getting (back) in to college
Here we are in tiny little Williamstown Massachusetts helping our daughter move into her teeny weeny sophomore (single---yay!) room. Apparently I still can't spell Massachusetts as spell check had to rescue me both times. I'll try to avoid it from here on.
She claims sophomores don't have their parents help them move in. I'm not so sure because I saw quite a few khaki and sandal clad parental units schlepping mattress pads and full length mirrors in and out of parent-sized SUVs...but, whatever. That works for us. We'll be able to enjoy the glorious September day in the Berkshires without pulling so much as a tendon.
Turns out, if the evening light is sufficiently dim, and we park far enough down the steep slope from her dorm, we could, maybe, help with a few of the 'bigger' items. But even so, this move in was so much easier than any in memory. For one thing, she's on the second floor. A stroke of unprecedented luck in our family. One flight, even with a Bed Bath and Beyond sack the size and heft of a body bag in tow, barely gets that pesky artery on the side of the neck thumping.
While I shuffled the mass of excess packaging around the room my daughter explored the rest of her floor. She shares it with members of the men's track team. Whatever. If you've got kids in college you know that that's the mantra you have to adopt. She will share a co-ed bathroom with the emphasis on the 'co'. There is one shower...whatever...
We have a pretty long list for Walmart today. Light bulbs, a super-sized pack of Nyquil and Dayquil, a hanging shoe rack, etc. etc. I tried to put a bathrobe on the list but she claims that would be a waste of space. Whatever.
This trip my husband and I decided to experiment with different lodgings. We've been staying at the lovely inn on the green which has lots of old New England charm but is pricey. Don't know if you're aware, but college is very expensive ;)
Our motel is working out great, just look at the backyard---
We're planning to have a glass of wine in those very chairs tonight. With a touch of envy we'll raise a toast to the year that lies ahead for our daughter.
When I get home I'm going to send her a bathrobe.
Hello Sue:
ReplyDeleteHow all of this takes one back and the embarrassment of being seen on such occasions with parents who, of course, are willing and necessary pack horses but must remain in the shadows [literally from what you describe here]. But it is all a phase, it will pass and before to long she will graduate and you will be the most welcome of all guests in the degree congregation.
Meanwhile, enjoy those drinks in such lovely surroundings.
Oh how stunning, I would love to be there, there's a chance of hubs going to Boston then up to Maine for a few days, if it comes off I have to tag along for this scenery.
ReplyDeleteOh you and DaniBP are both having similar weekends which will tug at the old heart strings. Oh and a co-ed bathroom, yikes I have never heard of that!
I agree...a bathrobe is a necessary item in college (or, at least, mine was). I am sure she will have a wonderful year.
ReplyDeleteThe backyard is beautiful! Have fun in Williamstown.
Yes, I would send that bathrobe asap. I love your writing...I can see this in my near future...having to park way down the hill and lug tons of stuff up the hill in the dark. Looks like a beautiful place to attend college. One at Williams and one at Harvard? I think I read that on your blog somewhere. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletexo annie
Your weekend sounds lovely. I am certain your daughter will enjoy her bathrobe.
ReplyDeleteI'm am loving your college "whatever" attitude! Did you live in Schenectady?? It shows up as your web location. The kids went to a school in Schenectady for a year before we moved to Albany. We loved that town and have good friends that we made that year.
ReplyDeleteWe are struggling the knowledge that if our daughter goes outside of the state of TX, the $$$ will HURT! Should a college education really need to cost that much? ACT test next weekend..yipee...
Best of luck dropping your daughter off. We just dropped my son off for his freshman year, so I can only imagine that by next year, he won't need us! Looks like you have a magnificent view!
ReplyDeletePlease lift a glass to our favorite sophomore tonight! Ah, Williamstown. I hope there remains a summer theater production for you to see. Do tell Molly the bathrobe is required for anyone who reads Douglas Adams....and give her a hug for us.
ReplyDeleteIf no theatre, go to The Clark ... they have a killer show right now 'Pisarro's People' ... as for the wine, what a perfectly wonderful spot to toast your daughter's return to college!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea American universities started so early! Our students all go back end of September or even the beginning of October!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure yor daughter will have a super time.
Congratulations! My son starts his senior year in a few weeks. Sounds like your girl is well on her way to grown-up hood:).
ReplyDeleteDefinitely send a bathrobe asap! ;-) As you say, "whatever" is the best attitude to take. The view from your motel room is beautiful. Hope you have a great weekend, and best wishes to you and your daughter!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling I know her school and it's a beautiful area! Sounds like you and hubs have earned that glass of wine, especially after paying that tuition bill! Cheers to all of you!
ReplyDeleteMary
I love this time of year...back to school...back to college...cool nights and beautiful sunny days...warm sweaters, sharp pencils and new experiences. I lived at home for university so never experienced the moving in thing with my parents...I wish I had. The kiddies went back to school here a couple weeks ago and University doesn't start until October...but my heart is in North America...back to school and looking forward to Fall!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic post! I'm feeling the "whatevers"!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy that glass of wine - you deserve it!
What an amazing view. I hope you enjoyed every moment outdoors in all of that beauty!
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