Growing Up and Moving Out

Well, it's here... sophomore year at Radford University.  This year is different, however.  This year, Megan has her own apartment... no more hot, sweaty, smelly dorm room for her...no sir'ee.  She has a four bedroom apartment with three roommates. 

Now, I don't know about ya'll, but when I first went out on my own, I had hand-me-down EVERYTHING.  The only new stuff I had were items I had collected in my "hope" chest from age 12.  Yes, I know, I'm dating myself.  No one has hope chests anymore.  Why should they when you have suckers like my husband and I for parents.

Several weeks ago, we took a trip to IKEA to pick up a bed frame.  We came back with a bed, a library table, a desk system, three lamps, silverware, various cooking vessels and utensils and other colorful essentials...not to mention a much lighter checkbook. 

Well, of course, we all know that you can't have a new bed without a new array of linens and coordinating accessories.  Off to Target we go.  Thank God for Target.  We picked up a new duvet cover with matching sheets, shams, pillow cases, rug, throw pillows and yes, the ever essential long body pillow.  So this was it.  This was the end of our furnishing of the apartment.  NO MORE.  Checkbook well is dry, right?...Wrong.  We wound up having to supply a dining set and microwave.  Well, they need a table to eat at and a microwave to cook in.  I mean, what's wrong with you people...don't you know anything?

Now we're done spending.  All is well.  Saturday we make the 3-hour trip to put everything together..set up and then get the hell out of there by 5ish, right?  Wrong.

Our little darling has a grocery list because her meal plan doesn't start for a week.  Yeah, OK, that makes sense.  While hubby is busy with the power tools, us girls head off the Wal-mart and the Dollar Store.  Between the two, we end up with trash cans, dish towels, oven mitts, broom, healthy food, not so healthy food, bake ware, sharp knives, first-aid stuff (in case she cuts herself with the sharp knives), glassware, curtain rod and the ever essential cookie jar.  OK, we all know a home is not a home without a cookie jar.

Shopping is done and upon return we find the bed is conquered and the desk is under attack.  One of Megan's roommate's parents are there tackling the construction of an entertainment center.  By 8:00 that evening, everything was constructed, cleaned and put in the appropriate places.  I even managed to construct a fruit salad for my child.  She does need something healthy to snack on, you know.

We bid our girl farewell, gave the usual kisses, hugs, tears and "I love yous".  Twenty minutes into our ride home, my phone rings...it's Megan:  "I'm coming home Monday for a few days, there's nothing to do here until school starts." 

Excuse me?.... how about finding a job.

Lisa

Comments

[Chris Sears]

Ah yes, the moving in "off campus". Seven guys in a house's 2nd and third floors.
All the Moms concerned about the kitchen. All the Dad's in amazement about the Refrigerator (left by the last years' guys )which had a spout (in a drilled out hole in the front) to connect to the Keg. (The Dad's wanted to move in too!)

Actually, I miss it, I loved it. I was the one Mom close enough (1 1/2 hrs away) to bring food and visit and take out to dinner. (The others were from Kansas City and Michigan and California and Long Island) I loved 'em all! I miss Boston! BUT, the kid is interviewing there so, my message machine will soon say , again, "If I do not answer I am in NY City, Maine, RI or BOSTON!

[Megan]

Thanks mom for the story. i appreciate all yall did for me, i could never have done it alone(we all know that) thanks again. i love you very much!
P.S take that last picture off please. thanks! Love you
<3 Megan <3

[Lisa]

I love you too, Megan.

Mom

PS...the picture stays.