Weekend Warriors - And How To Feel Really Old

Monday, April 22, 2013

Want to feel old? (Because having two kids, turning 30 and finding your first eye wrinkles isn't enough.) 

Head to your alma mater on Open House weekend and see all the incoming freshman walking around. 

They look likes babies. As in they-don't-look-old-enough-to-drive-a-car-let-alone-go-to-college babies! And then you glance at their parents and your realize they're not that much older than you.

And heading into the campus bookstore your eye is drawn to this sweatshirt first:



Because it's never too early to start influencing them to wear the green & gold.





Actually, I have to admit I got emotional walking around campus with Landon. I'm going to blink my eyes and we will be there: dropping our boy off to college. 

I will never forget that day in my own life. My parents spent the weekend moving me into my dorm room, helping me find my classes and navigate campus. But soon enough it was Sunday afternoon and time for them to go and drive the 350 miles back "home". Leaving me completely surrounded by strangers. I remember my mom biting her lip and saying good-bye quickly - she didn't want to upset me with her own tears. My dad, feeling emotional too, kind of sped the process up. I think they both just needed to get it over with. I stood outside Trinity Hall dorm and watched their black Toyota Tacoma speed away feeling utterly alone, scared and somehow completely thrilled at the same time. I had a moment of panic as I turned back towards campus. Then, I distinctly remember, I took a deep breath and told myself, "Okay - it's time to pull on those Big-Girl pants and meet someone. You can get over your shyness. You can put yourself out there. You can do this." So I marched back into the building, strolled right past room 105 and poked my head into the room next door. "Hi. I'm Anna. I live next door. What's your name?"

And so began the next four years of my life. 

That was 12 years ago.

I guess I really am getting older!



2 comments:

Jessica G. said...

Aww, fun memories...though let's put off the thought of college for our babies for a bit! Oh, and Connor has two Cal Poly sweatshirts. We started the indoctrination young! As for age, I totally thought this 15 year old boy was the same age as me this weekend at church. He responded "it's the beard". Yep, a 15 year old had a full beard!

Linda Z said...

Love reading your memories! I'm starting to freak out about my oldest a bit... he only has 5 years of school left! He really wants to go to Poly though, so that makes me feel better!! I'm also realizing he is only 4 years younger than I was when I first met my husband!! That feels totally crazy!! People are right... it happens soooo fast! :)

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