OMG I just finished writing this post (well, the post below this part) and realized I had to come back and add this note. Because…..there is no birthday post with a cake this year!!! That’s it folks! Jack turned 19, and that’s it for parties that happen at my house haha. Instead, we went to a comedy club two days before Jack’s birthday, and he celebrated with his girlfriend and her family on his actual birthday because that’s where he stays during school. Yep, I have two candles on my counter of a one and a nine, and a lighter, and they are all unused this year. Very strange, huh? 😫 (more on this emoji later)
Ok back to the regular post. 😵💫
I guess I have to look up what certain emojis mean now. I use some frequently with my Gen X friends and we think they are hysterical. However, when I try using them in a text to Jack, he needed to school me a bit.
And, I didn’t know it meant that, really.
We were talking about a UConn clothing order I had placed for him for Christmas. Forgot all about it and then had some fun exchanges with the customer service team that barely knew what I was talking about. Also, it was the first time ever that I made a typo in my email for an order therefore I got no updates and they couldn’t locate my order. It was a whole thing, trust me.
Anyway, here’s what Jack had to say 😂 (sorry if that offends anyone) 😁😁😁😁
I mean whatever, I use that crying moaning one all the time haha.
Ok, first, glad you all made it out of 2023, and have begun to enjoy 2024. Last year was rough, not gonna lie. I’m hoping this year is going to make up for everything that happened since Covid, or at least everything bad that happened since that tweet Jeff Besos made on Feb 2, 2022 about being Lizzo’s biggest fan, (if you know you know.). Best comment: Nothing good has happened since this tweet.
Anyway…
Jack finished his first semester as a sophomore and is happily enjoying his winter break. Christmas was fun and now I’m heading back to work tomorrow after a lonnngggg break myself!
Tonight Jack and I decided to draw for a bit, and keep up with my “one drawing a day” goal. It usually takes us a half hour to settle down after all the catching up, video shares and general ADHD vibe we have going on with us and the pets. So after a bit we finally calmed down and sketched. Jack is really good! I’m rusty. I tried drawing my hand in the way I used to practice, by fully looking at my hand and not the paper. You allow your eye to follow every bump and line while your other hand moves the pen around. You get surprisingly good detail, which makes up for the wonky proportions. Give it a try sometime!
Jack: How many drawings do you have to do before you start to get better?
Me: Well, it depends what kind of drawing you’re doing … and what you mean by “better”.
The title has nothing to do with this blog and is more just a reminder that 4 months have gone by! I remember when I was blogging every day, then every week, then every month, and every other month and so on.
The need to write diminished as my boy got older and needed me less and less. I do believe there is a direct correlation to time spent with Jack and the frequency of my blog posts. I haven’t seen Jack for a few weeks and he will be coming home from school tomorrow to spend the week here before Thanksgiving, Yay! But, our conversations are few and far between, therefore my blog posting has also been few and far between. Eek!
I’m excited for the holidays, and Thanksgiving will be at Jack’s girlfriends house this year. Wow, right?? And, since Jack wasn’t home for Halloween, I went trick or treating with my friend and we dressed up in old school retro ghost sheets. Mine was covered in tattoos and I went as Ghost Malone. My friend went as Vincent Van Ghost. We got so many comments from the parents like “woah old school!” And one kid called us “fire yo”. There was not one single other ghost out that night draped in a queen-sized white sheet, let me tell you! And… I saw no less than 6 Wednesday Adams.
Jack and I talked today on the phone for a bit. I still call when I feel like it and sometimes just want to hear Jack’s voice. It’s strange not to have this person that spent every waking moment with you for years…just not be around anymore. (Omg could Luna BE any louder while cleaning herself!)
We had a pretty meaningful conversation on the phone and it went almost exactly like this:
Jack: What’s good? (That’s how he answers the phone.)
Me: Hey, it’s my boy! What’s going on? You got some high scores on those two tests… that’s awesome! (He had texted me and his dad that he received a 90% and a 100% on his last two exams.)
Jack: Yep that totals 190%! Haha!
(We laugh because this is in reference to our favorite comedian, Nate Bergatze’s bit about trying to fly Delta with 3 names. His license says Nathan but his passport says Nathanial. The security agent thinks he shouldn’t be allowed to fly. Nate says “there’s no way this guy can find out my friends call me Nate!” Thats 3 names! The agent says “look I get it, my real name is James but my friends call me Bart. I cant purchase a ticket that says Bart”. And Nate says “I don’t even think you know what’s happening here, that’s not the same thing at all.” He then says “Look, what I think is gonna help me a ton is my drivers license photo, which is something I’ve always loved that they do. So I think…With 100% of my face matching, and 70% of my names matching, that’s 170%…I think you should let me go through.
If you don’t know Nate, go Google him or search on Netflix. You’re welcome.
Where was I? Oh yeah, Jack’s phone call.
Me: 190% hahaha!
Jack: Did you get it?
Me: of course I got it. 170% is classic Nate! (We laugh some more.)
Jack: Oh mom, look up the new USPS vehicle right now.
Me: Like right now? Hang on… ok I have a photo up. Geez…Why does it look like the pope mobile?
Jack: No, no go look up Flint Lockwood’s car from Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
Me: ok… I’m looking…wow they are completely similar what the heck! So weird!
Jack: Yep. Ok…Hey I have to go, I’m watching Thursday night football and it’s time for the kickoff.
Me: okay, I guess we’ve covered all the important stuff. Love you and I’ll see you tomorrow.
Jack: love you too.
And there you have it. 4 months and you guys are all caught up. I’ll post more this weekend when Jack is able to unload more of his stories on me and you know, says some sh*t while he’s here. 😂
PS… the featured image on this post is when Jack was 3 and insisted on going trick or treating as Dr. Chewbacca. The year before, he had gotten stitches in his forehead and had to see a plastic surgeon. So naturally, that year he was a surgeon for Halloween in the blue scrubs. The following year he couldn’t decide between his favorite Star Wars character and the noble profession of surgeon, so he combined them. It was so cute!!! 😂😂
We took a small family vacation to Chicago so that Jack could see the city that I’ve grown to love in the last 13 years. I travel here for work each year and have many favorite restaurants and attractions that I look forward to visiting! I always hit up the Art Institute of Chicago, Portillos, the riverwalk, and have deep dish pizza somewhere if I can. It was a motley crew of me, Jack, his GF and his dad!
I wanted Jack to experience all these things so we started with art. He was ready and packed a notebook to do some sketches, which is more than I can say for myself. I have a few fine art degrees but have drifted away from live sketching at a museum. (Though you will catch me drawing fellow employees in the corner of my notebook as I sit though hours of staff meetings at work!)
We came across a painting in the contemporary section called “Distributor” by Robert Ryman. It’s a “white” painted canvas, not too large, which sparked the discussion that started with “I could do that”. 😂
See the photos for a look at this painting. Oil paint on fiberglass with wood and aluminum. There are subtle tones to this painting much like the white paint chip section you’d see in any hardware store. Dozens of tones that would go unrecognized if not for the tones sitting right next to them.
Anywayyyyyy, I felt a college art paper about to come out of me… I mentioned how important this type of painting is and said if he wanted to hear my long-winded take on it I would be happy to share.
Jack: Sure, go for it.
me: Well, many artists that are painting in a minimal style —
Jack: You mean no style…
me: — have a background in realism or are very capable painters in other styles. They have built up their body of work and have proven their talent to the art world. Over time they decide that they want to paint a different way. Look at Picasso’s cubist paintings. He could do amazing realism but chose to make a statement—-
(I noticed that Jack wandered away)
And that’s why art is misunderstood. If you don’t take the time to learn, which I did for many years, it’s harder to appreciate.
Robert Ryman sold an untitled “white” canvas for about 20 million. So when someone says “I can do that” you have to counter with “But you didn’t.”
We walked to Millennium Park after the museum and wouldn’t you know, the Bean was under sonstryctuon and fenced off! Gahhhh! How could we take our reflective group selfie??
me: I think it’s right over here but I’m not sure.
Jack: it’s right up this hill behind those bushes.
me: How do you know, you’ve never been here??
Jack: I’ve driven a car up these steps in Watchdogs so I know exactly where it is.
As it turns out he does still say sh*t even while away at college 😂
Jack and I were talking on the phone earlier. He was getting ready to start packing for his spring break rowing trip and was debating whether or not to get some homework done before break or after, and then was worried about an egg sandwich he took from the dining hall.
Me: Did you start packing yet?
Jack: No, I have time. I’m wondering if I should go do my homework at the Q center now to get it over with.
Me: That sounds like a good idea so you won’t have to think about it over break.
Jack: I’m not thinking of it at all.
Me: Well if you have time to do it then pack.
Jack: I’m more worried about this egg sandwich.
Me: Uh, what?
Jack: I took an egg sandwich from the dining hall and it’s going to sit here for a week.
Me: So eat it.
Jack: It’s cold.
Me: So heat it up! 🤨
Jack: oh yeah I could eat it now.
Me: Or wrap it up and take it in the van as a snack later.
Jack: I just said I’m eating it now.
Me: Sigh. Ok. Give your dad a call too before you go.
Jack: I would but you’ve been talking forever.
Me: Oy! Ok byeeeeee.
Jack: Oh wait I have to tell you this funny story. This guy was using the bathroom at work and the lights went out so he took a spooky dooky. Hahaha!
Me: Wasn’t that what happened to you last summer.
Jack: No it was some guy on Twitter.
And there you have it, the last mom son convo before Jack’s first ever spring break trip.
Jack is doing great in his second semester at UConn. He’s planning to spend spring break with the rowing team at camp in South Carolina. I wish I was going away on spring break!! It’s still icky and cold here but I heard it’s not exactly hot down in SC. But definitely warmer than CT that’s for sure.
I was trying to get the full scoop about the trip from Jack this week so I know what’s happening and when.
Me: Where’s the agenda? Like what’s the plan?
Jack: There’s this creepy presentation I can show you that has the info in it.
I start flipping through. It is weird looking but I keep going to see if they tell the kids what to pack and what to expect, etc. I get to a big checklist.
Jack: Woah, I didn’t even see that!
Me: Come on, did you not go through this? It has everything you need listed out here.
Jack: Well it kept getting stuck on one page so I gave up.
Me: Nice. Lucky for you I got this far into it. So what’s the driving situation? Does everyone take turns or what?
Jack: We’re driving down in vans and it’s about 12 hours to get there.
Me: Who’s driving?
Jack: The older guys. There’s a driving buddy that has to stay awake with them. Then they swap. There will be lots of breaks.
Me: I can’t believe you’re all leaving at 5pm on a Friday! Like wouldn’t it be better to leave in the morning, miss all the traffic and actually drive during daylight?
Jack: There’s these things on Friday called classes and exams, Mom.
Me: Oh yeah.
Jack: They told us we needed to bring a sleeping bag and mine’s at home and dad doesn’t want to drive it to me tomorrow.
Me: I guess you’ll have to bring the blankets from your bed then.
Jack: Nah, I rented a sleeping bag for $12 from the school.
Me: Okayyyy… maybe want to wash it?
Jack: No way I’m waiting for a sleeping bag to dry tonight Mom.
Me: Good point. Well, ok have a good night and don’t forget to call me before you leave tomorrow.
Jack: How can I? You call me like 3 times a day already.
Yes, it’s been a few minutes since I have written y’all. A LOT has happened in a very short year. A lot. 🙂
How was your 2022? I hope it was easy and breezy.
Our year was typical of any family with a teen graduating and moving to college. All the end-of-year festivities, prom, graduation, summer vacation, summer job, choosing a college, preparing to pay for said college, planning to MOVE to college, you get the idea right?
(Some fun summer vacay pics)
Throw in a dash of, oh I don’t know, SELLING our home at the same time and moving to another town. Yeah that can throw a monkey wrench into things. Jack moved to UConn in August, I packed up and moved out of my home at the end of September…yep moved an entire house by myself…and then traveled for work, came down with COVID and suffered for a few weeks, ugh. Jack got sick in December over Christmas break. Then all was well and we settled into the “after Christmas” lull looking forward to the new year. Enter new year, and my fun spinal injury from a few falls and a few crazy workouts.
And we then celebrated Jack’s 18th birthday in January! I kinda re-injured my back driving for 3 hours to his school for a family dinner. Driving with your left leg can do some damage when your right leg goes numb, so that was a bit dumb on my part. Oy!! So I was injured up until today actually. Just got myself a nice spinal injection to help with the hot mess that my back has become.
Oh and BIRTHDAY PICS! This would be the first year I did not share a photo of the birthday boy and the CAKE!
(OK, I smushed it a bit getting it out of the box.)
Sooo, with all that going on, I have finally found the mental strength to catch you all up on all things Jack! He is still saying sh*t, though it’s less and less sh*t and more and more smart college stuff 🙂
I had this brilliant idea that we would close off the blog with one last post that we would collaborate on. We really meant to, really! But then all the stuff above happened and we really just could not come up for air. And now, I’m sitting on the couch with a semi-numb leg (It’s supposed to clear up in a few days) and Moca the ever-present doggie by my side, and I felt like writing! Finally! But, Jack isn’t here. Soooo….
But, he’s coming home weekend after next. Yay! Then we may do that collaboration. In the meantime I’m shopping for blog book deals because why not! We were featured in the amazing book “Breaking Good” by Madeline Ashe, and you really really must go read it and you’ll feel like Jack is a character in the book because the little dude is based on him. I mean how cool is that!?
And also because there is a new movie out with Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher, and yeah she’s blonde and her name is Debbie (not the cool way I spell it), and her son is named Jack, and he has glasses and all the fun allergies that my Jack has. Maybe they found this blog too and wanted the likeness as well. Who knows? They didn’t ask haha. Nor did we get credit. But alas, there are other Debbie’s and Jack’s out there so I can’t really complain.
Back to my Jack though. He’s doing so well in college, he’s rowing for the school team and just generally being a great human being which I am so proud of.
(Graduation pic again because I love it soooo much!)
Here are a few things he’s texted me in the last few weeks, which is our main way of communicating, along with some phone calls. He’s still hysterical, and will always be uniquely…Jack… 😉
I sent Jack a text of a map, showing the rowing camp “Bob” area he planned to attend over spring break with the team…
Jack: Provides context to nobody. (sends me an image of someone praying). When you beat the camp bob allegations.
me: What?
Jack: Scale? Location?
me: What allegations? Google it on the map for scale and location. It’s your camp.
Jack: My bruh, you are already there.
me: Look it up on your schedule. (I send him a zoomed out map so he can see what he already knows… as in… where the camp is)
Jack: Ah, so literally nowhere.
me: Yeah, on a lake.
Jack: Yes.
me: Sigh.
Another fun exchange, I asked him to give me a call before bed to say goodnight. Yes, I missed him! He left a weird message with a lot of motor sounds like brrm brrm brrm.
me: Btw I so look forward to your voicemails to hear your voide and I save them forever. (annoyed emoji)
Jack: Is this sarcasm?
me: Yes.
Jack: Gotcha.
me: Bur really leave me real ones.
Jack: When I’m famous that’ll be worth millions.
me: beeebeeeeeeebebebebebebebebeb
Jack: If I leave enough they can make an album too.
me: (blank face emoji)
And one more fun back and forth with a political spin haha.
me: Good morning, how’d you sleep?
Jack: I was up watching the state of the union.
me: Oh I didn’t. How was it???
Jack Shame on you. Naysayer of democracy. I’m just kidding it was fine. Capping insulin cost at $35.
me: ok…
Jack Minimum 15% corporate tax, high tax enforcement if you make over 400k.
me: Woah.
Jack: Yeah.
me: No one in our family makes over 400k
Jack: Nice.
I’m hoping when he’s home in a few weekends we will really sit down and collaborate! Not sure if we should officially end the blog, but it’s been tossed around. We shall see! If any of you want us to continue into college days, send me a message, I would love to hear from you. ::
I’m assuming this is the end. Anything is possible but when Jack leaves FOR COLLEGE next month, I mean, what other shit can I write about? Will he even call me regularly, never mind provide actual instances that I can quote from for this blog? Hmmmm…
A LOT has happened since May the 4th, my last post. It was a literal whirlwind of activity for Jack’s end-of-senior-year activities, graduation (OMG!), prepping for college and waiting for acceptances to come in, selecting a college (UConn-Go Huskies!) and a major in Engineering, oh and just a few other things like selling our home of 18 years!! Yea it’s been crazy and if you add in a few vacations and Jack’s summer internship, there’s hardly enough time to squeeze in a little blog post.
Jack also finished his rowing career for now. His club had an end of season banquet and they wished all the seniors well and sent them off with some nice parting gifts. It was a fun chapter in his life. Jack wont row for UConn (“they practice at 5am Mom!!!”) even through I really wanted him to try. Ah well. 🙂
Jack is currently in DC for a VHS Collection concert and mini vacay with his dad. nice right!!??
But the weeks that we have left to pack and purge and move Jack to UConn and us out of the house are so few.
me: Jack, when you get back from DC we really have to get your things packed for college and your room packed for moving.
Jack: There’s plenty of time for that.
me: Ummm there are only two weekends left until we go on vacation and then come back and move you to UConn.
Jack: Oh that’s plenty of time! I have all the nights after I intern plus I have Fridays off and then those two weekends. My room won’t take that long.
me: But there’s the entire house to do, not just your room.
Jack: Isn’t that what we pay movers for?
me: Gahhhhhhh!
Ready for promThe GRR crewGraduation 🙂Our trip to UConn for orientationLast time on the dock at GRR, Housatonic RiverThe final oar carry
Sh*t My 6-Year-Old Says (but he's 18 now) 