Growth Experience

I'm kind of driving myself crazy today. There is a lot I should be doing, some things I could be doing, and yet what am I doing? Nada. Bubble spinner. True Blood. Lusting after guys less than half my age on the Olympics.

We took Rory to college on Thursday. She has chosen to rush to get into a sorority. Like everything in her life, she has researched the process and the sororities carefully. She has three she'd really like and two others who still sound interesting to her. She's got a good attitude and is mostly concerned with getting in any sorority. This is new territory for our family. We're not exactly the Greek system types.  However, Greek life is really popular at her university, and surprisingly the sorority houses are nicer and cheaper to live in than the dorm. We'll see. This is likely my fault from letting her watch Legally Blonde as a girl and going too far with the preppy dress during the formative years. (She looks great in khaki and pearls, what can I say?)

As part of her recruitment, her phone was taken away for the first five days. They say it's so the girls make decisions about what sororities they are interested in free of outside influence. It's also a good way to deal with homesickness of girls who are leaving home for the first time. I hate it kind of, but understand it. When Mal went away she couldn't talk to us for a week because it made her so sad. It's amazing how a teenager that can't "wait to go to college" is unprepared for the fact that she loves her famiy until she realizes she won't see them on a daily basis. Growth experiences and all that.

Mal is hoping to study abroad next year, Spain in the fall and France in the spring. Talk about a growth experience. I'd appreciate tips and ideas from any of you that have done this or had kids that have.

The eating? It's still going according to plan. I've lost 40 lbs, Bert has lost 50 lbs. We both feel healthier and happier. We fall off the wagon here and there, but there isn't that panic that I'm doomed when I do. I know what to do if I have a couple of pancakes, or a bun or serving of potatoes. All is not lost, I just am conscious of enjoying it (or noticing that I don't really care and throw it away). Then after that's done, I just go back to eating right for me. A week is not lost, or even a day.  This is the way I plan to be for the rest of my life. I'd like to lose anywhere from 8 to 33 lbs, depending on where my body finds homeostatis. I know it's easier to fight the body's starvation response at a place it's happy, so that's where I'll try to stay.

I bought a Fitbit for Mother's Day and have found I'm really motivated by data. My goal is to walk 35 miles a week, with a minimum of 25. The most I've ever done is 50. I really like inclines and stairs and am really glad that I'm no longer wasted when faced with stairs (even a lot of them). I always park on the top floor now and avoid the elevator. I'm not perfect, the hill at the top of my street still is a challenge, though not like it used to be.

I am no essentially a parenting mother of two. It feels lonely somewhat. Your kids are the best just when they're ready to move out. Life is less stressful with fewer people. I no longer think four is too many, but that's just because I only have two to really deal with on a daily basis.

Look, melancholia leads to writing!

Comments

[Lilian]

I wish all the best for Rory in her college experience and I'm sure that Mal will LOVE her study abroad experiences too.

Thanks for keeping us updated and congrats on the healthy eating & weight loss, you go Lisa & Bert!!

[Jen Anderson]

I did study abroad and my best tip is to use Skype. I'm still hearing about the $400 phone bill 20 years later, even though I told my parents to pay it with my money.

Skyping will also help with the homesickness that makes living in a new country difficult. She should get roommates if possible, since that will also help with loneliness. I lived in Paris in maid's quarters with a spoiled brat who I never hung out with, and I was miserable and lonely. My friends with roommates who they liked (or selected before going) had a much better experience.