<p>Glad to see you guys got home OK, MODAD. :)</p>
<p>How many fingers am I holding up, Jamz? :D</p>
<p>Guess we really missed out by not attending the post ppw (pppw?) bash. Turned out son #2 had to start school TODAY! Drove all night to make it to PEP, then drove all night to make it to school by 7:30 a.m. today! Whew! It was quite a whirlwind for us, but SO worth it! </p>
<p>Brought the gf along and just chilled per son's request. Did have a nice visit w/ family in the area - nice connection in case son wants to get off the yard sometime. If I hadn't had to sleep just a little over the weekend, I don't think I would've taken my eyes off of the boy the whole time! Was anyone else mesmerized by their kid? Just as peskemom said, it was truly like having a new baby! </p>
<p>I think one of the best things I've taken away from the whole weekend is ds' attitude to just take things as they come & not get too worked up about things that haven't happened yet - that can be overwhelming. I guess that's been his coping mechanism & it's very calming. He said he really just went from meal to meal. haha! (I've been doing that for years! :) )</p>
<p>It really was amazing how calm he seemed about everything - bit of a change from I-day!</p>
<p>Anyway, sorry we missed meeting all of y'all. Hope we can do it again sometime.<br>
BTW, have y'all seen the video of pforex on google video? I think that's what they were up to today.<br>
Here's the link:
<a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3889787827178786674&q=naval+academy%5B/url%5D">http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3889787827178786674&q=naval+academy</a></p>
<p>Cheers All!</p>
<p>Yeah one and all....was waiting to see who would 'spill the beans' on the forum...but for those of us CC forum parents who chose to connect on sunday evening for a post-plebe parent's dinner together....I had arranged a surprise visit from...ZAPHOD! We all had a delightful time together. Maybe, just maybe, we've started an annual tradition for Plebe Parents, eh?????I enjoyed meeting everyone as well. Especially the family with another mid daughter taking Arabic! How about the odds of that? 1200 Plebes, 20 Plebes taking Arabic.....2 parents of these Plebes connecting on CC forum and getting together for dinner on Aug. 13th!!! Ya gotta love this great country of ours with all the access to technology we enjoy.</p>
<p>usna09mom...You asked: "I want to hear about peskedad's views on how life at USNA is different from when he was a midshipman. What did he think of the rooms? It must be very different to see women in the Brigade too. What were his impressions? "</p>
<p>My hubby is a man of few words, so when he says something I pay attention. He has commented about 5 times that he thinks the current system of Firsties NOT Second-class mids, running Plebe Summer - is the BEST change they made. We stayed in Annapolis at the home of a fellow classmate of hubby's class of '72...and I listened to the 2 of them talk about their Plebe Summer of 1968. They both agreed that alot of the 'nonsense' of the training they received, ( read: HAZING) is gone and this is for the better. Our daughter commented that she has observed that everyone treats people with dignity and respect - no matter what - and this is something that hubby has also commented on that has changed dramatically since he was a Plebe.</p>
<p>The presence of women in the halls was a bit of a shocker on one level for him - but having launched 4 older kiddos into co-ed dorm life in civilian colleges, this was not entirely a new experience for we parents.</p>
<p>The other comments came from how much things remain the same....the chapel bell tolls, the formations, the calling out of rates, the parade...all brought smiles of recognition to his face. I think I had as much fun observing his reactions to events as I did seeing our daughter's reactions.</p>
<p>Let's see, what else...
they did NOT have nearly as much of a Parent's "SHOW" for PPW of his family and they did not do anything like the friday am PEP...which hubby said he thought was something he was glad to observe.</p>
<p>Also - hubby commented that he appreciated the connections mids now have with Sponsor families, which was not something done then and something he knows would have made a HUGE difference for him.</p>
<p>As I listened to hubby and his classmate reminisce - they both agreed that to have come from rural Minnesota ( which they BOTH did )as starry eyed young teenagers....they had literally NO real preparation for what lay ahead for them....and that they both were brutally shocked by their Plebe summer/year. Only their innate sense of determination kept them both going when at times it was unbearable. They both agreed that incoming Plebes and their families are much more prepared for what to expect and that USNA is doing a much better job of providing support for both the onsite mid throughout their time on the Yard as well as the families.</p>
<p>Hope that answers your question.</p>
<p>
[quote]
My hubby is a man of few words
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Understatement of the week. ;)</p>
<p>bz, I freak my kid out when he's at home by watching him sleep & eat. He told me so. :) Can't be helped. Plebe watching is a good hobby on their breaks. Bet you're exhausted.....</p>
<p>Zap - 13 of them. </p>
<p>So glad folks got together. Had to help calm some emotions.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Spill the beans Navy2010! Come out come out wherever you are!!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>oh my...i just posted pages...and hit the delete button by mistake!!! will give you the shortened verson...again.....</p>
<p>where to start...</p>
<p>arrive thursday...find the thorpedo on the lax field....respectfully watch from across the street until I realize that all the other parents are RIGHT ON THE SIDELINES....screw this, I go there too! I ask the coach what they have been feeding him....his calfs are HUGE!!!! </p>
<p>He looks wonderful....smiles from ear to ear...and we all get a big, sweaty, smelly, delicious hug and kiss from our favorite plebe!!! We can't WAIT till Friday when we get him all to ourselves!!!</p>
<p>Friday: arrive for PEP pre-dawn- the skittle brigade all start filling the stands....Oscar company parents look GREAT in their OSCAR SHIRTS....and thanks to one heck of a bunch of absolutely amazing parents, we OUTDID OURSELVES with the boodle-box donations....enough boodle to feed the entire brigade!!!! Our's was clearly the BEST BOODLE BOX ON THE ENTIRE FIELD!!! We had "Oscar" emerging from his real-life garbage can...lid on his head...."Dont' tread on me" flag flying high...and boodle bags everywhere!! Over 80 at last count....enough for evey mid, Co and Cadre of OSCAR COMPANY...with LOTS to share!!! The CO was so impressed he lined up the company on the opposite side of the field right in front of us for the best thank-you EVER!!! It was amazing!!!</p>
<p>Silly cadre...thinking they could carry all that boodle back to Bancroft themselves! </p>
<p>They released 28 company thinking all they had was that can of boodle.....LOL!!! Three of them came over to pick it up....and barly lifted it off the ground....when the parents parted to reveal a HUGE PILE OF BOODLE BAGS 20X20X3 behind it!!! You HAD to see the look on their faces.....PRICELESS!!!! AND I GOT IT ALL ON FILM!!!! THERE WILL BE NO DENYING IT!!! LOL!!!! They very quickly realized their (hum, dare I say....) "mistake" ;) and pulled 27 company back to carry it all in!!! Too funny!!! I am SO PROUD of the Oscar Parents....they all looked AMAXING in their "Oscar shirts"....we even took an "oscar photo" of our entire group....and Oscar and his "can" were proudly on display up in Bancroft in Oscar's p'way in time for our visit!!!! Perfect!!!!</p>
<p>in the meantime..</p>
<p>While the plebes were busy doing what it is plebes do back in Bancroft, we went to hear the Supe, stood to sing "the Knarly Goat", and watched the video tapes of plebe summer! And while I reported (proudly I might add) to everyone....the part about "not even crying" on I-Day....was absolutedly proven to be false, for there I was, on that 50x50 foot screen, larger than life, sobbing away on that I-day video, with tissues in BOTH HANDS......honestly, folks, I don't even REMEMBER doing that!! Oh my!!! And to think that will be sent to evey plebe household--- how utterly embarrassing!! (gee- I hope they shot from my good side!!! ;) ) :(</p>
<p>Lets see...left Alumni hall totally humiliated (was that YOU on the screen balling your eyes out???) ... back to Bancroft where we got to see the thorpedo's room....his drawers all "squared away," met his current roommates, new roomates for the AC year, his CO and cadre....amazing!!! They had some very, very funny stories to share.....and not a one let him "slip by" in silence without having him introduce his gf, sister, parents and "Nana"!!! Ha!!! And the thorpedo thought he could be sealth! (LOL....not a chance with his gf and sister right behind him....they clearly made a big hit!)</p>
<p>We got the thorpedo all to ourselves that evening.....all he wanted was "steak", so steak it was! The girls were too funny....his gf had the tide pen ready and waiting for any "speck" that appeared....eagle eyes she has.....his sister had the sizzors for any stray thread....every pocket and seam were inspected for Irish Pendants...he was too funny...afraid to sit without "inspecting" and wiping the chair seat, making sure NONE of us came close to- let alone STEP ON- his white shoes that he spent "hours in the p-way" polishing!!! Showing off his new "ediquette" skills.....and correcting ours at dinner....WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY SON????? WHO IS THIS???? (can I PLEASE have another glass of merlot!!!)..."Mom...stay away from me with that stuff...it stains!!!" :( I guess tide pens can only do so much!</p>
<p>Friday night ended way too soon....but he looked amazing- happy- upbeat- heatlhy- it was wonderful- and we would get him back again tomorrow! Life doesn't get any better than this! :)</p>
<p>Saturday....plebe parade...wonderful! God blessed us all with a picture-perfect day- and the Class of 2010 looked nothing short of spectacular! Congratulations to all!! Job well done!</p>
<p>Assembled back in Alumni Hall- anxiously awaited the arrival of the Class of 2010....and in they marched, to a standing ovation from an arena-packed crowd of admirers! There would be 5 standing ovations ....the longest one coming after they reaffirmed their "Oath of Office".....lots of proud parents out there! And, rightfully so, not a dry eye in the place!</p>
<p>"DISMISSED".....OURS!!!!! We had to fight our way from one end of Alumni hall to the other, but there was NO ONE that was going to prevent us from getting to where we were assigned to meet him!!! LOTS and LOTS of hugs and kisses everywhere!!! WONDERFUL!!! And ALL OURS!!!</p>
<p>Saturday was relaxed - mall, nap, lunch, dinner, I-pod, MUSIC....that was clearly the biggest hit!!! Got his new watch "sized" at the mall..."no charge, son"......had a coke "on us, thankyou for your service...", dessert "compliments of the house...."....so how come my white nurses's uniform never had that effect??? hmmm.....</p>
<p>Evening meeting his sponsor family- lovely- HUGE lax fans! They have adopted 4 mids....3 guys, one gal, and 2 lax players in the bunch! Their little guy wants to throw some balls around...the thorpedo looks down at his whites and promises he will bring his PE gear on the next visit- the kid is excited- we thank our lucky stars! </p>
<p>Sunday found him up at the crack of dawn (I can't believe this is MY thorpedo!!!) and a trip to Washington....I Max theater....nothing like watching the Blue Angels on that big screen! Wonderful to have him around....</p>
<p>And it all ended as quickly as it started. Arrived back at Bancroft with Christmas music blasting from windows, "not to bother" I remind him, as there will be lots of visits for football and lacrosse games in the weeks ahead....with just minutes to spare, back he goes....</p>
<p>Just to emerge a few moments later, gone are the big boy uniforms replaced with those plebe working whites, as if to remind them that they are plebes still and plebes they will remain.....at least they were not totally demoralized and were allowed to wear their new covers.....</p>
<p>The true reality check was just seconds away. "You WILL NOT use your cell phones. You WILL NOT use your I-pods. You WILL keep your eyes in the boat." DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?????? "SIR, YES SIR"......... </p>
<p>And then utter silence. Thousands watching, and not a sound. </p>
<p>Roll call. One by one, the companys reporting in. "Alpha company, all present and accounted for.....Bravo company.... Charlie....Delta...Foxtrot.......Oscar, Papa...." It was the only sound to be heard on that entire 338 acres of property as the answers echoed off those stone walls of Bancroft. </p>
<p>I had a lump the size of a baseball caught in my throat....then tears started flowing.....I was standing with a few other parents plastered up against the wall right inside T-court- within feet of the plebes...balling my eyes out and no where to run and hide......it was terrible....tried my best to look ANYWHERE but at the plebes lest they wonder what THEIR parents were going through....I tried folks, honest to goodness I did, but those damm tears would not stop.......and I was in good company. Not a dry eye in the place.</p>
<p>Whille Starboard side reported "all present and accounted for," Port side was missing two. My prayers went out to them and their families. I thanked God for my son and for all that had the courage to return.</p>
<p>The drum started its beat, and the companies, in turn, fell in line as they marched back into Bancroft. The applause for each company was deafening. It echoed throughout T-court and the yard, like thunder. It was wonderful, but so very, very sad. </p>
<p>And just like that, it was over. Parents' weekend, Class of 2010, was history.</p>
<p>All that was left was total silence. Except for the stiffled sobs that could be heard from girlfriends, siblings and parents left once again alone. Many, many, lingered about for awhile, in that somber silence, as if lost as to what to do next, or where to go. I thanked God once again that I had a CC dinner to look forward to. You would understand. We all would.</p>
<p>So to the Severn Inn we went, to meet Peske mom and Peske dad, sistersunny, Modad, Dad from west virginia, and so many others....you know who you are.....and the best kept secret on CC....Zaphod, in the flesh!!! What a surprise!!! It could not have been a more fitting end to this wonderful, happy, sad, emotional, joyous weekend!!!! Thankyou, Z, from the bottom of my heart, for joining our little group- and to the Peske's, for making it all possible!</p>
<p>JM...I had a glass of merlot for you, and one for Bill and Boss, and one for me.....hell, this has been a tough summer! Z- thanks for sticking around with us for dinner, and hope everyone got home safe and sound!</p>
<p>And that was it! </p>
<p>We stayed around until Monday, just to do some apartment shopping for the gf who will be starting school in just 2 short weeks.</p>
<p>As for the "saga" you have been waiting for, you will need to continue on to the following post.... apparently it is too long for one CC entry! :(</p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>And so here is the saga you have been waiting for JM.....if I have not bored you to tears already. And no, you didn't miss Annabelle....she sat this one at home with the babysitter! (would have loved to have Z meet her!!! She is just delicious!!!) And just to warn you, you may want a glass of Merlot for this one! :(</p>
<p>I will try and make a very long story short...but you know how bad I am at doing that....but here goes anyway.</p>
<p>gf is attending college just 4 miles away from USNA. She is lovely. Clearly there are deep feelings on both parts. If I may quote Zaphod, "the thorpedo is a very lucky man." That will explain volumes.</p>
<p>Apartment she has found is just 50 feet from gate 1. I have visions of a certain "very lucky man" going over the wall. Not good. CAUTION flags flying full mast.</p>
<p>Love her to death, but she talks our dd into moving down there with her. They get along great- like sisters they tell me. Ok, I tell myself, I will miss our DD dearly, but (1) she will be a sort-of chaparone (no one needs to be that lucky Z... :( ) , (2) it gets dd away from that boyfriend that clearly needs to go and (3) I will have a place to stay for all those lacrosse and football games. This could work, I tell myself. 50 feet I remind myself. "SELF (I say) WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!!!!" Caution sirens going off like crazy. I have visions of the Thorpedo waving to Mrs Supe from the bedroom window. This is NOT GOOD. </p>
<p>So I take gf and dd all over annapolis and just about every other area in search of other suitable apartments in vicinity...all within reach, I might add, but somehow 5 miles away from Gate 1 sits better with me than across the wall from MR and Mrs SUPE. "that is the one we want" I am informed. There is no talking them out of it. I try. I say a prayer for guidance. Help arrives. There it is in big print...NO PETS ALLOWED. Annabelle, as spoiled as she is, and as cute as she is all decked out in her little navy dresses, is simply not welcomed. This mother breathes a sigh of relief. No way dd will leave little Annabelle behind. Boyfriend yes, but not her precious Annabelle.</p>
<p>I try and push for the apt 5 miles away. They compromise on one 2.5 miles from the steps of Mother B. The gf will have her parents come down next weekend to settle things. I can live with this, I tell myself. </p>
<p>We make one last trip to Dock Street and Starbucks for the ride home. We turn on a back street about 100 feet from Gate 1 to avoid traffic. BIG MISTAKE. "FOR RENT" the sign says. CAUTION>>>>CAUTION>>>>>CAUTION>>>>> I am swearing off Starbucks after this, I promise. </p>
<p>GF and DD call the real estate agent. Lucky us- she is in. Door is open. "go right in and take a look," she says, "it's available immediately." "Pets???" I ask....."sure, no problem"......oh my. :( I point out every crack in the wall, the slanted floors, the missing tile in the bathroom, the spooky windows, the faint aroma of CATS......the lovely view of the USNA CEMENT WALL .... the TOTAL LACK OF PARKING......did I mention the cat smell!!!!!!!! Poor Annabelle!!!!!</p>
<p>I remind them the rent is high. They remind me that the 3rd bedroom makes it possible. I point out the 3rd bedroom is built for a midget...no way anyone in their right mind will want that. No closet, no window. NO A/C. I remind them that the cute apt 2.5 miles away (that they were in love with just 30 minutes ago) has cental air, 2 big bedrooms, lots of windows, a balcony complete with a beautiful view of the POOL, a GYM, a SECURITY GATE....a FIREPLACE......PET FRIENDLY......WHAT IS IT THAT YOU GIRLS ARE NOT GETTING????? I ask. </p>
<p>I know EXACTLY the answer to that one. </p>
<p>So the no-sleep thing continues. HAVE FAITH I tell myself. The thorpedo is a "good kid," I remind myself. He will "do the right thing," I chant. We have had dozens of heart-to heart discussions with the gf. We have another one. She is "on board" she promises us, and wants the thorpedo, and herself to succeed. I believe her. I do. I hope. Oh my. </p>
<p>I take one look at the gf. This is never going to work.</p>
<p>God forgive me, but I pray that a lightening strike will hit a certain little house in Annapolis.....not to destory anything mind you, just to do enough dammage that it will not be ready in time for August classes. Maybe I can call the parent and talk to them again about this. I am going to burn in hell I tell myself.</p>
<p>So that is my saga. To be continued. Please spare me the kind words of caution...I already have enough ulcers over this for all of us. I tried, really I did. I even sent him to an all-boys school for his PG year. On a hilltop. In the middle of absolutely nowhere. Thats where they met. Go figure. She is lovely. Young love- you all know how that goes. I am in deep doody.</p>
<p>No doubt this will set the CC Posting Record.
Thanks for listening. </p>
<p>JM- please do call me on your next visit up here. I am in desperate need of chocolate and merlot. You can have the chocolate. ;)</p>
<p>
[quote]
I will never forget the opportunity the Academy did for all of us parents this
past weekend. They are doing the right things with all the parent PR that they
are investing in. Especially as fewer and fewer members of our nation either
have served or even know anyone who has served in our armed forces....this kind
of weekend provides the personal connection that families need to understand and
support what their young people are doing. I salute the Supe...and all his
staff.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I could not agree with you more. And the same goes for the CO of Oscar, and the Navy Chaplans. And the sponsor families. Just wonderful.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Thankyou, Z, from the bottom of my heart, for joining our little group
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Wouldn't have missed it. The pleasure was all mine. :)</p>
<p>ETA: 50-100 feet from Gate 1. "Lucky" isn't the word, although "Danger" certainly fits. :eek:</p>
<p>Remind Junior that getting nailed for dragging as a Plebe or going over the wall (regardless of year) or becoming a father (regardless of year) is NO FUN. :mad:</p>
<p>Navy2010..... Can you not hear me laughing all the way up there!? My, my, my. I felt like I was there for a good portion of the week-end. I can truly see the Oscar boodle & feel your son's concern over somebody stepping on his shoes, right down to Zap, giving his knuckles a crack while thinking of placing a guard on "the wall". LOL And I knew it! You so lied! Got yourself busted on film did ya? LOL This week-end sounded too short for all of the Plebes & parents. Did any of you sleep at all? LOL You squeezed in alot of stuff & will have such good memories. So many more to come! Float around awhile longer! Wonder how the goat is gonna like Annabelle standing on his back during the Army Navy game...</p>
<p>GO PLEBES!</p>
<p>JM--- you always bring a smile to my face!!!</p>
<p>The gf is heading back down to Annapolis this weekend with her parents- and I hope to a better location. 50 feet, 100 feet, 1000 feet from gate 1.....all way, way too close! "Miles" I remind her...."miles" are a good thing! </p>
<p>As for hopping the wall, I did ask Z about the rumored "tunnels" that run under the yard...he assured me that while they are there, they don't empty into town! Gosh, I hope so!!!</p>
<p>I just had a crazy neighbor move yesterday that called the police constantly because she saw "demons". Maybe she moved into the apt. next door to where the girls are looking and that should solve that. She caught her kitchen on fire once by trying to deep fry a turkey in the house & she carried around a yard gnome with her everywhere she went. I once saw her walking with a mirror so she could see what was behind her. There is a neighborhood BBQ happening this week-end to celebrate. She's from up that way & I heard tell she's moving back. Used to be a government employee. :)</p>
<p>So what USMA class is she from? :D</p>
<p>I hope Z man makes in for next year's ppw. I can't wait to meet him, too!</p>
<p>I can relate about the gf thing. Spider's is checking out colleges in Maryland (in between visits to Macy's to pick out china and silverware). She's got her cap set for him....yikes.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I hope Z man makes in for next year's ppw. I can't wait to meet him, too!
[/quote]
Likewise. :)</p>
<p>Do you have the dates?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Spider's is checking out colleges in Maryland (in between visits to Macy's to pick out china and silverware).
[/quote]
China and silverware? :confused:</p>
<p>Uh........ she's not setting up a marriage registry yet, is she? :confused:</p>
<p>Run, Forrest! RUN! :eek:</p>
<p>My PPW weekend started on Thrusday with a frantic call from my cousin in Annapolis with whom we planned to stay. She told me NOT to bring the cheesecake in a cooler I had lovingly made for my son. Then the repacking of stuff due to airport security. We got into BWI and made it to Annapolis. We got to watch Bobby at football practice and sneak in a couple of minutes saying hello.
Friday, we watched the first football practice- never did see his room since the football players only had from 1- 2:30 then back to practice. We watched another practice, and then took him home for 4 precious hours. Again football players had only from 6-10 for free time.</p>
<p>Saturday started off at the Navy Staduim for the scrimmage- but
Bobby had been given his phone on Saturday and text me before he left on the bus. We had a wonderful afternoon and evening with him. I got to cook a huge meal at my cousins and made all of his favorite foods. He basically slept, ate, and spent time with his girlfriend. Sunday was rushed due to the fact that football players had to be back at 2:30 for another practice. He was still on the field when we had to leave for the airport. He saw us walk away and went to get a drink of water. Bobby took off his helmet, looked at us and hiding his hand- waved goodbye.</p>
<p>I loved Annapolis- hated that our time was shorten, but enjoyed every minute.</p>
<p>
[quote]
So what USMA class is she from?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>you wouldn't!!!! :eek:</p>
<p>Date a woop?</p>
<p>Madam, PLEASE! :eek:</p>
<p>;)</p>
<p>Z, that's exactly her intent! Run, Spider, run!</p>
<p>I'm afraid to look into the ppw dates for next year....afraid I'll jinx him!</p>