<p>I have several little turtle decorations outside hidden amongst the flowers. I see them and they make me smile and think of my “little” Terps. It’s those little pick-me ups that are always good. </p>
<p>We are trying to establish a new schedule with our daily lives…H has gone back to school full time for his Masters in teaching (for high school teaching), and I am embarking on a work-at-home business. Trying to add in eating healthy and getting exercise as part of all this, too. Since everything is so different without D now (and our summer houseguest left yesterday, so now it really IS just us), it seemed better to try not to carry on like before… I’m really OK with this (I think!)… I guess I’d better be, because it is what it is!</p>
<p>DS is calling less and less and was invited to his first Frat party this weekend. I am sad for the change, but knew it was coming. I knew things would change when he left, but it doesn’t mean I was totally prepared for it. He and a female friend walked to the Giant today to buy groceries so that he can make one of my special recipes tomorrow night. I was definitely impressed by this. I was also weirded out by the fact that I made that very dish last night and hadn’t told him.</p>
<p>We too have turtles that oddly enough we had collected through the years without even knowing about our UMD future around our house, which also make us smile.</p>
<p>We have moved the Gazelle and treadmill into DS’s room and will probably see more of his room now than I ever did before!</p>
<p>I also saved $210.00 this month on my car insurance by excluding him!!! I was thrilled with that news!!</p>
<p>ewwww. THIS is gross. Just got an email from D2 (we’re a family who all stays up date!) She was at sister’s place (across from Stamp), and she went to take the bus back to her dorm. Bus couldn’t leave, because there was a guy puking in a trash can on the bus. Driver made kid (and his companions) get off. Bus took off, within about 3 minutes ANOTHER guy puked on the bus. She was sitting next to him, and launched herself across the aisle to get out of the line of fire. Driver made everyone get off the (now) disgusting bus…group of kids walked together over to Cambridge Community.<br>
Ah, to be young (and STUPID). gross.</p>
<p>How does one go about learning about the different fraternities? DS was invited to an informal get together with one group. Are there good, bad, and ugly fraternities on campus? How do you know the difference? Also are some academic? If so, which ones?</p>
<p>Just got back from campus. The atmosphere was so serene on such a beautiful day. Everyone seemed relaxed and happy. We could hardly walk any where without stopping to chat with S’s friends. No one even seemed to care that MD was slaughtered by Cal last night.</p>
<p>sorry, Jewels. I can’t help you much…I do think that the fraternities that are active right at the moment (see pima’s note), are the “traditional” (i.e. non-academic) ones. I’m not sure that any of the fraternities (with frat houses, etc.) on the campus could really (with a straight face) call themselves academic. The First Look Fair coming up will have all kinds of groups represented, including “academic” fraternities and lots of social groups that don’t revolve around drinking. (although drinking is frequently an add-on…let’s be real, this is college.)</p>
<p>But, if anyone’s kids mention that they went to a frat party on a weekend, you can be fairly certain that they aren’t studying there…</p>
<p>Meant to edit earlier…re: fraternities, not much difference than when I was in college eons ago… I don’t mean to come across that I’m shocked. I’m just realistic.</p>
<p>D said the sidewalks are covered in fraternity/sorority ads, etc. She also said that there is a lot of activity outside the Diner; I assume people to talk to people coming out, to answer questions, etc.</p>
<p>Jnrsmom, glad to see you are back and you DD did end up making the trip to Maryland. I’m sure things with the boyfriend will take their natural course, whatever that may be. At least she’s found a niche and she’s got a visit to look forward too and introducing boyfriend to Maryland friends and campus life.^^</p>
<p>Thanks, Centh. Hopefully you are right about all of the above! I have to learn to let things go and what will be, will be. At this point I have no control from 3,000 miles away.</p>
<p>Easy to say, hard to do, but it is like any addiction, the first step is to acknowledge it. You will be just fine. Trust me when she is home for a month in Dec., you will say I can’t wait until she leaves, if I have to pick up 1 more wet towel off the floor I am going to lose it :D</p>
<p>Looks like D2 may be getting a roommate…someone who’s in one of her classes…they are trying to work out a “pull-in”. At least it seems like a much better option than getting who was standing behind curtain #3 !!!</p>
<p>Thank you for your thoughts and wishes. I knew you would all understand. Now my hope is next yr UMD will not play against VA Tech, because DD’s #1 choice is Tech, and she will never forgive us if we root for UMD. :eek: Just me, but I need to think of something comical during times like this!</p>
<p>I’m (in)famous with my kids on my online stalker capabilities. My attitude has ALWAYS been with them (and re: their friends) that if it’s on the internet, it’s fair game. Anyway, haha D2 called me last night and put me on the case to find out what I could about her new rooomie! HAHA…I delivered some good stuff to her (the girl sounds bright, very interesting, and well-traveled–should be a good match for D). She responded that I should become a Private detective :D</p>
…as of this moment, I’d be happy to pick up wet towels off the floor.</p>