a chance to say goodbye to Nick. Almost everyone was there, and those who couldn't make it had real life emergencies to attend to, but still sent their love and support.
We barbecued, and proved that Michele can host a party of 50 at her home.
For me personally, it was a great night. I got to visit some Freemans that I truly love, and haven't seen in many years. It was so heartwarming to feel the love and support of everyone as we all expressed our pride in Nick. I want to thank everyone who showed up, and for those who so generously "donated" to Nick's college fund.

The next evening we went to Michele's again (it may have been that all our extra chairs were at her house... we really weren't trying to wear her out) and had home made tacos - just the immediate family - so we could have one last dinner together before he left.

This pic (above) is from last Friday at Frank's house for Pizza Night - I thought I'd put a before and after of Nick's hair for you to see


I know these aren't a lot of pictures - I don't seem to be the photog that Michele is, so my advise is to tell you to look forward to Michele's blog about both of these nights and you'll get a much better variety (not to mention higher quality) of pictures.

For more of this story please read the post below!

He's Flown the Coop (literally)

Sequel to "The Last Supper"
(see last blog)


Today Don, Desi, and I drove Nick to San Jose Int'l. Airport. It was the last thing we could do for him before he left for college - the last time we'll give any kind of hands on parenting (from here on out it'll just be advise if he asks) - and the last time he'll feel like our little boy. On the flip side of that... It's a whole world of "firsts" for Nick. First airplane trip - first time living on his own - first real away (far away) time from home - first time (in several years) that he's had such short hair!

I meant to get a step by step picture book of this monumental hair cut, but these pics should give you the general idea.

After I took this shot I realized that you can't really see how much hair there was on the floor. Seriously, you could have made a small animal out of what was swept away!

I read Michele's blog "I heart U" and felt kind of jealous. Aaron may not give her all the info she wants, but he's here to ask. And still willing to tell her - at least the things he remembers :). I look forward to hearing all about school and what Virginia is like. I'm excited to have more adult conversations with him. I know he'll make friends quickly and easily, and I hope he doesn't get too homesick.


Because of airport security we could only see him to the security gate. There wasn't even an observation area to watch arrivals and departures. So we got in our last hugs and watched him till he passed out of site into the terminal. Then we kind of waited, teary eyed, till we knew he was boarding the plane (we texted back and forth till then). We finally went back to the car for the ride home.

So my new mantra is "three and a half more months, just three and a half more months"

He'll be home for Christmas vacation before we know it - and I am serious about my "travel" fund, but I won't be able to do that before Christmas.
So, I love you Nicky, and I miss you. I know you'll do great! Can't wait to see you in three and a half months!

Nick's New Home

This is the campus of Southern Virginia University that will be Nick's home in a few days.
Don't you kind of envy him?

All Grown Up

I remember when I was 8 years old and my oldest brother went away to the University of San Diego. He seemed like a grown man - he was all of 18 years old.




Well now my baby boy is going away to college. To the University of Southern Virginia. I am so exited for him, but I can't wrap my head around the fact that he's all grown up.



He actually registered at FCC and started the semester when SVU contacted him with the offer of a fantastic scholarship. Well, that's something you don't turn down... even if it's just for the leaving town experience (of course, I told him that messing around and having his GPA drop is absolutely not acceptable).
I think he had a total of 10 days to decide if he definitely wanted to go. But, having his girlfriend attend another University that's located less than 10 miles from SVU might have factored in somewhat.
So... he's really gonna be gone. Knowing that his cell phone is on my plan will give me some perks - like telling him if he doesn't call somewhat regularly that the phone will be turned off, and knowing I can call whenever and be sure to get him. Still, I keep thinking back to my darling toddler who was such a huggy little boy. I know he'll be fine as sure as I know I'll worry about him since he's my first baby to actually leave town. I don't think I care for that part of it at all. I guess I'll just have to start a "travel" fund at the bank.

I had to snap a picture of Nick in his element - sitting at his desk

however, this is the more common view as you pass by the door to his room, and that's OK considering he wants to be a computer engineer.

Tagged

1. First thing you wash in the shower? Hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Not a hoodie person

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yes

4. Do you plan outfits? Whenever I possibly can.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Restless.

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red? A book (Webster's College Edition Dictionary)

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I dream alot, but I can't remember most of them.

8. Did you meet anybody new today? Does the FedEx guy count?

9. What are you craving right now? employment

10. Do you floss? All the time

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Cabbage soup diet!

12. Are you emotional? I hate to admit it, but yes - very

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? Yes (I think I might have a slight case of OCD)

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Bite

15. Do you like your hair? Yes, I just got it cut today.

16. Do you like yourself? Sometimes.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W.Bush? If he was paying - and to see how many grammatical errors he'd make.

18. What are you listening to right now? The fan.

19. Were your parents strict? Mom yes. Dad no.

20. Would you go sky diving? No.

21. Do you like cottage cheese? Love it. Either with pepper and ketchup,or with pineapple.

22. Have you met a celebrity? Actually quite a few. My favorite is still Billy Gibbons.

23. Do you rent movies often? Not very often.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in right now? My shot glass collection.

25. How many countries have you visited? Mexico and Canada (I really can't count stops I've made from cruise ships)

26. Have you made a prank phone call? When I was young.

27. Ever been on a train? Yes.

28. Brown or white eggs? My favorite are brown.

29.Do you have a cell-phone? I've had a cell phone since 1992.

30.Do you use chapstick? Sometimes.

31. Do you own a gun? I used to several years ago, but I sold it.

32. Can you use chop sticks? Yes.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Mr. Monk and Sean Spencer (he he-I'll be watching the season premiers of Monk and Psych.

34.Are you too forgiving? I forgive those I love easily, not so much others.

35. Ever been in love? Yes

36. What are your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Probably yard work.

37. Ever have cream puffs? yes!

38. Last time you cried? I cry all the time! Kelley gave me a hug for Baron today and I had to blink back the tears.

39. What was the last question you asked? "How is your pain today?"

40. Favorite time of the year? Summer

41. Do you have any tattoos? No, but I've seen some really awesome tattoos, and I respect anyone who can put up with that much pain to make a personal statement.

42. Are you sarcastic? Probably too much.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Not all the way through.

44. Ever walked into a wall? I'd like to be cool and say no, but sadly... yes.

45. Favorite color? Blue or green.

46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yes.

47. Is your hair curly? Don't I wish.

48. What was the last CD you bought? A jazz CD for a friend for Christmas.

49. Do looks matter? Of course.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? If I loved them yes, but I fear it would always be hanging over our relationship.

51. Is your phone bill sky high? No.

52 Do you like your life right now? For the most part.

53. Do you sleep with the T.V. on? I've fallen asleep in front of the TV, but I'd never do it on purpose.

54. Can you handle the truth? Always!

55. Do you have good vision? It gets a little worse every day.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Many people irritate me, I dislike several people, but I only really hate one person.

57. How often do you talk on the phone? Everyday, I like to talk.

58. The last person you held hands with? Aaron.

59. What are you wearing? Bra, panties and shirt.

60.What is your favorite animal? A Lyger (just kidding - my dog)

61. Where was your profile picture taken? In the bathroom in front of a mirror.

62. Can you hula hoop? Not in years and years.

63. Do you have a job? not right now.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Beef ribs - to try a new cooking recipe.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes.