Mac is taking online classes at a local community college and it's been an interesting experience, and it's only week 1!!! Right now he has 2 classes online and one will end at the 8 week mark and another will start at the 8 week mark. (He's also taking 3 face to face classes at the local campus).
Online is interesting. This is his first time with anything like this, and I've never taken an online course either. I'm curious about learning how it all works and Mac has just given me his username and password so I can log in and poke around and see stuff.
He did all the assignments for the first week for both classes. He emailed his online instructors, too, telling them it's his first online experience and he wanted to make sure he did everything and was understanding everything so it will be interesting to see how they respond. He doesn't plan to do this weekly or anything, but he's trying to be safe rather than sorry (and I hope he has instructors who will understand and consider this a conscientious student rather than a stupid one).
Now that being said, I think the structure of the courses are interesting. He's taking Econ 101 and an Intro to College 101, which is required.
The Econ 101 is awesome. This instructor has it laid out beautifully and easily. Things are straightforward and simple. All explanations make sense and all the assignments are clear. The folders and tabs are all labeled in a way that makes complete sense. There's not a lot of extraneous information to sort through to get to the assignments, quizzes, presentations, projects and tests. It's blunt and ORGANIZED.
Then there's the Intro to College class, which is completely OPPOSITE of Econ. Ugh! This class even LOOKS like a nightmare. The instructor blathers and has "explanations" in the middle of an assignment. It's like train of consciousness thought. And that train derails. She rambles and it's unorganized. The folder labels don't coincide with what she calls them; for example she refers to the current assignments will be found in Week 1 folder and then it's actually labeled Session 1. I realize this might not be a big deal but for someone who has never taken an online class, it's a little confusing when everything else is all new and feels confusing. She highlights in colors, but to me what she highlights doesn't make sense. She also says "cut and paste blah blah blah" and that information is not "cut and pasteable" because of a security site. Everything is scattered. I think this class could be a nightmare just because she isn't organized.
I think I would like an online class if it's organized. Otherwise, I think it would be horrible. When I look at his Intro class I want to print everything and check stuff off. It makes me nervous. The Econ class, on the other hand, is just how an online class should be, so I think!
I hope Mac does well and I plan on keeping a close eye on this process for his sake, and for my own peace of mind...
Mags
Showing posts with label colleges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colleges. Show all posts
Friday, January 13, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Things that totally irritate me
- Our Internet at work is running about like old fashioned dial-up. This makes doing anything slow, arduous and just down right frustrating
- Mac got a job 4 weeks ago at Taco Bell. He was told to fill out paperwork online and that took about a week because the URL didn't work and then one day it did. After he got it done, the manager was on vacation for a week. When she came back she said the corporate computers crashed and it would take a week to find all his paperwork. He called back a week later and she said it was all found and he was good to go so he had to call their General Manager. He called her and she said she would be contact with him in a week because she was going on vacation. For Goodness Sake, this is not brain surgery!
- Working 4 jobs and I still have no money, no health insurance and feel like shit about myself all the time
- Bill collectors. I realize I'm overdue on a bill and they said I had to pay a million dollars a month and so we negotiated down to a payment I could afford. EXCEPT they wanted 1 full payment up front, today, which I couldn't do. I had agreed to pay them 1/2 million$ a month starting in February and they were willing to cancel the whole thing and tell the company they were working with that I couldn't do it. Now, they were willing to throw out guaranteed money because they they couldn't wait until 1/16 for the first payment; it had to be today. Stoooopid arsehats. The late bill is totally my fault but I am WILLING to pay it but I need a few days to get the payment. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
- having to return my Nook to pay for my car repairs
- The university Mac quit last October didn't withdraw him; it's a paperwork glitch, I guess. He's trying to start classes at a community college on Monday but they can't give him financial aid until that happens.
- having a period
- health care in the US
- Mac's bad attitude. He created this mess he's dealing with so he doesn't need to be cranky with me if he's so unhappy.
- pantyhose
- when networks cancel a tv show and the viewers don't know; it just never turns up on the appoint time and day, and I have to go Google it to see if it will be returning. Yes, Prime Suspect is cancelled.
- when networks take a show I LOVE and split it into 2 seasons, giving it a stupid hiatus, like what happens with Glee and House
- that the nearest Starbucks is 20 minutes away and the nearest Diary Queen is 15 minutes. I want both. Now.
- dating
cranky Maggie
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Part III- Mac at college, so far....
The very first morning he was there he sent me a text and asked me where his wallet was located! How the heck should I know since I don't live there? He was in a panic that he'd already lost his social security card and he'd only had it in his possession for 21 hours. I told him to shake out his bedding or go through his pants he wore the day before and check pockets. He texted me back shortly and said he found it in pants- and how did I know that? Gee, I wonder... duh!
He also called or texted me several times the first week. He wanted to know if I had an Ethernet cable. He wanted to know if I could sew on a button when he came home. He wanted money. He wanted to know phone numbers of people he could use for a personal reference on his job application. It's like he'd never left, except I didn't have to cook for him and I knew where my car was located (in the driveway!!!!)
He wanted my help on an English since he was paranoid about it. He read me the assignment and it was supposed to be an outline. Why did she only want an outline? What was she trying to do? What was the objective of the assignment? Where should he focus? I have no idea, I told him, since I wasn't the teacher. But my guess was that she wanted to see several things: 1) could he organize his thoughts; 2) follow directions; 3)know how to take notes; 4) did he understand what senor images and memoir meant. So he does the assignment and then calls me the next day to tell me he totally over thought the assignment- he said the class is full of "fu**tards"<-- this is his word! I said then he should see if he could test out of the class. He said, and I quote, "Nahhhhhhhhhhh, I need help on my writing too. I'm the smartest fu**tard in there, though." Gee, that's nice to know.
He also got a low grade on his first assignment in history and he was devastated. He said that is meant that he wasn't cut out to go to college, he might as well work at McDonald's and live and g'pa's attic forever, and give up his dreams of being a lawyer since he was so pathetic. Huge pity party. So we talked about what he did and didn't do and a new approach. I heavily suggested a meeting with the Prof, right away. Then he told me it was only worth 30 points, he got a C+ on it, and when weighted with the other homework assignments it was only worthy 15% of his total and final grade! Ugh!!!!! I should've asked that to begin with!
He's called to tell me about fellow students, classes, meetings, food, and his roommate. Guess his roommate used $2 on his Playstation account and Mac took the bull by the horns. He told him to NOT do it again. Mac's theory was that if he let it go now, he would do it again, or worse. He said he has to live with this guy so he wants him to know the limits that Mac will tolerate. Wow! Mac said he was nice about it, but he was "assured and non nonsense" in handling it. He said he didn't play it off as a joke so the Roommate knew he was serious. O-kay!
He's studying LOTS, which is awesome. He's done every assignment, including all the reading. He likes his classes. Overall, he says it's a learning experience, he loves the learning, he LOVES being on his own, but the jury is still out how he feels about the school as a whole.
So, even though he's gone, he's staying in contact. Lots of contact!
And he's coming home this weekend for the long holiday. Should be interesting.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
He also called or texted me several times the first week. He wanted to know if I had an Ethernet cable. He wanted to know if I could sew on a button when he came home. He wanted money. He wanted to know phone numbers of people he could use for a personal reference on his job application. It's like he'd never left, except I didn't have to cook for him and I knew where my car was located (in the driveway!!!!)
He wanted my help on an English since he was paranoid about it. He read me the assignment and it was supposed to be an outline. Why did she only want an outline? What was she trying to do? What was the objective of the assignment? Where should he focus? I have no idea, I told him, since I wasn't the teacher. But my guess was that she wanted to see several things: 1) could he organize his thoughts; 2) follow directions; 3)know how to take notes; 4) did he understand what senor images and memoir meant. So he does the assignment and then calls me the next day to tell me he totally over thought the assignment- he said the class is full of "fu**tards"<-- this is his word! I said then he should see if he could test out of the class. He said, and I quote, "Nahhhhhhhhhhh, I need help on my writing too. I'm the smartest fu**tard in there, though." Gee, that's nice to know.
He also got a low grade on his first assignment in history and he was devastated. He said that is meant that he wasn't cut out to go to college, he might as well work at McDonald's and live and g'pa's attic forever, and give up his dreams of being a lawyer since he was so pathetic. Huge pity party. So we talked about what he did and didn't do and a new approach. I heavily suggested a meeting with the Prof, right away. Then he told me it was only worth 30 points, he got a C+ on it, and when weighted with the other homework assignments it was only worthy 15% of his total and final grade! Ugh!!!!! I should've asked that to begin with!
He's called to tell me about fellow students, classes, meetings, food, and his roommate. Guess his roommate used $2 on his Playstation account and Mac took the bull by the horns. He told him to NOT do it again. Mac's theory was that if he let it go now, he would do it again, or worse. He said he has to live with this guy so he wants him to know the limits that Mac will tolerate. Wow! Mac said he was nice about it, but he was "assured and non nonsense" in handling it. He said he didn't play it off as a joke so the Roommate knew he was serious. O-kay!
He's studying LOTS, which is awesome. He's done every assignment, including all the reading. He likes his classes. Overall, he says it's a learning experience, he loves the learning, he LOVES being on his own, but the jury is still out how he feels about the school as a whole.
So, even though he's gone, he's staying in contact. Lots of contact!
And he's coming home this weekend for the long holiday. Should be interesting.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Part II- reflecting about taking Mac to college
Okay, so it was a good day. The weather held; it didn't rain until around 5:30pm. We had 50 people carry all his crap up to his room. Everyone was nice and helpful. Mac was in good spirits but was nervous. His roommate seemed nice- and right away they figured out they loved the same music. They both have divorced parents so they could understand each other like that. We did a good job of getting stuff for school- we hardly had to buy anything. I was thrilled that I brought XL Twin sheets and Regular Twin sheets so he had the right size, no matter what. His RA was nice and introduced himself and explained the basics to us both. Mac's bed was lofted and a bunch of guys helped him and they were nice. His TV and computer hooked up without a hitch. A bunch of guys came to his room to introduce themselves to Mac, and to me. Student ID's print in 45 seconds, and lines were short. Mac's cell phone has excellent service there. It really was a good day. Really.
It was just strange to leave him there. I did my job as a parent right, I know, because he wanted to be there. He wanted to go. That's what's usually supposed to happen. You have a kid and you raise them and if they want to go to college, you gear everything toward that without being overbearing and you be supportive and then BAM- you find yourself leaving them with 25 strangers in his dorm "hall" and driving away in a borrowed mini-van, crying. Or some variation.
I want him to succeed and do well. Of course I do. What sort of ogre would I be if I didn't want that? I do want him to do well. But I miss him. I wanted him to ask me to stay, or to not go. Or to stand and wave at me as I drove away. But it was like his first day of kindergarten- I dropped him off and he barely closed the car door as he raced up the sidewalk, nary a backward glance. He's been like that always, so I don't know why I thought leaving him at college would be any different. But I still wanted him to stand and look at me.
It's a time of mourning, to a certain extent. You know that? I know what lose is- my mom died a few years ago, so I understand a huge loss to death, and, I have to admit, to a certain extent this feel like that. It's been Mac and me against the world for almost 16 years. Just us. And then there he goes, to start his own life. And things will never be the same again. He won't be coming home again- at least not for good. And no one sends you a sympathy card for this. No one brings a casserole or a noodle salad (Or wine). Instead people joke about it, or talk about empty nest, like it's okay.,
And I know it will be okay. I do.
But right now, my life is a whole different perspective. I never asked for this. I never wanted an empty nest; I can do things with Mac, I always have. I'm used to it. I don't have a husband that I need to "get to know again" like some couples. I don't have a hobby I've neglected. I'm still me, and I'm still Mac's mom, but now Mac is... on his own. And my son is enough of me, he's how I raised him so he will follow his dreams. He's go to college, he'll go to law school, he'll study abroad and probably end up at UC Berkley. I am proud and I do want him to succeed. I do.
But it doesn't make this easier. It doesn't stop me from missing him.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
It was just strange to leave him there. I did my job as a parent right, I know, because he wanted to be there. He wanted to go. That's what's usually supposed to happen. You have a kid and you raise them and if they want to go to college, you gear everything toward that without being overbearing and you be supportive and then BAM- you find yourself leaving them with 25 strangers in his dorm "hall" and driving away in a borrowed mini-van, crying. Or some variation.
I want him to succeed and do well. Of course I do. What sort of ogre would I be if I didn't want that? I do want him to do well. But I miss him. I wanted him to ask me to stay, or to not go. Or to stand and wave at me as I drove away. But it was like his first day of kindergarten- I dropped him off and he barely closed the car door as he raced up the sidewalk, nary a backward glance. He's been like that always, so I don't know why I thought leaving him at college would be any different. But I still wanted him to stand and look at me.
It's a time of mourning, to a certain extent. You know that? I know what lose is- my mom died a few years ago, so I understand a huge loss to death, and, I have to admit, to a certain extent this feel like that. It's been Mac and me against the world for almost 16 years. Just us. And then there he goes, to start his own life. And things will never be the same again. He won't be coming home again- at least not for good. And no one sends you a sympathy card for this. No one brings a casserole or a noodle salad (Or wine). Instead people joke about it, or talk about empty nest, like it's okay.,
And I know it will be okay. I do.
But right now, my life is a whole different perspective. I never asked for this. I never wanted an empty nest; I can do things with Mac, I always have. I'm used to it. I don't have a husband that I need to "get to know again" like some couples. I don't have a hobby I've neglected. I'm still me, and I'm still Mac's mom, but now Mac is... on his own. And my son is enough of me, he's how I raised him so he will follow his dreams. He's go to college, he'll go to law school, he'll study abroad and probably end up at UC Berkley. I am proud and I do want him to succeed. I do.
But it doesn't make this easier. It doesn't stop me from missing him.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
Friday, August 26, 2011
Part I: Mac to college
Last Saturday I dropped Mac off at college. Well, I stayed for the day so I'm not sure I should say I just "dropped" him off.
We arrived at campus around 10:30am and we had to do orientation which took about an hour. We also signed all the last minute forms, got his photo ID (which is also a key and his meal plan ticket, and his campus credit card- this is a VERY important document!), his computer sign-in info, and his dorm key.
Then we drove to his dorm. (Mac was soooo nervous, that he didn't want to eat lunch so we skipped it. I was nervous, too, so I didn't care.) He's in an all guys dorm, on the third floor. We were greeted by about 50 smiling, over- caffeinated young people. Their job was to unload our borrowed mini-van full of Mac's stuff. They did- in about 4 minutes. I wasn't even allowed out of the driver's seat. They not only unloaded all his stuff but carried it to the three floors to his room. I then parked and they was escorted by a perky young person to Mac's dorm.
We unpacked- we beat his roommate there so Mac picked the window bed and we had everything almost unpacked by the time Roommate arrived. We all met each other- he seemed nice and so did his mother, godmother, his brother and his sister! We left them alone to sort and unpack and Mac and I went to get his books and roam campus. Then we headed to Wal-Mart with a list of stuff we forgot.
The plan was for me to stay and have dinner and then go to a program for kids and parents, given by the President of the College. We got back and ate dinner- which was a huge picnic for students and their families- which got rained out so about 500 people were crammed into the cafeteria. Mac nor I were very hungry and we picked at the food, and finally went back to his dorm to unpack the Wally World stuff.
When we got back, Roommate was there alone- he's from Chi-Town and his fam had to head back. When Mac found this out, he turned to me and said I could go because everyone talked about how long and boring the President's speech was so I could leave and he would hang with Roommate. Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
Okay........?
So he walked me to my car. We said bye. I told him I was proud of him and call if he needed anything. We hugged. I left. I couldn't say anything else. I had this whole, awesome mom speech I was going to give him and I couldn't say a word. I just drove away, waving, looking at him in the mirror as he can back inside the dorm without a glance back.
I cried all the way home.
Mac's mom,
Maggie
We arrived at campus around 10:30am and we had to do orientation which took about an hour. We also signed all the last minute forms, got his photo ID (which is also a key and his meal plan ticket, and his campus credit card- this is a VERY important document!), his computer sign-in info, and his dorm key.
Then we drove to his dorm. (Mac was soooo nervous, that he didn't want to eat lunch so we skipped it. I was nervous, too, so I didn't care.) He's in an all guys dorm, on the third floor. We were greeted by about 50 smiling, over- caffeinated young people. Their job was to unload our borrowed mini-van full of Mac's stuff. They did- in about 4 minutes. I wasn't even allowed out of the driver's seat. They not only unloaded all his stuff but carried it to the three floors to his room. I then parked and they was escorted by a perky young person to Mac's dorm.
We unpacked- we beat his roommate there so Mac picked the window bed and we had everything almost unpacked by the time Roommate arrived. We all met each other- he seemed nice and so did his mother, godmother, his brother and his sister! We left them alone to sort and unpack and Mac and I went to get his books and roam campus. Then we headed to Wal-Mart with a list of stuff we forgot.
The plan was for me to stay and have dinner and then go to a program for kids and parents, given by the President of the College. We got back and ate dinner- which was a huge picnic for students and their families- which got rained out so about 500 people were crammed into the cafeteria. Mac nor I were very hungry and we picked at the food, and finally went back to his dorm to unpack the Wally World stuff.
When we got back, Roommate was there alone- he's from Chi-Town and his fam had to head back. When Mac found this out, he turned to me and said I could go because everyone talked about how long and boring the President's speech was so I could leave and he would hang with Roommate. Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
Okay........?
So he walked me to my car. We said bye. I told him I was proud of him and call if he needed anything. We hugged. I left. I couldn't say anything else. I had this whole, awesome mom speech I was going to give him and I couldn't say a word. I just drove away, waving, looking at him in the mirror as he can back inside the dorm without a glance back.
I cried all the way home.
Mac's mom,
Maggie
Friday, August 19, 2011
In about 14 hours, he's gone
Okay, today has been spent packing up Mac's stuff so he can head to college tomorrow, buying the last minute things I forgot, hanging out with Mac, doing his laundry, packing the borrowed mini-van...
I've only had 2 small minor breakdowns (so far, and neither in front of Mac), and two Xanix.
Please pray for us, for me, for him... I drop him off tomorrow morning between 10-11am.
My baby's going to university. He's flying the nest.
Okay, I can do this. Right? I can.
Oh help....
Mac's mama no matter how old he is,
Maggie
I've only had 2 small minor breakdowns (so far, and neither in front of Mac), and two Xanix.
Please pray for us, for me, for him... I drop him off tomorrow morning between 10-11am.
My baby's going to university. He's flying the nest.
Okay, I can do this. Right? I can.
Oh help....
Mac's mama no matter how old he is,
Maggie
Monday, August 15, 2011
Memory Week
Mac and I were sitting on the porch yesterday morning, talking and laughing about nonsense. Then he was begging me to watch all 6 of the Star Wars movies and I was refusing and he said it was memory week and I should do what he wanted since he would be leaving!
I know he was just joking around, trying to get me to see movies I didn't want to see but it struck a chord.
Memory Week.
Memory Week.
I've wanted to smack Mac most of the last year- his senior year- and have even pondered thoughts of dropping him off at school months early, with a tent so he can stay on the college lawn, for Pete's sake, but it was a reality smack for me at the fact that he leaves in 6 days. 6 days. 6 days.
I've spent the entire 18 years of Mac's life trying to give him wings- yes, a cheesy cliche, but it's so true. But I have. And I want him to fly. He does fly- in 6 days. I can't very well play the weepy mom card now, after I've been trying to teach him to be strong, to achieve success, to be independent, to chase his dreams, to let him know he can be anything, go anywhere.... I can't fall to pieces and beg him to stay home, to move to his college town, to hug him and not stop hugging. I can't do those things, because I can't let him have any more doubts or fears than those that are natural to a kid going to college and leaving home for the first time.
But what if. I'm full of what ifs. What if he fails? What if he succeeds? What if he hates college? What if he loves it? What if he moves away? What if he moves home? What if he.... There's a million of these. I've played the "what if" game before and I know that's bad, bad, bad thing to do, that nothing good can come from it. But I seem to be plagued with the "what ifs."
Memory Week.
Memory Week.
This is memory week.
I've walked around for several days with butterflies in my stomach and my heart knocking in my chest. Knocking to the point where I swear you could see it beat through the skin. And the stomach butterflies are the kind you get in a situation of the total unknown. Not fluttering like a roller coaster or like waiting for a root canal sitting in the dentist chair, but some combination of the two. How can I go all this week with a thudding heart and a fluttering stomach?
I know he's not dead and I know I will see him again. But I won't see him every day. I won't know where he's going with whom. If I'm honest, I'm not completely sure of that now but he tells me he's going with Ryan or Nick or Joe, and I know if I call Ryan or Nick or Joe I could track him down if necessary. I know that each day I will see him. I can see the blue of his eyes, or hear him tell me some outrageous story or utter some preposterous theory or play me some crazy song. I won't know when he's sad or glad.
How do you let someone go that's been your responsibility, your air, your life, for 18 years?
Someone told me I'll mourn. Okay. I'll probably drive Daddy-O nuts over the next few weeks, wonderful about Mac, asking "so, what do you think Mac's doing?" Can I ask him that about a 100 times a day and have him not want to kill me*? It's easier to NOT miss Mac when he's being a jerk or a turd. When he's being sweet and charming and funny, the normal child I've known (until his senior year) then it wrenches at my heart and twists my gut. And next Saturday I have to smile, unpack his stuff, be excited over EVERYTHING, reassure him, and give him a small hug and drive away with a smile when all I really want to do is cry.
Memory week.
Damn memory week. I'm dreading it.
Mac's mom,
Maggie
I know he was just joking around, trying to get me to see movies I didn't want to see but it struck a chord.
Memory Week.
Memory Week.
I've wanted to smack Mac most of the last year- his senior year- and have even pondered thoughts of dropping him off at school months early, with a tent so he can stay on the college lawn, for Pete's sake, but it was a reality smack for me at the fact that he leaves in 6 days. 6 days. 6 days.
I've spent the entire 18 years of Mac's life trying to give him wings- yes, a cheesy cliche, but it's so true. But I have. And I want him to fly. He does fly- in 6 days. I can't very well play the weepy mom card now, after I've been trying to teach him to be strong, to achieve success, to be independent, to chase his dreams, to let him know he can be anything, go anywhere.... I can't fall to pieces and beg him to stay home, to move to his college town, to hug him and not stop hugging. I can't do those things, because I can't let him have any more doubts or fears than those that are natural to a kid going to college and leaving home for the first time.
But what if. I'm full of what ifs. What if he fails? What if he succeeds? What if he hates college? What if he loves it? What if he moves away? What if he moves home? What if he.... There's a million of these. I've played the "what if" game before and I know that's bad, bad, bad thing to do, that nothing good can come from it. But I seem to be plagued with the "what ifs."
Memory Week.
Memory Week.
This is memory week.
I've walked around for several days with butterflies in my stomach and my heart knocking in my chest. Knocking to the point where I swear you could see it beat through the skin. And the stomach butterflies are the kind you get in a situation of the total unknown. Not fluttering like a roller coaster or like waiting for a root canal sitting in the dentist chair, but some combination of the two. How can I go all this week with a thudding heart and a fluttering stomach?
I know he's not dead and I know I will see him again. But I won't see him every day. I won't know where he's going with whom. If I'm honest, I'm not completely sure of that now but he tells me he's going with Ryan or Nick or Joe, and I know if I call Ryan or Nick or Joe I could track him down if necessary. I know that each day I will see him. I can see the blue of his eyes, or hear him tell me some outrageous story or utter some preposterous theory or play me some crazy song. I won't know when he's sad or glad.
How do you let someone go that's been your responsibility, your air, your life, for 18 years?
Someone told me I'll mourn. Okay. I'll probably drive Daddy-O nuts over the next few weeks, wonderful about Mac, asking "so, what do you think Mac's doing?" Can I ask him that about a 100 times a day and have him not want to kill me*? It's easier to NOT miss Mac when he's being a jerk or a turd. When he's being sweet and charming and funny, the normal child I've known (until his senior year) then it wrenches at my heart and twists my gut. And next Saturday I have to smile, unpack his stuff, be excited over EVERYTHING, reassure him, and give him a small hug and drive away with a smile when all I really want to do is cry.
Memory week.
Damn memory week. I'm dreading it.
Mac's mom,
Maggie
*(An Aside- and Daddy-O won't want to kill me. I don't want people to think he's a heartless guy. He's let me move away and my brother. He knows the loss of an empty nest and he knows real loss with the loss of his wife, and so he will let me mourn. More than any other person I know, he's known grief and he will never deny me the right to miss my child...)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Big thank yous!
This college business is really expensive. When I heard Mac was getting a full ride (basically) this year I wasn't worried. But now we're buying stuff for his dorm room and I should've been worried! It's like furnishing a mini-apartment! I have no idea why this thought process didn't dawn on me before, but since it has, it's an incredible amount of money!
The school sent this huge list of stuff and we've started the shopping and gathering process.
I'm thankful for those who are helping! D-Nice sent Mac this awesome bedding set and it's beautiful! He loves it! Thank you! Curly helped with all sorts of miscellaneous things he needs like a flashlight and batteries, a blender, a set of sheets, some food, closet organizers, and all sorts of those "mom would buy" stuffs- thank you!!! ITSam got the microwave covered as a late graduation gift. Daddy-O got (is getting?) a new cord for Mac's Bose headphones and is sacrificing his beer fridge for Mac to take to college- thank you!!! Auntie Booknut is loaning her van for the take him to college on the first day, and because she's an office supplies lover like me, she's outfitting his entire desk with all the necessary supplies as a special to Mac from his Best Auntie- thank you!!!
This is all in addition to the stuff I got him like sheets, towels, laundry supplies, a desk lamp, an alarm clock, new clothes, a box fan (since he picked the only dorm on campus with no central air!) and all his toiletries. I can't believe all the stuff he still needs (an XL twin mattress pad... Wally World does NOT carry these!)!
I think when a school says full ride, they should also include this stuff! I'm really happy for the things he already had like a scientific calculator, pillows, a Bible...
I'm not complaining at all, I'm just amazed at the amount of things. It's been fun to shop for this stuff. Mac LOVES red so we've gotten all sorts of stuff in red and black, so it looks really cool. I think it will be fun to help him unpack all this and get his room set up. I'm really excited that he wants me to help him set up his room, too! (I had this dreaded feeling that I'd pick him up in 6 weeks for a long visit home and find stuff still in Wal-Mart sacks, boxes with tags still attached.)
Thanks for everyone who's helping (or helped!!!). I couldn't do it without you!!!!
22 days until take off...
Mac's mom,
Maggie
The school sent this huge list of stuff and we've started the shopping and gathering process.
I'm thankful for those who are helping! D-Nice sent Mac this awesome bedding set and it's beautiful! He loves it! Thank you! Curly helped with all sorts of miscellaneous things he needs like a flashlight and batteries, a blender, a set of sheets, some food, closet organizers, and all sorts of those "mom would buy" stuffs- thank you!!! ITSam got the microwave covered as a late graduation gift. Daddy-O got (is getting?) a new cord for Mac's Bose headphones and is sacrificing his beer fridge for Mac to take to college- thank you!!! Auntie Booknut is loaning her van for the take him to college on the first day, and because she's an office supplies lover like me, she's outfitting his entire desk with all the necessary supplies as a special to Mac from his Best Auntie- thank you!!!
This is all in addition to the stuff I got him like sheets, towels, laundry supplies, a desk lamp, an alarm clock, new clothes, a box fan (since he picked the only dorm on campus with no central air!) and all his toiletries. I can't believe all the stuff he still needs (an XL twin mattress pad... Wally World does NOT carry these!)!
I think when a school says full ride, they should also include this stuff! I'm really happy for the things he already had like a scientific calculator, pillows, a Bible...
I'm not complaining at all, I'm just amazed at the amount of things. It's been fun to shop for this stuff. Mac LOVES red so we've gotten all sorts of stuff in red and black, so it looks really cool. I think it will be fun to help him unpack all this and get his room set up. I'm really excited that he wants me to help him set up his room, too! (I had this dreaded feeling that I'd pick him up in 6 weeks for a long visit home and find stuff still in Wal-Mart sacks, boxes with tags still attached.)
Thanks for everyone who's helping (or helped!!!). I couldn't do it without you!!!!
22 days until take off...
Mac's mom,
Maggie
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Day of Grace
I'm so glad we went back to see Mac's college- where he's going in the fall, that is.
He's been slightly crazy this summer and I wasn't sure why. So, I suggested we go back to the school and taking a tour, checking things out. I thought maybe if he saw it again, he might settle down. I thought one of two things would happen: 1) he would settle down and be ready to go to school; or, 2) he would NOT want to go there and we would have to come up with a plan B.
We got to the school and chatted with his admissions rep for about an hour. He filled out all the paperwork to get a roommate his choice of dorm. His rep actually picked up the phone and called housing and secured Mac a room in the dorm of his choice.
Mac and I then took a tour with his rep- again- and then he got to meet with the chair of history/ political science department, for about an hour. He came out of that meeting with... news. He had contacts for three separate jobs: at the library, at the museum, and in admissions. He also found out about an opportunity for overseas education. I'm not even gonna mess with all the maybes- the chair of the department told Mac if he could carry a GPA of 3.7 or higher and then he could spend his sophomore year at Oxford, as in England, to study, for a year. For the same price as a regular school year, or at even a less cost. OMG!!!
Let's just say the rest of the day was... a breeze. I don't think the kid's feet hit the ground. He loved his dorm, he loves the school. We went to the town, which is on a lake, and toured it and he loved it. He loved the water and all the artisan shops.
So, I guess it's obvious that he's thrilled to be going and is excited again. He'll have his roommate's name today, and his fall schedule by Friday.
Thank goodness for such a great day- because I was really worried about what the hell was going to be plan B!
Mac's Mom,
Mags
He's been slightly crazy this summer and I wasn't sure why. So, I suggested we go back to the school and taking a tour, checking things out. I thought maybe if he saw it again, he might settle down. I thought one of two things would happen: 1) he would settle down and be ready to go to school; or, 2) he would NOT want to go there and we would have to come up with a plan B.
We got to the school and chatted with his admissions rep for about an hour. He filled out all the paperwork to get a roommate his choice of dorm. His rep actually picked up the phone and called housing and secured Mac a room in the dorm of his choice.
Mac and I then took a tour with his rep- again- and then he got to meet with the chair of history/ political science department, for about an hour. He came out of that meeting with... news. He had contacts for three separate jobs: at the library, at the museum, and in admissions. He also found out about an opportunity for overseas education. I'm not even gonna mess with all the maybes- the chair of the department told Mac if he could carry a GPA of 3.7 or higher and then he could spend his sophomore year at Oxford, as in England, to study, for a year. For the same price as a regular school year, or at even a less cost. OMG!!!
Let's just say the rest of the day was... a breeze. I don't think the kid's feet hit the ground. He loved his dorm, he loves the school. We went to the town, which is on a lake, and toured it and he loved it. He loved the water and all the artisan shops.
So, I guess it's obvious that he's thrilled to be going and is excited again. He'll have his roommate's name today, and his fall schedule by Friday.
Thank goodness for such a great day- because I was really worried about what the hell was going to be plan B!
Mac's Mom,
Mags
Thursday, February 24, 2011
More random Thursday thoughts from a tired brain
I zumba-ed tonight and am so tired that I can't string together coherent thoughts so you get random stuff. I'm not sure my fingers can type. I think I'm really gonna hurt tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow I'm supposed to appear in court on behalf of Princess; this is a typical thing that happens not because she was in more trouble. Her court hearing is 5 hours away. We're supposed to have 2 inches of ice and then 6-11 inches of snow on the ground by morning. Her caseworker, who is doing the driving on this road trip, said we're going no matter what. I told her over my dead body would I let her jeopardize the safety of Princess. She asked how I would stop her from going. i said I'd call our company President if I had to. I emailed her this morning, after she was dithering around to me that she didn't know "what to do if it snowed here tomorrow." I suggested that she call the judge, talk to his clerk. explain the situation and see what happens. The judge would either say call us tomorrow to see if you got the weather, tough crap and be here, or give us a continuance. I'm betting on option three. I'm frustrated. I don't think she did her job and I don't think she should endanger lives because she doesn't want to make a phone call. Ugh! Furthermore, I don't want to go tomorrow if the weather is that bad.
I still haven't heard anything about the job. Ridiculous.
I filed my taxes and I'm getting a return and I can now finish Mac's FAFSA. Please pray we get a ton of money.
Mac announced he wants to buy a MacBook Pro to use in college. He's opting out of prom since I said I would give him the cash I would spend on prom to put toward the computer. Those things are $1500. I hope he gets a lot of money for graduation gifts.
I like the word maelstrom.
Tons of movies are being released on DVD next month that I want to see: 127 Hours, Black Swan, Faster, Inside Job, Morning Glory, Next Three Days, Switch, Tangled, and Fair Game.
Okay this is it. My brain is yogurt. And I want chocolate. Now.
Maggie
Speaking of tomorrow I'm supposed to appear in court on behalf of Princess; this is a typical thing that happens not because she was in more trouble. Her court hearing is 5 hours away. We're supposed to have 2 inches of ice and then 6-11 inches of snow on the ground by morning. Her caseworker, who is doing the driving on this road trip, said we're going no matter what. I told her over my dead body would I let her jeopardize the safety of Princess. She asked how I would stop her from going. i said I'd call our company President if I had to. I emailed her this morning, after she was dithering around to me that she didn't know "what to do if it snowed here tomorrow." I suggested that she call the judge, talk to his clerk. explain the situation and see what happens. The judge would either say call us tomorrow to see if you got the weather, tough crap and be here, or give us a continuance. I'm betting on option three. I'm frustrated. I don't think she did her job and I don't think she should endanger lives because she doesn't want to make a phone call. Ugh! Furthermore, I don't want to go tomorrow if the weather is that bad.
I still haven't heard anything about the job. Ridiculous.
I filed my taxes and I'm getting a return and I can now finish Mac's FAFSA. Please pray we get a ton of money.
Mac announced he wants to buy a MacBook Pro to use in college. He's opting out of prom since I said I would give him the cash I would spend on prom to put toward the computer. Those things are $1500. I hope he gets a lot of money for graduation gifts.
I like the word maelstrom.
Tons of movies are being released on DVD next month that I want to see: 127 Hours, Black Swan, Faster, Inside Job, Morning Glory, Next Three Days, Switch, Tangled, and Fair Game.
Okay this is it. My brain is yogurt. And I want chocolate. Now.
Maggie
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Good news!
Mac applied to 6 colleges and now is the waiting. Well, he finally got his first acceptance letter! (Please don't be his last!) and we are thrilled. I blogged about the school that treated him like a rock star- well, that's the one he got in, so far. Yay him!
And the good news on the Mac and school continues. Not only did he get into School 1, but they gave him a scholarship: $20,000, broken into 4 years of $5k each. OMG! I am so excited! he opened hi letter, told us he got in and we all jumped around, high fived and hugged. then later, like an hour, I pick up the letter to read it. There's an attachment explaining the award. I about fell over. He missed that the first time around. Even sweeter!
I worked at Alcatraz at the library last week and it was so good to be back. I hate that my friend who was the librarian won't be working there any more, but am thrilled I will be. It was completely insane and crazy, though, because she was trying to train me AND wrap up her book fair, but it was so very very good to be back. I'm sure I'll have more to report later!
My last piece of good news is about the top 25 blogs of 2010. I made the first cut! Thanks to all of you who voted for me during round one. The voting continues. So please go and vote for me again. It starts all over again with new votes. So we have to all go do it again. I would appreciate it if you would give me some more voting love. Just click the button in my side bar, please!
What a great day!
Maggie
And the good news on the Mac and school continues. Not only did he get into School 1, but they gave him a scholarship: $20,000, broken into 4 years of $5k each. OMG! I am so excited! he opened hi letter, told us he got in and we all jumped around, high fived and hugged. then later, like an hour, I pick up the letter to read it. There's an attachment explaining the award. I about fell over. He missed that the first time around. Even sweeter!
I worked at Alcatraz at the library last week and it was so good to be back. I hate that my friend who was the librarian won't be working there any more, but am thrilled I will be. It was completely insane and crazy, though, because she was trying to train me AND wrap up her book fair, but it was so very very good to be back. I'm sure I'll have more to report later!
My last piece of good news is about the top 25 blogs of 2010. I made the first cut! Thanks to all of you who voted for me during round one. The voting continues. So please go and vote for me again. It starts all over again with new votes. So we have to all go do it again. I would appreciate it if you would give me some more voting love. Just click the button in my side bar, please!
What a great day!
Maggie
Monday, November 8, 2010
The search continues... College 2 makes the grade, not so much for College 3
Sorry for the last post- but whew!!!! Mac and I are continuing on the quest to find the perfect college for him. Today we made 2 visits to two separate colleges. Word of advise: don't do this. OMG- I am soooooooooo tired. My body is tired from walking all over the place and my brain is tired from all the information and all the questions. I thought it was going to be hard to top our visit College 1, but...
College 2: Today we visited a state university, campus population 21,000. There are over 300 majors, study abroad programs, 18 different places to eat on campus for dining, and co-ed residence halls. There's free athletic events and they're a Division 1 school which is cool. They also have a major auditorium which is a public event arena which gets Big Name entertainment and students get to go for free. The technology is amazing here- they are state of the art and up to date with all the possible technology you could dream of. The campus is 50-50 Apple and PC. The student/ faculty ratio is 19 to 1. Freshmen can park for free. There are also computer labs all over the campus so there is a 1 to 1 , which is amazing for a huge university. They have the academic program he wants, the social life he wants and the size doesn't scare him.
College 3: A small Christian school with around 1300 students. But as we walked around the campus we wondered where all the students were; I'm not kidding. It was 3pm in the afternoon and we saw some kids playing Frisbee golf and that was it. We were super impressed with our faculty meet and greet; that was the only thing that impressed me. The rest-- feh. The meal plan is terrible and everything seemed "run down." Mac and I both love old schools, historic schools. But this was more run down rather than old. All the little extras cost money like using printing paper (which is free at College 1 and 2), athletic events, and campus parking. Mac didn't like the dorms- and we had a girl tour guide who didn't even show us a guy's dorm.
So! Mac is madly in love with college's 1 and 2. He was bummed that College 2 didn't give him a free t-shirt (but colleges 1 and 3 did!) but that was the only thing he felt was a negative. Mac and Daddy-O (I can't miss many more days of school so he agreed to go to round two!) are going back to this school so he can sit in on a class, meet 2 professors (one from the music department and 1 from the political science dept) and have a more in-depth discussion with with admissions.
While it wasn't the rock star treatment we had at College 1, we were still impressed with College 2. I had to admit I was wrong and was impressed by such a big state school, and that they managed to give it a personal touch, even for a school of its size.
Now, in two weeks we will see the last two schools: one more small, liberal arts Christian college and then the largest state school in my state, which boasts 40,000 on it's main campus. This should be interesting.
Then all the visits will be completed and then we can study financial aid packages and make a decision.
I will be so glad when all this over and he's enrolled somewhere that makes him happy and feels like home. Then I can breathe.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
College 2: Today we visited a state university, campus population 21,000. There are over 300 majors, study abroad programs, 18 different places to eat on campus for dining, and co-ed residence halls. There's free athletic events and they're a Division 1 school which is cool. They also have a major auditorium which is a public event arena which gets Big Name entertainment and students get to go for free. The technology is amazing here- they are state of the art and up to date with all the possible technology you could dream of. The campus is 50-50 Apple and PC. The student/ faculty ratio is 19 to 1. Freshmen can park for free. There are also computer labs all over the campus so there is a 1 to 1 , which is amazing for a huge university. They have the academic program he wants, the social life he wants and the size doesn't scare him.
College 3: A small Christian school with around 1300 students. But as we walked around the campus we wondered where all the students were; I'm not kidding. It was 3pm in the afternoon and we saw some kids playing Frisbee golf and that was it. We were super impressed with our faculty meet and greet; that was the only thing that impressed me. The rest-- feh. The meal plan is terrible and everything seemed "run down." Mac and I both love old schools, historic schools. But this was more run down rather than old. All the little extras cost money like using printing paper (which is free at College 1 and 2), athletic events, and campus parking. Mac didn't like the dorms- and we had a girl tour guide who didn't even show us a guy's dorm.
So! Mac is madly in love with college's 1 and 2. He was bummed that College 2 didn't give him a free t-shirt (but colleges 1 and 3 did!) but that was the only thing he felt was a negative. Mac and Daddy-O (I can't miss many more days of school so he agreed to go to round two!) are going back to this school so he can sit in on a class, meet 2 professors (one from the music department and 1 from the political science dept) and have a more in-depth discussion with with admissions.
While it wasn't the rock star treatment we had at College 1, we were still impressed with College 2. I had to admit I was wrong and was impressed by such a big state school, and that they managed to give it a personal touch, even for a school of its size.
Now, in two weeks we will see the last two schools: one more small, liberal arts Christian college and then the largest state school in my state, which boasts 40,000 on it's main campus. This should be interesting.
Then all the visits will be completed and then we can study financial aid packages and make a decision.
I will be so glad when all this over and he's enrolled somewhere that makes him happy and feels like home. Then I can breathe.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
Friday, October 15, 2010
College #1- Rock Star Treatment
I love the upper echelon of academia. Today Mac and I visited the first of his college choices. For those of you who are not familiar with the States post secondary school system, we have 4 year Universities which are, for the most part, the same as a college. You can get a 4 year professional degree from both types of schools.
Mac wants to go to law school, but he has to do a 4 year program before he can go to law school. He's looking at 1 state university and then 4 private colleges. He's thinking of an undergraduate degree with a double major in international politics and pre-law.
He was treated like a rock star today at College #1. When we arrived we were warmly greeted and offered continental breakfast and he was given a college t-shirt. A student ambassador took us to chapel (this is a religious based school) and then we were able to sit in on a political science class. After class we had lunch and a campus tour. Mac and I then met with the Pre-Law/ Political Science Department Chair and capped the day with a meeting with financial aid.
I was very impressed and they should be applauded at how they sell their school. It has everything Mac is looking for in a school so it's a top choice. He also wonders if the other schools will "wow" him like this one did.
As a parent, I was impressed with everything, but I know that's the job. But here's what the admissions departments can't control: the student body. They can't tell them all what to say and how to behave. And I was impressed with the students: how they interacted with each other, with professors, and their own personal behavior. This school has an emphasis on faith and learning and then carrying the both ideas into the community and work place. From what I observed, it seems to actually "take." This is a campus for a Christian. There is no room for non-believers here. And I certainly have no qualms about this. It's a choice and if it makes Mac happy, then I'm happy. I can see him fitting there, and being quite happy.
Because it's a small school, he will have an opportunity to be a "big fish in a little pond". There are opportunities for internships at the local, state and federal level in politics. He could be hired to be a Teaching Assistant or a Research Assistant for the Political Science Department- and this is as an undergrad. He could be an active participant in the Student Senate. He could realistically be a real mover and shaker. He also knows he wants to immerse himself into politics but he knows he wants a stress reliever like theater or band or vocal, which he would have a chance to do.
Today, Mac held his own in a conversation with the department chair and the man told Mac he would certainly remember him and hopes to see him on campus in the fall because his department can "certainly use people" of his "caliber". Mac and this guy ended up talking about imperialism in Burma as well as the historical importance of literature like Frankenstein. Yeah. This was supposed to be a causal meet and greet, let the dept., chair "sell" his program and he and MY kid get into an intellectual discussion, which ran over the allotted 20 minutes, into an hour, to the point where the Financial Aid department called the Prof to see if we were still there. My kid WOWed them right back. I was so proud of him I about burst. Not kidding, there were almost bloody pieces of Maggie all over the place...
I'm so proud of the person he's become and the one he's continuing to evolve into. I'm honored to be his mother.
This post was really going to be about me waxing poetic about my love of the atmosphere of colleges and I was going to parallel Rock Stars to our treatment today. I like the direction this post took instead. I can do the other stuff later.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
Mac wants to go to law school, but he has to do a 4 year program before he can go to law school. He's looking at 1 state university and then 4 private colleges. He's thinking of an undergraduate degree with a double major in international politics and pre-law.
He was treated like a rock star today at College #1. When we arrived we were warmly greeted and offered continental breakfast and he was given a college t-shirt. A student ambassador took us to chapel (this is a religious based school) and then we were able to sit in on a political science class. After class we had lunch and a campus tour. Mac and I then met with the Pre-Law/ Political Science Department Chair and capped the day with a meeting with financial aid.
I was very impressed and they should be applauded at how they sell their school. It has everything Mac is looking for in a school so it's a top choice. He also wonders if the other schools will "wow" him like this one did.
As a parent, I was impressed with everything, but I know that's the job. But here's what the admissions departments can't control: the student body. They can't tell them all what to say and how to behave. And I was impressed with the students: how they interacted with each other, with professors, and their own personal behavior. This school has an emphasis on faith and learning and then carrying the both ideas into the community and work place. From what I observed, it seems to actually "take." This is a campus for a Christian. There is no room for non-believers here. And I certainly have no qualms about this. It's a choice and if it makes Mac happy, then I'm happy. I can see him fitting there, and being quite happy.
Because it's a small school, he will have an opportunity to be a "big fish in a little pond". There are opportunities for internships at the local, state and federal level in politics. He could be hired to be a Teaching Assistant or a Research Assistant for the Political Science Department- and this is as an undergrad. He could be an active participant in the Student Senate. He could realistically be a real mover and shaker. He also knows he wants to immerse himself into politics but he knows he wants a stress reliever like theater or band or vocal, which he would have a chance to do.
Today, Mac held his own in a conversation with the department chair and the man told Mac he would certainly remember him and hopes to see him on campus in the fall because his department can "certainly use people" of his "caliber". Mac and this guy ended up talking about imperialism in Burma as well as the historical importance of literature like Frankenstein. Yeah. This was supposed to be a causal meet and greet, let the dept., chair "sell" his program and he and MY kid get into an intellectual discussion, which ran over the allotted 20 minutes, into an hour, to the point where the Financial Aid department called the Prof to see if we were still there. My kid WOWed them right back. I was so proud of him I about burst. Not kidding, there were almost bloody pieces of Maggie all over the place...
I'm so proud of the person he's become and the one he's continuing to evolve into. I'm honored to be his mother.
This post was really going to be about me waxing poetic about my love of the atmosphere of colleges and I was going to parallel Rock Stars to our treatment today. I like the direction this post took instead. I can do the other stuff later.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
Monday, September 20, 2010
Princess Weekend and other randomness
- This weekend, this coming Sunday, I'll be 39 years old. I feel every year as I type this post. That aside, I must admit that ITSam is taking is the whole birthday thing pretty seriously. He, all on his own, without any encouragement from me, he's declared it "Princess Weekend." And he's buying me a new tiara. And he said we can do anything I want all weekend long. AND, he said he'll be my "Man Slave." I think I love him. I think he loves me. Damn...
- What is the etiquette for handicapped bathroom stalls? I know that if there's a baby changing table in it, then it's fair game to anyone, right? Or at least I thought so. But what about other times? I was at the mall the other day and the handicapped stall was empty and there was a line of women waiting but no one went in. And this has happened other times when I've been places. Is this right? Are we not supposed to use the handicapped stall like not using the handicapped parking space? What if the bathroom is just a 2 seater? Do we all just stand there and not go and use only 1? I'm so confused.
- Mac is getting tons and tons of stuff from colleges all over the country. I've been told that's pretty standard for college bound seniors. But today he got something from Alaska pacific University. He asked me if he went there could AlaskaSam give him residency and that he could adopt him because he would be a better dad than the one he has.... uh, yeah. O-kay.
- I have a bunch of ring tones on my phone. Mac does tease me a little bit because someone at my age has ring tones but to me it's like have some cell phone organization. Some of my people have ring tones because the song and the person are tied together like ITSam is "True Companion", Patti who lives in Florida has "Margaritaville", my boss that I take pictures for has "Photograph" by Nickleback, XRay Girl and Gulo are "Hey Soul Sister", AlaskaSam is "The Weary Kind", and Daddy-O is "We are family." Some songs I have on my phone because I love the song, love the way it makes me feel and makes me happy. I assigned these to people who I love, the way they make me feel and who make me happy! Lilith has "Glitter in the Air" by Pink, one of my all time favorite songs. Curley has "I Got a Feeling". Now all that being said I went to see the movie Easy A yesterday and the main character Olive gets an audio card from her grandma and the song is "Pocketful of Sunshine." There's an ongoing gag through a part of the film about that song which made me howl with laughter because that's my default ringer song!!!!!
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