OT, OT, personal post...

My eldest is going off to college (Texas A&M) on Sunday.  We'll be glad to see her go.  We're proud of her and love her very much, it is just time for her to leave the house for a while and be off on her own.  She has been convinced that she knows more than her parents (or teachers) since she was 3.  I don't get to drive her over there because she made a plan on when to move in to her dorm - then I worked my work schedule around her plan - then she changed the plan.  Her mother is taking her.  She thinks her mother is an idiot.  Once my wife gets back from this I'll probably break out the champagne.  I'm looking forward to the day that she realizes that her mother and I are not as dumb as she currently thinks we are - not because I want to say "I told you so" but because I will know that she has grown up and our relationship can evolve accordingly.  Many have told me that it will come, but she is so strong-willed that even if she realizes it, she will likely never admit it to us....

When I open my first drink after she leaves I will think of @henapple and others here who are similarly celebrating the "moving on" of their offspring.

"@foghorn Sounds like she has "I need a swift kick in the ass" syndrome. Luckily it's usually curable."

She's proven to be resistant to that form of treatment.  In looking at other parents it's clear to me that I am among the 5% of meanest parents in terms of trying to hold my kids to high standards.  She's had her share of punishment over the years.  For 5 consecutive school years she was grounded (loss of cell phone, computer and all contact with friends) for at least 8 weeks because she refused to do schoolwork on the grounds that "It was a stupid assignment from a stupid teacher so I have a moral obligation not to do the assignment" - or "I'd rather be grounded and know that I am standing up for what I believe than clean my room", etc. 

"@Foghorn Having met you, I think your daughter is wise beyond her years."

I can't argue with that.

"@foghorn... I think we're celebrating somewhat differently. I'm sure she'll figure it out. "

I hope you are right.  Thanks.

And to be clear, she's not a bad kid.  Despite her refusal to do MANY assignments over the years she finished in the top 15% of her class and has 3 AP credits.  Her got over 2000 on the SAT (out of the new 2400 point, 3 subject total).  She's an all-conference soccer player who had Division 1 coaches contacting her until she had 3 ACL injuries.  She has had a job for the past 1.5 years and her bosses say she is one of their best workers.

She is just strong-willed and has a problem with certain authority figures who she sizes up as "stupid", and her mother is among them 90% of the time.  I am among them about 25% of the time.....

"I've seen you and your son together and it's obvious he looks up to you. He looks a lot like you... But pulls it off... ) "

I can't argue with that either.  I'm beginning to regret meeting you and VI in Salado. You're making me face the truth....

Fortunately for my wife's health, my son is very different from his sister.  He's the best kid I know and multiple teachers, parents, and coaches have confirmed that.  I'll definitely miss him when he goes away.  Mom is going to shed a lot of tears on that day.