Paradise Found

We’ve been slogging through the process of getting my eldest (16) enrolled in the advanced education program at the local community college. Today we met with a very nice counselor. We were required to bring things like proof of birth date, his application and his…transcript. This was really the first time I’ve had to generate such an official document and I was admittedly nervous. But it turned out nice. It looked lovely. And then… Mr. Counselor got clever. He wasn’t happy with what I’d reported on the lovely transcript. He wanted to know Brad’s academic plans for next year. We both refrained from laughing, because Counselor Man was serious.

I barely know what next week will look like, let alone next school year. But sure! We can pull those details out of the air. So we did a little fancy talk about what our next year was likely to look like.

“Algebra,” says Brad.

“Again?” asked the Counselor.

“Writing,” said Brad.

“Beyond creative writing? What would that be?” asked Counselor Man.

“Technical writing and manuals,” says my child who has apparently acquired a BS gene.

We do. So. Much. But it just doesn’t fit into the cookie cutter mold of the education system. Brad came away feeling a little discouraged that learning at this level can’t be a bit more organic. Wondering at his options and whether college is really for him.

I’m hopeful that he’ll get started in his classes in the fall and feel inspired rather than squashed. I’m also very happy that he’s got enough self-confidence to question the system and try to make it work for him.

This will continue to be an interesting ride!

You ever have one of those days when there’s not a spare spot in your brain to think? And everyone needs something that requires thinking? And you can’t always respond fast enough? Yeah.

B: Somebody else wants to advertise on my site.

E: Should I call Carson?

B: Can you read this?
B: Should I use PayPal or Google Checkout?

B: It says you must be 18 to sign up for a PayPal account. Should I just have them send me a check?

E: Are you done on the computer?

E: I don’t get this. Is 115% .115?

B: Maybe I can find something else.

E: If the trip usually takes 5 hours and I have to find out how much is 115% more, how do I do that?

E: Did somebody let the chickens out?

B:  How do you spell Tolkien?

E: Should I call Carson?

B: Why is this so hard??
E: What can I have for breakfast?

E: I don’t mean to be a wet blanket but why don’t you guys stop talking about it and just tell them to send a check?

E: Is this toothpaste too empty? Why is it on my shelf?

B: If we do PayPal in your name that’s gonna be kind of weird. “Oh, I’m only 16 so you’ll have to pay into my mom’s account….”

E: What do I have to do to clean the bathroom?

B: What was the name of your  first pet?

It can only get quieter from here!

So, my 16 1/2 year old started the classroom portion of driver’s ed today. This, the child who has never been in a classroom. Here, a sampling:

“Oh, that was a long day of sitting for my skinny butt!”

The driving school touts hands-on learning. I am skeptical, so I ask, “What kind of hands-on learning was there?” He replies, “tests”.

“You know,” he says, clearly thinking. “I need to decide if I’m going to be an organ donor or not. I’m thinking dead is dead.”

Another five hour class tomorrow, and two more next weekend and we’ll be ready to hit the road!