Two Down, One To Go

[+ Gar1eth]

Thanks!

 

I realize things have most likely changed over the 30 something years since I was in college. But I was never able to qualify for financial aid because my parents liked having me as a dependent for their federal taxes. So while we weren't rich, my Dad's salary disqualified me from being eligible for aid. Of course 30 years ago, Texas state schools were very (relatively) inexpensive. I don't know how it is now. But back then it was possible that even paying out of state tuition, some students were still able to go to college cheaper in Texas than in their own home state.

 

Gman

[kewtex]

I realize things have most likely changed over the 30 something years since I was in college. …

 

In the fall of '82, 16 hours at UT was $301.

In the summer of '97, 3 hours at the University of Houston was $300.

Ah, the glories (?) of deregulated college tuition.

[+ Gar1eth]

In the fall of '82, 16 hours at UT was $301.

In the summer of '97, 3 hours at the University of Houston was $300.

Ah, the glories (?) of deregulated college tuition.

 

And I think just a few years before that when I started at Texas Tech in 1979 tuition for in-state students was $6 per credit hour with out of state students paying $60 per hour. Now of course that was strictly 'tuition'. There were other fees with the total bill being something like $600 to $800 a semester. Possibly graduate/medical/law school had higher fees.

 

Gman

[BasketBaller]

Well it isn't settled since he hasn't heard from his first two choices, but my second twin got accepted by DePaul U in Chicago, his third choice. Dad would prefer him there instead of across the country, but I haven't told him that. Now we see what happens with financial aid.

 

The empty nest is hurtling toward me!

[+ bashful]

You'll have to become a Blue Demons fan.

[BasketBaller]

You'll have to become a Blue Demons fan.

I already have to root for the Rams and the Midshipmen, what's one more?

[LivingnLA]

I already have to root for the Rams and the Midshipmen, what's one more?

 

GO NAVY!

[kewtex]

I already have to root for the Rams and the Midshipmen, what's one more?

 

I'm envious you got to use the words ram and midshipmen in one sentence.

[+ FreshFluff]

@BasketBaller , any news on your other son and his decision? Your Annapolis-bound son must be excited!

[BasketBaller]

@BasketBaller , any news on your other son and his decision? Your Annapolis-bound son must be excited!

 

Thanks for asking!

 

The one has decided on DePaul in Chicago. Stanford wait-listed him, and he got into UVA which had been his second choice, but changed his mind. I admitted that Chicago was more appealing to me than Palo Alto because of distance after he'd made up his mind, and he gave me a quick smile and didn't say anything. But it's a good choice and he's very happy with it, and the financial aid package made me even happier.

 

The guy going to the Naval Academy is over the moon but getting a little serious as what he's taking on settles in. We were in Annapolis yesterday for a baseball game and I noticed him watching the Midshipmen in the stands as much as he watched the game. His gf got into UPenn and they still swear they'll make it work. His twin also has a great girlfriend who's going to Middlebury College in New England, so they'll be pretty far apart, and haven't made as much noise about staying together in a long-distance thing. We'll see.

 

So next year I'll have a junior at Fordham, a freshman at DePaul, and a plebe at USNA. The plebe starts at the end of June so the separation is coming fast and the two of them are obviously feeling it, they are glued together most of the time. Nobody's cried recently (that I know of) but I have a feeling that day when we take him to Annapolis and leave him there, where we'll have little contact for the rest of the summer, will be emotional. For all of us. Their older brother comes home soon and we'll have a month or so all together. And by September, it'll just be me here. As I've posted before, I've never really lived on my own! Lots of adjustment for all.

[MassageDrew]

Congrats. I have a couple of friends that are twins. I'd probably have a hard time if one wasn't gay. He and I are very good friends. But his straight twin brother was very "interactive" when we were growing up.

[BasketBaller]

This is what the day the plebes arrive at the Naval Academy looks like. Those slamming doors at the end are already a little hard to watch.

 

[Bargara Leatherboy]

I think you have done an amazing job of bringing up what seem like 3 fine young men.

 

Be kind to yourself - and see this as an adventure - you will be able to create the type of life that you want - so have some idea about what that looks like for you - then go and make it happen.

 

Please keep us updated.

[liubit]

I think you have done an amazing job of bringing up what seem like 3 fine young men.

 

Be kind to yourself - and see this as an adventure - you will be able to create the type of life that you want - so have some idea about what that looks like for you - then go and make it happen.

 

Please keep us updated.

Ditto. Kudos to you, @BasketBaller, what a great job!

[+ Gar1eth]

Thanks for asking!

 

 

The guy going to the Naval Academy is over the moon but getting a little serious as what he's taking on settles in. We were in Annapolis yesterday for a baseball game and I noticed him watching the Midshipmen in the stands as much as he watched the game. His gf got into UPenn and they still swear they'll make it work. His twin also has a great girlfriend who's going to Middlebury College in New England, so they'll be pretty far apart, and haven't made as much noise about staying together in a long-distance thing. We'll see.

 

 

Aside from the stress of being a plebe and of being at two different schools, it's not an impossible distance between them. I was once staying in Baltimore for a conference and hired an escort from Premiere in Philadelphia.

 

Gman

[TruthBTold]

My sister had 3 girls in college all at the same time and the girls were very upset because they were only a year apart so they grew up as sisters, as well as friends basically. However, with Skype and other things (which I certainly did not have) they "saw" each other all the time and it did not seem as bad. They gave each whatever news they had and, of course, talked about boyfriend problems.

[BasketBaller]

My sister had 3 girls in college all at the same time and the girls were very upset because they were only a year apart so they grew up as sisters, as well as friends basically. However, with Skype and other things (which I certainly did not have) they "saw" each other all the time and it did not seem as bad. They gave each whatever news they had and, of course, talked about boyfriend problems.

I'm sure Skype will get as much use as plebes are allowed. It's been a constant with the twins and their big brother. (And him with me...)

[+ FreshFluff]

Congrats, Bballer! You must be really proud!

[+ purplekow]

Thanks for asking!

 

The one has decided on DePaul in Chicago. Stanford wait-listed him, and he got into UVA which had been his second choice, but changed his mind. I admitted that Chicago was more appealing to me than Palo Alto because of distance after he'd made up his mind, and he gave me a quick smile and didn't say anything. But it's a good choice and he's very happy with it, and the financial aid package made me even happier.

 

The guy going to the Naval Academy is over the moon but getting a little serious as what he's taking on settles in. We were in Annapolis yesterday for a baseball game and I noticed him watching the Midshipmen in the stands as much as he watched the game. His gf got into UPenn and they still swear they'll make it work. His twin also has a great girlfriend who's going to Middlebury College in New England, so they'll be pretty far apart, and haven't made as much noise about staying together in a long-distance thing. We'll see.

 

So next year I'll have a junior at Fordham, a freshman at DePaul, and a plebe at USNA. The plebe starts at the end of June so the separation is coming fast and the two of them are obviously feeling it, they are glued together most of the time. Nobody's cried recently (that I know of) but I have a feeling that day when we take him to Annapolis and leave him there, where we'll have little contact for the rest of the summer, will be emotional. For all of us. Their older brother comes home soon and we'll have a month or so all together. And by September, it'll just be me here. As I've posted before, I've never really lived on my own! Lots of adjustment for all.

 

 

As to living alone, you will hate it. And love it. When they return, you will find yourself relieved and also wondering how you ever lived in such a chaotic world. Best of luck to all four of you guys. And was it only your son eyeing the midshipmen?

[kewtex]

And by September, it'll just be me here. As I've posted before, I've never really lived on my own! Lots of adjustment for all.

 

While deafening at first, you may find you like the sound of silence that comes with being at home alone. I enjoy having coffee and reading the paper while sitting on the patio. Nature provides its own beautiful background music.

[BasketBaller]

As to living alone, you will hate it. And love it. When they return, you will find yourself relieved and also wondering how you ever lived in such a chaotic world. Best of luck to all four of you guys. And was it only your son eyeing the midshipmen?

Thank you, my friend. And while I didn't crane my neck, I might have angled myself so I was facing in certain directions...

[kevininsa]

BasketBaller, I didn't see this thread when it started, but just read through it all now. Thank you so much for sharing. Reading about how close your boys are together and with you sound awesome. I know you are so proud! Even for me thinking about their separation brings a tear. I wish you and them all the best that life has to offer!

[BasketBaller]

Congrats, Bballer! You must be really proud!

Honestly, I am. The boys have almost always made me proud, but I can't even express how full my heart is these days. Partly I know it's because an era is ending, partly because a wonderful new one is starting. But also because I think of those three little boys that they were, taking flight, and as complex as my feelings are, the main one is tied to memories of their mom and the thought is "We did it."

Edited May 2, 2017 by BasketBaller

[Good Grief]

Honestly, I am. The boys have almost always made me proud, but I can't even express how full my heart is these days. Partly I know it's because an era is ending, partly because a wonderful new one is starting. But also because I think of those three little boys that they were taking flight, and as complex as my feelings are, the main one is tied to memories of their mom and the thought is "We did it."

 

It appears y'all (we, as you say) did it very, very well. Good job! I'm the proud dad of two teen guys who're trying to decide and figure out what's to come.

 

Many congratulations. Be proud!

Edited May 2, 2017 by Good Grief

[+ purplekow]

Honestly, I am. The boys have almost always made me proud, but I can't even express how full my heart is these days. Partly I know it's because an era is ending, partly because a wonderful new one is starting. But also because I think of those three little boys that they were taking flight, and as complex as my feelings are, the main one is tied to memories of their mom and the thought is "We did it."

 

 

Though they may not be physically here, the ones we love are always with us. Today, I started back to work on the one year anniversary of the cardiac event that left me unemployed and physically drained. Though the PS weekend had revitalized my spirits I still had concerns about my ability to do the job. I felt that my skills had faded, my mental faculties had dulled and my physical endurance was not what it needed to be. On my way out the door, I could not find my work ID badge, identifying me as a physician. I searched my home and my car and could not find it and I worked it up in my head that this was a sign that I was not ready to do the job. After all, without the badge, who would known me, what would vouch for my credentials. The hour grew late and a decision had to made, go without the credential or not go at all. I opted to go.

When I arrived at work, just as I removed the car key, a picture of my wife which I keep in the car, fell from the visor. I went to pick it up and it had landed right on the credential. I swear I had looked everywhere in the car, and yet there it was. I actually started to weep in the car, I am not sure why, but I can tell you I felt loved and reassured and ready to face the day. I went in and did a fair job. Not bad for the first day. I came home exhausted. Tomorrow will be better.

BBaller, your wife is right there with you, I am sure you know it. I am sure you feel it. I am sure when you are down, memories help supply a sense of peace and contentment with just a tinge of melancholy. So you did do it, both of you. You have been blessed.