In late-June, we hosted everyone in the family to celebrate Abbie's graduation. It was great to have the clan here.
I was in an interview process during June and July, so Kim and I stayed home from South Carolina. Fortunately, we were able to fly Abbie down to be with everyone. She had a good week and got to celebrate her eighteenth birthday with her cousins. One of the milestone events was going to "Senor Frogs." Apparently she looks mature for her age because they didn't ask. This meant that she didn't have to wear the "wrist-band-of-shame." This seemed to please her very much.
Since coming home from SC, she's been to camp twice, once as a volunteer counselor, and once as a camper, her final time. She's also had a good amount of time with her friends her at home. It seems that she is anxious about college, but perhaps more so about leaving her friends. Fortunately, she's had lots of time with Allie and Alex.
Ultimately, I did not get the job, although I did get an offer. I learned some things through the process, but mostly I ended up feeling a bit more discouraged about my career status. It seems that it's unlikely I'll be able to switch jobs at this point without giving up a significant amount of money. For now, I'll invest where I am.
Nate came home from camp in early July. It was discouraging that things didn't work out for him this year, but he seems to have landed on his feet. He usually does. He found a lifeguarding position at an apartment complex a couple of days after he returned. Three and a half days a week and better pay. He's spent a good portion of his off time, visiting with friends and seeing his girlfriend, Sara.
Kim and I have managed to keep busy and do summery things. We've eaten out, gone to concerts, walked around Saratoga, vacationed in Maine, attended parties and spent time with friends. It feels as though we've packed in a bit more than usual, and it's been great. I'm never in any great hurry to return to work, but at least this year, I don't find myself wondering, "Where has the summer gone?"
Nate will drive back to Ithaca tomorrow. His classes start on Wednesday. He's moved some of his stuff to his campus apartment already. It seems significant that he'll go back without our involvement, but it also feels appropriate. It's hard to believe that he'll be done with school in 9 months. He'll be living with Robert again this fall. They get along well and enjoy working with each other. In December and January, Nate plans to be involved in the filming of Robert's thesis project. After that, he'll head to L.A. for his final semester.
We'll take Abbie to Michigan on Wednesday. Dave Barnes has volunteered to travel with us to help with the driving. He'll fly back home on Thursday. We have amazing friends. Abbie will move into the dorm on Thursday, one day sooner than the other incoming freshman. She'll start cheer practice that afternoon. The orientation program is extensive and includes activities for parents, so we'll be with her on campus on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. At 3:30 on Sunday afternoon the schedule calls for family pictures and goodbyes. Our plan is to follow the schedule. We'll start for home that afternoon. We figure it will be better for her and for us to be out of reach.
I report for work on September 1, the day after we get back from Michigan. The new normal? Time will tell, but I'm honestly eager to find out. Maybe this is why the summer has felt long; it's been months of preparing - practically and emotionally - for the next phase.
Bring it on.
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