Off to Visit College

After Chad found the blog post about his missing shirt, he has forbid me to mention him on my blog.  That’s not exactly how we play the game around here . . last time I checked I still get to do what I want to do but that explains the sour look on his face this morning.  He didn’t want to be photographed and he doesn’t want to be seen on my blog . . ever again.  Poor Chad! 🙂

I have to tell you . . and any of you who have lived in a “blended family” situation, if yours is anything like mine, it isn’t easy!  Vince’s parents were immigrants from Sicily, his dad was well into his 50’s when Vince was born.  His parents were of the mindset that you worked hard for everything you got.  Nothing was handed to you . . ever!  Children were certainly not abused but neither were they pampered.  They also worked hard and did exactly what the parents told them to do.  Typical Sicilian family . . we won’t talk about the expectations for the lady of the house! 🙂

Chad was 9 when Vince and I married and he had been raised like most kids, especially those with divorced parents.  Anything he wanted, we tried to give him.  Being an only child didn’t help matters either.  By 9, Chad thought the entire world revolved around him.

It was definitely a clash of cultures.  They get along fine most of the time but Chad is still a very spoiled young man and like most 20 year olds, it’s real hard to balance responsibility, work, responsibility, fun, responsibility, etc.  A lot of the time, I think Vince expects too much and Chad gives too little.  Pretty typical of any family dealing with kids that age I suppose.

But, Vince only wants what’s best for Chad.  I know that and I hope Chad knows it.  Vince has been digging and doing research into the colleges in our area and out of our area.  I’m so thankful he’s handling that role.  They’re off today to look at a college, dorm and dining hall.  They didn’t even ask me to go.  I know exactly why.  The first strange looking kid I see in the dorm, I’d be saying “NO!  I don’t want Chad living here”.  Actually, most days, I’d prefer that Chad stay home and drive to college. There are two colleges within an hour of home.  But, I know leaving home/mom and experiencing dorm life and decision making on his own is something he needs.  He will be 21 in December.  Ouch . . when did my baby grow up?

Anyway, Chad will finish the 2 year program here in December and off he goes  . .  oh, how things will change at my house.

Like this incident . . Chad is supposed to be in at 10 p.m. on week nights.  Last night about 9:50 p.m., the phone rang.  That happens most every week night. 

Chad: Mom, I’m going to be home about 10:30 or 11:00.  I’m going down to the police station.
Me:  WHY?
Chad:  This girl I work with . . her boyfriend is giving her a hard time and I’m going to the police station with her.
Me:  Chad!  Please stay out of it!  This doesn’t involve you.
Chad:  I told her I would go with her.  Goodbye!

At 11:00, I called his cell phone.

Me:  Chad, where are you?
Chad:  (whispering)  Still at the police station.
Me:  Come home NOW!
Chad:  OK.

So, he came home.  Vince and I explained to him that you sometimes just mind your own business . . especially in domestic husband/wife or girlfriend/boyfriend disputes.  He loves to be in the middle of things!

I think Chad was actually spending quality time with one of the officers.  Chad happened to be wearing his favorite “make a statement” T-shirt and the officer wanted to know where he got it.  He had to have one! Chad had his e-mail address so I sent the officer an e-mail this morning with a link to where I ordered the shirt.  I wonder what the officer would’ve thought if Chad had been wearing this shirt!  He should thank me for “losing” that shirt, don’t you think?

So . . I have the entire day to myself.  I will add borders to the monster quilt, fold it and get it out of my sight.  Then, I will clean off my cutting table and start the next project.