He's a black belt now!

Its been crazy and I haven't had a chance to blog. Nick and I are now both black belts. We had a great ceremony and the best thing was doing this with him.

On the school front - we went to the Leander College Fair and spoke to some folks from Pace University. I have to say it was great speaking to them. They offer a hospitality program in their NYC campus. Nick said he would apply. While I know that the cost is thru the roof but it would be worth it. So we will find out in early 2010 where he will be going.

Obama's speech to kids

I have read so much about the speech that President Obama is going to give next week that I had to do a post on it.

I am NOT a political person - never have been and never will be. I am a registered independent, with that being said, all this controversy about a speech to tell kids to stay in school and get an education is a bit scary. There have been presidential speeches televised before during the school year and allowed to be shown on such things as drugs and other things without this much fanfare. Why is it that this president is telling kids to stay in school and get an education such a big deal?

I plan on listening to the speech if I can next week because I want to see what the big deal is about. With kids dropping out, failing and only getting by through our education system, why not have the President say - hey stay in school, education is good? Can someone answer that? How is that brainwashing (this was said by someone on a blog)?

Someone has got to get into kids heads that going to school is NOT a chore, a waist of time but something that later in life is going to benefit then. If parents aren't supporting their kids or don't have time to let them know that an education is important why not let the president do it. Without a proper education your chances of getting a good job and better life can be slim.

Ok - done venting. And Nick would like to hear the speech too but unfortunately his school decided that they wont be showing it.....

Some days are just better than others

Nick is going through his moods this week. It was good on Monday and yesterday well - glad its over. Teens go through some serious moods - one day happy, the next - "the world sucks" attitude. He is better today and went to school happy.

He is liking photography alot and if he does well I am thinking of getting him a SLR camera - any suggestions for brands would be great! He also likes Economics - go figure I hated that class in college but he saids that his teacher is really into it and that makes the whole class pay attention. There is something to be said about teachers and their passion for teaching. The more passion they bring to the classroom, the more the kids get into it! He is not digging web design as much as he thought as the classroom computers are not working - that has him bummed because he can't get much done.

A recap on something I forgot to post - Nick came in 2nd on weapons on Saturday at the LoneStar NASKA open. I am posting a pic I took while he was waiting to compete!

This Saturday - part I of the black belt test!!! He is so ready!!! I can even admit he is more prepared than I am!!!

Nick turns 17!

Today is Nick's 17th birthday! Wow how time flies. I remember when he was on a Monday 17 years ago. Born at 21" long and 7lbs 12oz and now 6ft 2" and about 138! He has become a great young man and has made the last 17yrs for me wonderful. While we have had our ups and downs the truth is I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love forward to many more birthdays with him and can't wait to see him grow into the man he is becoming.

Fixed him a great breakfast this morning and he was off to school in a great mood. Dinner tonight to finish off the day!

Time to dish the cash!

3rd day of school and all is well but as many of you with kids know - its time to start paying and buying things. For Nick - its a fee for photography class plus supplies. Not many notebooks needed this time around so at least school supplies are kept to a minimum. Now this year I get to save on lunch money as he is on early release!!! I am thrilled because at 5.00 a day - lunch can get pretty pricey throughout the year. He is happy because he doesn't have to eat school lunch!

For the most part he likes his classes but knows that he has to make sure he stays on top. I am thrilled he will get home a bit early because that means there will be NO excuses on why things aren't done -- you should have everything done by 7pm and have the rest of the night to play games!

Karate practice is going well. He has a great self defense partner - a black belt and they just finished practicing. Friday is tournament and he is competing in the weapons division. I believe he is going to do well!! Our black belt test is on the 5th - so next week is going to be a bit nerve racking! Also Nick turns 17 next Monday!!!!!! My baby is grown up!

Today is the day - first day of school

This morning began at 630am for me-- then began the "Nick wake up calls" it start at 650, 7am, 710 and finally at 715 when I decided get up or walk LOL. He did get up with the grumbling of, "school sucks", why do I have to go followed by I rather be sleeping LOL.

He eventually got up and got himself ready. I had promised him Whataburger breakfast so off we went got some drive thru. I wanted to beat the parent drop off crowd so we got in at 8:05 and as I watched my son leave I came to realize this was the last time I would be doing a first day of school drop off. I watched him go into the building and drove off remembering the last 12 years off first day of school. Mom's/Dad's - don't take for granted those days - you never realize how fast they go. So a little misty eyed I went off to work.

Nick just called a few minutes ago and sounded so happy! He gets out early everyday and loves it! Also he said mom you will save money since Lunch is last period so he figures he will wait til he gets home to eat - Yippee no lunch means about $100+ saved a month!!!

He was happy about his classes and his teachers.

So a great day overall and hopefully tomorrow will be just as good. I look forward to the paperwork waiting for me tonight as well as self defense practice.

Tomorrow is the day - First day as a Senior!

Notebooks bought, pens & pencils in bookbag, Textbooks picked up and schedule in hand. Tomorrow begins Nicks last year in high school as a senior. Tomorrow will be the last first day of school I will share with my son. Next year it will be college and if does go out of state - I wont be there to wish him well in person :(

The morning ritual of trying to wake him up begins. I think this year I am going to start the call at 630 - maybe by 730 he will wake up LOL I await tomorrow afternoon when the forms, complaints & my favorite "I need XXX$$$$!"

So to all the mom's sending their kiddos to school tomorrow - remember - feed them a good breakfast, make sure their clothes match and wave goodbye as they go but don't ever forget the day!