Rainy Days and Fridays.. Not Gettin' Me Down

So this morning it was pouring, and I had to drive to Winchester. The Son's University was having orientation, and since I'm on the Parents' Council (I only THOUGHT PTA would be over when they graduated from High School), I was asked to come and speak to parents about the trials and tribulations of sending your first-or-subsequently born off to college. And speak I did. I saw some drippy eyes, and remembered how stressed I was-- not that he'd be away, since we'd done summer camp forever, and I'd been working since before he was born. My biggest concern was that I hoped and prayed with all my heart that I'd raised him right, and prepared him--given him what he needed in life to make the right decisions. And as I see my friends who are expecting and those who have newborns, I remember how I loved every stage of their lives, and wished that the kids could stay just like that... but then they'd grow to another stage, and I'd think the same thing. I realized that what I'd been doing for his whole life was getting him-- and me-- ready for this transition.

So, a couple of years ago The Son called me, and said "Mom, I want to tell you something, and I don't know how you're going to take it." Hooo boy. I took a deep breath and braced myself. OK, said I--- Let's hear it. "Well," said he, "I started going back to church and I'm in the choir." Much relief.

The Daughter and I decided to take in a movie this afternoon. I don't get out to movies very often, because we have 3000 (or so it seems) cable channels, and The Husband doesn't enjoy the movie-going experience. So I usually try to hit a few when the kids are home. In deference to The Son who will arrive home at midnight tomorrow from a field research class in Mexico (kayaking in Baja-- you may all say "aaaaawwwww") we are holding off on seeing the latest Star Wars. We saw Crash--what a great movie-- but be warned: It's not a feel-good flick. It's heavy, so be prepared. The story line is intertwining and disturbing, and really, really well done. I will see it again and probably buy it on DVD when it comes out.

And then we decided to see another film. So Monster In Law it was. I had Fibonacci with me, and did a couple of rows during the interminable junk prior to the movie. We enjoyed it. Jane Fonda, whatever you may think of her, was very funny, and Jennifer Lopez did a pretty good job imho. Wanda Sykes plays Jane Fonda's assistant, and she is terrific. It's not history-making cinema, but as a nice little diversion, it fits the bill.

And that's how I spent my day.