WOW! The first day of school came up right quick! How we ended up running out the door, with just a few minutes to spare is absolutely beyond me. Oh, right, he is 17. THAT's what happened.
The Perfect Storm
I was off Friday, I logged into my work email this morning to find a significant issue that triggered phone calls starting at 7am. I am a bit frantic at this point. The kid has to get up at 7:30 so we have enough time to deal with the morning Cybil, get showered, fed, lunch made and out the door. We needed to leave by 9am to get him there early enough to find his way around, get settled and be in his seat for the 9:28 bell. We were running out the door at 9:15. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? I had time to make him and show him how to make his French Toast, thinking all was right with the world....needle off the record..........
Last night I had asked multiple times, "So, you will need to take a notebook to school and maybe some folders because you will be getting a lot of papers." He responds, "Oh yes, yes." I make the assumption (foolishly) that said notebook and folders, and a writing utensil are in his bookbag. Here is what was in his bookbag: first, all of the tags that came on the bookbag (never were removed), second EVERY folder, notebook, pen, eraser, loose leaf paper, trapper keeper, sharpener, pen case, protractor we bought him to get through school. The boy arrived on the 26th and at 9:06 am (10 days later) we were ripping the tags off, emptying out book covers, et al...and he is fiddling with his lock for his locker which is still in the package. 10 days. 10 DAYS! So while I am sorting out pens, paper, folders and notebooks, he is setting his lock.
We get to school in time for the 9:28 bell, he goes in...I am nervous as all get out for him...and then I get a text at work 15 mins later. "I'm sitting in the cafeteria now, school starts at 9:58...I don't know why we thought it will start at 9:28...but there are a lot of other students who were here too early....so my cell phone is almost dead...so just pick me up after football....." BWAHAHAHAHAHA! I had a friend say to me this morning that the more she reads this blog, the more she believes this boy was supposed to be in our lives.
Just a side note: the school calendar did in fact say 9:28 first bell........I screw a lot of stuff up on epic proportions at time but not this......no siree.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Barbecues, Family and Finding a Routine
When the boy gets up, he's not a happy boy. In fact he has explained to me that the boy that gets up really is not him, it is another person. Cybil? Having to wake up this morning at 6am for this all day practice for football (of which I am still not doing a good job of refraining from commentary) was a joy. We have gotten into the habit of just sending the dogs in while we peer around the door for our own safety. He ensured us that he is now in school mode and ready for the early wake up calls. I know it is going to be a challenge for him, cuz he settled in pretty quickly and after day 3, he was making it until almost 11am everyday. Oh, to be a teenager again. I want to make it to daylight, or past 6am at least........
He got to meet da Hubs family yesterday and aside from being a blond 6'4" Russian, you would never know he is not blood family. He found out that he loves real grilled hamburgers and yellow mustard of all things. My nieces and nephews took to him immediately, they are happy to have a new cousin in their lives. It actually warmed my heart to see their little eyes crane back to see up to their very, very tall cousin.
I am having a bit of a hard time dealing with school starting tomorrow. I have grown so accustomed to having him around, and I know it will be fleeting glimpses at feeding, or when I am down the basement running. I know why his mom misses him so much, he really is such a good kid. We had our breakfast tea and pancakes this morning, sitting at the breakfast bar, looking up words to translate, and he even pulled up and played the Soviet Union National Anthem for me. Nothing like a little Stalin to start your day off right.
He got to meet da Hubs family yesterday and aside from being a blond 6'4" Russian, you would never know he is not blood family. He found out that he loves real grilled hamburgers and yellow mustard of all things. My nieces and nephews took to him immediately, they are happy to have a new cousin in their lives. It actually warmed my heart to see their little eyes crane back to see up to their very, very tall cousin.
I am having a bit of a hard time dealing with school starting tomorrow. I have grown so accustomed to having him around, and I know it will be fleeting glimpses at feeding, or when I am down the basement running. I know why his mom misses him so much, he really is such a good kid. We had our breakfast tea and pancakes this morning, sitting at the breakfast bar, looking up words to translate, and he even pulled up and played the Soviet Union National Anthem for me. Nothing like a little Stalin to start your day off right.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Getting Your Text On.....
It has become a little game of ours now. At random points of the day I try to guess the number of texts that have come through. Sometimes its 12, 32, 84, 150.......... Far be it for me not to be completely sarcastic about the situation, and call it out whenever I feel it necessary. (Every time the appendage comes out of his pocket)
Last night we were at a celebration party for a US Marine. He had just graduated from boot camp, it was a great thing to be a part of, and kewl for our guy to meet someone who commands our respect. All of my gal pals from our workout boot camp were there and for a moment I would like to comment on these ladies. Never in my life have I met such a strong, successful and non-bitchy group of women. They rally, they cheer, they support unconditionally and I am so fortunate to call them friends. They also know when to get in on the act and bombard my exchange guy with about 100 texts at once. I started handing out his cell number to all of them, and it was game on after that ;) Heh Heh Heh. For the next 45 mins he was trying to piece together who sent what, since we were all sitting together at the same picnic table and area. He was very flustered, but finally put faces with phone numbers and saved them into his phone. Not only were we having fun, but now the boy has the strongest list imaginable should he not be able to get in contact with da hubs or I. He now has the gals, and that makes him one lucky boy.
Now, to deal with that darn Prosecco truck that drove over me last night and left me in the middle of the road. Da hubs just said to make it known, he pulled me to the curb. Big shouts to da hubs.
Last night we were at a celebration party for a US Marine. He had just graduated from boot camp, it was a great thing to be a part of, and kewl for our guy to meet someone who commands our respect. All of my gal pals from our workout boot camp were there and for a moment I would like to comment on these ladies. Never in my life have I met such a strong, successful and non-bitchy group of women. They rally, they cheer, they support unconditionally and I am so fortunate to call them friends. They also know when to get in on the act and bombard my exchange guy with about 100 texts at once. I started handing out his cell number to all of them, and it was game on after that ;) Heh Heh Heh. For the next 45 mins he was trying to piece together who sent what, since we were all sitting together at the same picnic table and area. He was very flustered, but finally put faces with phone numbers and saved them into his phone. Not only were we having fun, but now the boy has the strongest list imaginable should he not be able to get in contact with da hubs or I. He now has the gals, and that makes him one lucky boy.
Now, to deal with that darn Prosecco truck that drove over me last night and left me in the middle of the road. Da hubs just said to make it known, he pulled me to the curb. Big shouts to da hubs.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Football.
It's the sport of kings.....better than diamond rings....FOOT-BALL.
Well, the kid is doing it, and if I do say so myself, he is looking very Kewl in his uniform. We went to his first ever American Football game last night and it was against CB West. Quite the formidable opponent, but the kids did great. They ended up losing, but like he said, "they had some great plays." After the first quarter they put up a heck of a fight. I think the score ended up being 42-36. (We left at end of third)
He came home last night after intently watching the game....he didn't look in the stands once for us.....and said "I get this game now." Bright boy. He is now learning what it really means to play American Football. Things like: 1. No talking on the bus after a loss. 2. The smell of the locker room. 3. The smell of the bus. 4. Labor Day shot because coach called a practice from 7:30am-6pm on Monday. (My fury over this last one is palpable and the string of commentary in my head will remain there)
I, on the other hand was meeting the parents in the stands. Apparently I will be a great volunteer, I am quite young and should start having children, and I should join the boosters. All suggestions within an hour of talking to the absolutely FABULOUS mom who was sitting next to me. It was fun and overwhelming and a little to "pro-establishment", but this is what we do for our kids, right? Now, PTA meetings (do they really have those or was it just the Harper Valley?) not sure if I can stomach that. I have a tendency to be unfiltered when it comes to nonsense and my fear of being ostracized within a week of school starting because of my gums flapping is a real threat. So, I will leave that to these pages.
On to weekend #2, Day 9. I am starting the laundry and washing his uniform as I type. We have now shifted from feeding the beast to washing the clothes. We had a 10pm stop off at the grocery store to re-load on Pop-Tarts, a new found obsession.
Well, the kid is doing it, and if I do say so myself, he is looking very Kewl in his uniform. We went to his first ever American Football game last night and it was against CB West. Quite the formidable opponent, but the kids did great. They ended up losing, but like he said, "they had some great plays." After the first quarter they put up a heck of a fight. I think the score ended up being 42-36. (We left at end of third)
He came home last night after intently watching the game....he didn't look in the stands once for us.....and said "I get this game now." Bright boy. He is now learning what it really means to play American Football. Things like: 1. No talking on the bus after a loss. 2. The smell of the locker room. 3. The smell of the bus. 4. Labor Day shot because coach called a practice from 7:30am-6pm on Monday. (My fury over this last one is palpable and the string of commentary in my head will remain there)
I, on the other hand was meeting the parents in the stands. Apparently I will be a great volunteer, I am quite young and should start having children, and I should join the boosters. All suggestions within an hour of talking to the absolutely FABULOUS mom who was sitting next to me. It was fun and overwhelming and a little to "pro-establishment", but this is what we do for our kids, right? Now, PTA meetings (do they really have those or was it just the Harper Valley?) not sure if I can stomach that. I have a tendency to be unfiltered when it comes to nonsense and my fear of being ostracized within a week of school starting because of my gums flapping is a real threat. So, I will leave that to these pages.
On to weekend #2, Day 9. I am starting the laundry and washing his uniform as I type. We have now shifted from feeding the beast to washing the clothes. We had a 10pm stop off at the grocery store to re-load on Pop-Tarts, a new found obsession.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Makin Breakfast
Simple things in life are often right in front of us, but because we are so pre-occupied we miss the chance to embrace them. The neatest thing has happened between our guy and me. I have found the greatest joy making him breakfast. He has grown a penchant for pancakes and now french toast. It is the sweetest thing in the world to ask him what he wants and the glint in his eye when he says french toast or pancakes. We chat while I cook and he sits at the bar. It has become our own little routine. He savors every bite, its a joy to watch. We chat about stuff. Nothing earth shattering or important, just stuff. With school starting, these moments will probably be limited to weekends, but I will take them, we only have him for 10 months.
He has been here a full week now and it keeps getting better.
He dresses for his first American Football game tonight, at all places....CB West. I can't imagine what a rush it will be to run out on the field with all the fans, cheerleaders, and other players. He has only been practicing two days and he still seems to love it. What a kid. The fact that he is on the sidelines means no valium for me, but I can't wait to see him all suited up. I REALLY wish I had a longer lense on my camera to capture him as best as I can. I will be that complete moron parent cheering and taking pictures......gotta capture these first moments....lest we forget the sweetness of them.
He has been here a full week now and it keeps getting better.
He dresses for his first American Football game tonight, at all places....CB West. I can't imagine what a rush it will be to run out on the field with all the fans, cheerleaders, and other players. He has only been practicing two days and he still seems to love it. What a kid. The fact that he is on the sidelines means no valium for me, but I can't wait to see him all suited up. I REALLY wish I had a longer lense on my camera to capture him as best as I can. I will be that complete moron parent cheering and taking pictures......gotta capture these first moments....lest we forget the sweetness of them.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
And From The Depths, The Teenager Emerges.....
@80+ texts per day
Football practice that starts off with, "Can't you drink beer legally over there?"
Texting through an entire Union Soccer match
The eating has begun
Well, Football practice began yesterday and for all of my trepidation, the kid did great. He apparently is going to play defense and get to "kick the quarterback's ass" I can live with that. I have to hand it to this kid, that takes some serious cajones to go our for American Football when you think the quarterback is the receiver.
Since his cell phone is an appendage, I informed him they have to stay in his locker all day at school. Then I really handed out the beat down. No cell phone during school (8 hours), then 3 hours of football practice, which brings us to after 6pm, then homework. His face said it all. This unlimited texting thing is unheard of in Germany, so now that he and his friends (other exchange students, who all have the same carriers) have this option, it is an obsession. He speaks three languages a day. Russian to his family, German Texting and English to the rest of us. I find it amazing quite frankly. I am still in awe of this kid and his spirit, but he is so 17. I have roast in the oven now so it we can just heat it up tonight to feed the beast when he gets home from practice. ME? ROAST? really?
And so the new routine begins, practice, taxi service, actually thinking about dinner and all the rest that comes with having a 17 year old boy in your house. Heaven help me.
Football practice that starts off with, "Can't you drink beer legally over there?"
Texting through an entire Union Soccer match
The eating has begun
Well, Football practice began yesterday and for all of my trepidation, the kid did great. He apparently is going to play defense and get to "kick the quarterback's ass" I can live with that. I have to hand it to this kid, that takes some serious cajones to go our for American Football when you think the quarterback is the receiver.
Since his cell phone is an appendage, I informed him they have to stay in his locker all day at school. Then I really handed out the beat down. No cell phone during school (8 hours), then 3 hours of football practice, which brings us to after 6pm, then homework. His face said it all. This unlimited texting thing is unheard of in Germany, so now that he and his friends (other exchange students, who all have the same carriers) have this option, it is an obsession. He speaks three languages a day. Russian to his family, German Texting and English to the rest of us. I find it amazing quite frankly. I am still in awe of this kid and his spirit, but he is so 17. I have roast in the oven now so it we can just heat it up tonight to feed the beast when he gets home from practice. ME? ROAST? really?
And so the new routine begins, practice, taxi service, actually thinking about dinner and all the rest that comes with having a 17 year old boy in your house. Heaven help me.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Letter......
Exchange students have to write a "Host Family" letter. This letter helps the host families decide which child would hopefully be the right fit for their family. My heart melted away when I read his letter, he had me at "But the USA was always just a "dream." But soon my dream will come true." I had fallen for this kid, he was to be our host son.
A day before our guy arrived, I was set up to Skype with our guy and we were exchanging Skype accounts. His screenname comes over and it has the word "kill" in it. NICE, I have now signed on to house a very tall psycho from Germany. Moments of panic set in, and obviously I am still the crazy (verruckt) one in the house. I do crazy really well.......
But all of this got me thinking prior to his arrival. What if these kids are so bright that they BS their way through their letters just to get out of their country for a year. I know I would. Through our 5 days together so far, I picked up on some inconsistencies between his letter and what we talk about. Like for instance, "At Saturday, we go to the cinema or to the swimming bath." SCREEEEEECH........ cinema: yes, swimming baths: no. I asked him flat out if he liked swimming because he said so in his letter. <crickets> <blank stare> uh-oh.
We burst out laughing and I asked him if he was BS'ing his way through his letter. Apparently the idea for swimming baths came off the internet and Google translator. As did " So at home I am more a help than a load." His "card playing" every Friday night, yeah, Poker with his buddies. I am waiting for the ascot and cigar to come out soon. I truly love this boy and know we could not have had made a better decision in our lives to welcome him into our home and our family.
A day before our guy arrived, I was set up to Skype with our guy and we were exchanging Skype accounts. His screenname comes over and it has the word "kill" in it. NICE, I have now signed on to house a very tall psycho from Germany. Moments of panic set in, and obviously I am still the crazy (verruckt) one in the house. I do crazy really well.......
But all of this got me thinking prior to his arrival. What if these kids are so bright that they BS their way through their letters just to get out of their country for a year. I know I would. Through our 5 days together so far, I picked up on some inconsistencies between his letter and what we talk about. Like for instance, "At Saturday, we go to the cinema or to the swimming bath." SCREEEEEECH........ cinema: yes, swimming baths: no. I asked him flat out if he liked swimming because he said so in his letter. <crickets> <blank stare> uh-oh.
We burst out laughing and I asked him if he was BS'ing his way through his letter. Apparently the idea for swimming baths came off the internet and Google translator. As did " So at home I am more a help than a load." His "card playing" every Friday night, yeah, Poker with his buddies. I am waiting for the ascot and cigar to come out soon. I truly love this boy and know we could not have had made a better decision in our lives to welcome him into our home and our family.
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