Catching Up...

Quite a lot has happened over the past few weeks....

I left off at the Ren Faire - I really should have finished that story, but don't, and didn't, have the energy.  Weirdly, though, I have the energy for this.

So, most of August was spent getting people ready for returning, or starting, college.  SJ, who had failed his first drivers test, passed his 2nd test on the 18th.  We are happy!!  My ex had bought him a car (a whole 'nuther post!), and so he's had his own transportation.

The same day, we went to his college to check his financial aid and sign him up for classes.  The great news is that he's totally covered for financial aid - he needs no loans!! woot!  And, he'll get some money back.  So, he's purchased all his books, and is now waiting for reimbursement.  He's got his classes scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving the other days free for working and doing homework and projects.  I'm pretty happy with this schedule.  Also happy that he's going to the North Haven campus, and not the New Haven campus of this school.

S, who has worked her butt off all summer, finished the last bit of her pre-return to school shopping, and we moved her into her dorm on the 28th.  This was so NOT drama free! 

First, there was the roommate issue, which has actually been an issue since the housing lottery started earlier this year.  She's in a trio, with her best friend from high school, and another girl she went to high school with.  That girl (let's call her BFJ - btw, BF does NOT stand for Best Friend) suddenly decided she didn't want to room with S.  After the room was chosen.  After the time to sort stuff out was past.  This was worked out, at least until right before school started, when BFJ decided, no, she didn't want to buy the rug as agreed.  Too much trouble, and she didn't want to have to bother with cleaning it.  S and the other roommate have worked that out.

Next was the crying.  S really isn't a crier, but that girl has cried all summer.  She's had a lot of boyfriend drama all summer (and, I am thrilled to report, as of this writing, he is her EX!), resulting in many tears.  This, however, was different.  I think the stress of moving in, and the issues with her roommates, got to her right before I left.  She began crying outside the restaurant where we had lunch - she told me it was because I was leaving.  Awww.   Many quick hugs, kisses on the hair, and I left.  Like daycare, or the first day of school, I believe it's best for the parents to GO - the kids will be fine.  Plus, she has her car - if she's really that miserable, she can get home for a visit.

Day after move in - boyfriend is back from vacation, and moving in.  But does not want to see S.  Boyfriend is a stupid git I stopped liking in May.  There was an argument - I do not know details, but S tells me she marched herself over to his dorm, and broke up with him in person.  I'm so proud of her!!!  No texting break up for her, oh no!

Next day - parking ticket.  Not a good 36 or so hours for S.

J is back at school.  Additional good news - he's working at his internship job 12 hours a week.  The intership was supposed to end 8/20, but they loved him so much (awwww) that they worked to keep him on.  I'm so proud of him.  So, 12 hours at the intership (paid, by the way), 12 hours at work study job, 18 hours of credits (which includes his independent study).  Busy guy.

I celebrated my first anniversary of working from home on Aug 1 - I can't believe it's been an entire year since I worked in the office.  And, I have to say, I'm still happy.  Yes, there are many days when I wish I had someone to chat with, but the pros so outweight the cons here, that I just can't be sad. 

I want to write about friendships, too, but that's another post altogether -- and I did say I'd try to separate my thoughts.  A wise friend (looking at YOU, LA!) warned me about brain dumping, but I'm going to indulge anyway. :)