Our youngest is still working towards his personal fitness merit badge. Every other week, he is evaluated on his ability to do push ups, sit ups, pull ups, and run a mile. There is also a flexibility test. My husband serves as one of the adult's running the test. I went along a few times before, but eventually stopped believing it an ideal opportunity for the boys to bond. I miss cheering him on.
This morning, I had another mission. I attended the incoming Freshman Parent Orientation/Breakfast at the High School he will attend in the fall. I must have gone through five or six outfits deciding what to wear. I wanted to make a good impression. After all, they say "you never get a second chance to make a good first impression".
One of the first things I noticed about the school was the family like atmosphere. You could literally feel it in the air. I purchased a couple of T-shirts and a sweatshirt with the school's name and mascot. I walked over to the breakfast tables, but decided against it. All they offered was fast food. I made my way down to the end of the line to the coffee. I recognized another parent from the middle school. We got into a conversation as to why yogurt and/or fruit wasn't available. I guess this was just easier to manage. I should have put a protein bar in my purse. One of these days, I'll remember to refill my stash of protein bars.
They began with a visit from the marching band to get the crowd energized, motivated. They told us about the curriculum, introduced the faculty and staff, then followed by an exceptional tour of the school. The school was massive and it had facilities I had only seen in college. The Principal said the graduating class averaged more than 500 students. At my high school graduation, there were 98 of us. This school had a fitness center, an automotive maintenance program, a counseling center that looked like any professional business office, and an auditorium that made me think of Washington's National Theater. Overall, the school was fresh, clean, and lovingly decorated with obvious "Bulldog enthusiasm". Open and well lit, it didn't even smell like I remember high school smelled. You know, that old baloney on the ceiling smell? Honestly, I wanted to go there and learn. My thirtieth high school reunion is later this year. Sadly, our old school is not much to look at anymore. And even at its best, it could have never compared to this. There are probably a few ghosts roaming the hallways, slamming the lockers, wondering when the baloney will finally fall.
We walked and walked...A street, B street, C street (I'll have to remember to print him out a map before school starts. Its always good to be prepared). I wished I'd had brought my pedometer.
We were told to warn our incoming freshman about the prank the seniors liked to play, the school's pool on the third floor...The school had no third floor. Just when my stomach was telling me it was time to eat, my phone made an awful noise I didn't recognize...voice mail. I thought I had muted it, but well..everyone stared at me. I just stood there. I didn't even realize it was my phone. The fitness test had ended. The boys were home waiting on me. We were planning on going to the VFW gun show together.
As soon as I walked in the door, I heard, "Are you ready?" I grabbed a quick yogurt and granola, drank down a glass of water, and changed out of my good first impression shirt and skirt. I replaced them with shorts and a Trueblood "Fangtasia" T-shirt which read, "No biting on the premises". I figured that way I would fit in. Lifetime members of the VFW, we actually got in for free this time, which was nice. The last time I went, it was $10 a person. We walked around (I really really wish I 'd worn my pedometer today), bought a couple of pocket knives and some old coins.
The boys got hungry. Grilled cheese and fries, Fried shrimp and fries...I ate a few of the fried shrimp and prayed that I wouldn't regret it later. Okay, lets face it. I regretted it as soon as it was ordered. At least we drank water.
While we were sitting there, we were people watching. Strange the folks you see at gun shows. There were veterans, young and old, some "tea party" folks I imagined, and several families. I saw one little boy, probably no more than two, being carried on his father's shoulders. Very cute. I looked at our son and asked, "So, how many democrats do you think are here today?" He smiles and says, "Look for the bulls eyes." Funny. Wrong, but funny. But just to be safe...maybe, next time I'll let the boys go without me. Afterwards, we walked a bit more, then came home. I might go out for another walk today. If I do, I'll bring the pedometer.
No comments:
Post a Comment