Moving On- Finally!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Service Academy Parents
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<p>JM: would have posted a reply on the last thread, but will let Zaphod have the well-deserved last word and not post a single thing more than the 200 already there! Let you-know-who R-I-P (hopefully).</p>

<p>Weekend was busy as usual- 3 graduations (the Thorpedo's one of them)- one 30th birthday party- another layer of bottom paint on the boat (between the raindrops)- will be glad to get back to work and get some rest!</p>

<p>On the Navy front, the good news is that the foundation year is officially over- as is lax season- and its nice to have everyone back home, even if just for a few short weeks! Still lots to do- a little behind with the paperwork (needs 2 more immunizations, which will be tomorrow now that he is home) and passport stuff- he started running today, and hit the gym as well- one last dentist visit for wisdom tooth check - and that's all I hope! </p>

<p>Looking back on this past year, I remember thinking it would be a long wait, but in retrospect, it went very, very quickly. For anyone out there contemplating a foundation year, all I can say is that it is worth every minute you spend doing it- not just from an academic standpoint, but from just about any aspect you look at it. So often I have heard parents say/post of how much their mid matured during plebe summer, and plebe year- and while I have no doubt we will see a big change as well, I can already see changes from this past year. He made a lot of good friends, 2 of which will join him at the academy- no doubt having at least 2 familiar faces around will be helpful. As for the academic side of things, an extra year of calc and chem will come in handy- and he even got a chance to build his first boat! Not bad for a budding naval architect! </p>

<p>So that's about it. We are patiently awaiting the end of the month, trying to get some summer enjoyment squeezed into the next 25 days- and if the weather cooperates, hopefully even get to spend some of those out on the boat! (ps....we got to bring his boat home- the one he built- outstanding!) One last party on the beach for our daughter's graduation - so that will give the thorpedo a good opportunity to see all the family before he leaves for the summer! </p>

<p>Hope all is well with Jamz (can't believe his first year is almost OVER!!!) I remember your stories about leading his squad - all the big guys- at the very start of his first year at KP!!! </p>

<p>Looking forward to meeting some of the Navy parents both here and on the yard (we have a plebe picnic for class of 2010 next weekend with the parents club)- before you know it we will be packing him, his toothbrush and his running shoes off to Annapolis! Let the games begin!</p>

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<p>
[quote]
but will let Zaphod have the well-deserved last word

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks, but no thanks. I'm done with those creeps. They've proven my numerous points far beyond my ability to do so. Case closed.</p>

<p>We now return you to your regularly-scheduled (and actually fun and informative) SA discussions.</p>

<p>:D</p>

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<p>Zap, "case closed". You probably took the words right out of Bill's mouth. Bless his pea-pickin' attorney heart. :) </p>

<p>Ahhhh, Navy2010. You brought back alot of memories. This year has flown by & you just don't think it possible when it first begins. I remember when the Torpedo was first beginning to build the boat that is now a keepsake. He's met his goal & you have to be soooo elated. I have such good memories being here too. Remember when Momoftwin's dd sang at the White House? Bill's son going all over practically the entire country? Shogun's dd making Beast her very own fun big adventure? Aspen trying to maintain & keep us all from falling apart? Boss' son sailing around on the Eagle? Tons of stories that helped get us through those first months. I had a parent of a graduating KP M/N tell me that she felt like she just dropped him off yesterday so I assume this miracle of time flying by will continue for all of us here over these next few years. We just don't realize it as of yet. Now I can wait & watch & worry for Jamz' friend who is off to Foundation this summer. I hope that she & the Torpedo will meet some day. She's a great great kid. I've got a funny feeling that none of us are done with the happy/sad tears this experience brings.</p>

<p>KP kids are in the middle of exams. Boodle boxes to the rescue. There are remarkable changes to witness this first year. The unbelievable hard work that you see these kids do is one of the most amazing, I find. All done on four hours of sleep. The KP kids that were going in last year are different people this year. They amaze me. I think at all of the academies, these kids share something so profound in that they seem like they have taken the bull by the horns and live each experience to the max. Its something to see through an adult's eyes. There is no possible way to describe this upcoming year to the new parents hence the line repeated here, "Get ready for a wild roller coaster ride". In less than a month, the ride begins. Keep your arms inside the cart & stay seated! You will haunt the photos they will post on academy web pages. You will go back to the mail box watch. You will carry your cell phone everywhere waiting on that first phone call. You will send many letters, more carefully written and sent with more love than you ever have in your life. I'm thrilled for you to have this opportunity. </p>

<p>And for Navy2010, I truly think that the kids that go through Foundation, NAPS, MAPS ect., give a leg up to their parents as well. You guys are so much more "in the know" & know what to expect. What an experience to have when you show up for Parent's Week-end. You'll still be blown away but atleast you know what mess is and why they snap to attention when they do. I stood around going "What." with my husband moving me out of the way all the time. And what time is 1800 hours reeeeeally? That took me a while to catch on when you're not military. LOL </p>

<p>I know what you guys are doing...You're trying to slow the time until your kids go but yet you want them there right now. Nothing like tearing yourself in two. Time will fly and we'll all be looking at the pictures before long. Start your scrap books now! :)</p>