Move-In Adventures
Yes, yes, I promised to get back to the big college move-in. Alright, think rainstorm, no elevators, two flights of concrete stairs, and a co-parent of the male persuasion who was in charge of setting up the fancy iPod docking station/alarm clock and the new printer but FORGOT HIS READING GLASSES, and you get the general idea. While our Freshperson set up his computer and internet connection, I made up his bed, after which the third party in our hard-working trio promptly took a nap on it.
Actually, the whole thing was all really fine and smoother-than-expected. Indeed, all the unpacking and settling in was easier and took less time than it did for the student’s parents to find their only-five-minutes-away hotel afterwards (a special shout-out here to the urban planners who thought that not marking scores of one-way streets would be a fun introduction to the charming old historical district of their fair city). NOTE: Yes, we had a map but one of us doesn’t do maps and the other one STILL did not have his reading glasses.
So after the inevitable testy verbal sparring match during which someone refused to ask for directions, it came to me. I shoulda packed up my husband, too. Learn from my mistake: reading glasses might be the most useful item in the dad's toolbox.
Comments
Why do men always yearn for a nap? When I checked into the hospital at 2AM in labor, my "coach"/husband spied the empty bed next to mine and asked if I would mind if he took a nap.I told him we'll be here awhile before the main event so at least one of us should get some rest.
You have gotten my life down exactly. How fun to read it from another person. I love this blog!
"Freshperson" -- I love! What an accurate name! I happen to have two "Freshpeople" in college now. But one is a Senior...
The Senior is in a northeastern city that has NO street signs and something called "roundabouts" that is totally perplexing to my husband and me and even our GPS system in our car. The other Freshperson is in a geographically inaccessible university with only one street, but clearly marked.
I can totally sympathize with your Map Torture Ordeals; hopefully this will be our Senior Freshperson's last year in the City of Unmarked Roundabouts. Then I can begin to think about the transportation alternatives for our NEW Freshperson who lives in an area which our GPS calls "uncharted territory -- proceed at your own risk."
Who would have thought that being able to find your child's college on a map should be an important consideration when choosing a university?
uuummm yyeeaahh...we took 2 cars to Indianapolis b/c of all my daughter's sh*t. She and I left early in my husband's jeep, start unpacking on the hottest day of the year from the futhest parking spot in the dorm area! My arms are full, eyes teary,I am dripping in sweat and my husband calls and starts a fit b/c he can't find the dorm and he has my car w/ the Navigation system! Gosh I miss my daughter, I am now home w/ Hubby and My 3 Sons!
I cannot relate to a child in college. Please point me in the direction of the young, hip mom.
There is no one younger or hipper than I--beeeeotch.
I love everything about this column. Who told you about my life?? The telephone call, same thing. And they think they are being so clever! Urgh!
Love your blog, Laurie. I, too, could do with some clearer street signs a few more parking spaces, but it's nice to see them having fun!
