I just got back from the 2 day orientation for college. I am tired. Hopefully not too delerious to make some cents. Sence. Sense. Sam still wants to go to St. Bonaventure. So in just a month, off he goes!

It was a nice orientation. They spent a lot of time explaining everything we should want to know. I wasn't brave enough to ask if Sam can bring his sledge hammer, so I guess that will have to stay here. The Dorm rooms are small. Very small. Of course. If he had the sledge hammer with him, he could expand. So it is best he keep it here.  He must bring few clothes and laundry detergent, then do his laundry once a week. They made a big deal about kids learning to do laundry. since he has been doing his since he was 12, he can probably make extra money doing other peoples laundry. He would probably follow in the tradition of his ancestors. I would laugh my head off if he had to touch other peoples dirty underwear to get extra money. I would laugh and laugh and laugh.
They gave a good overview of technology services. That was especially helpful because I still understand pen and paper better than this computer stuff.   I took notes. I hope they are legible enough to decipher later.
They fed us really well. The food is better than my cooking and better than at my work. He will be well fed. He will never want to come home! Yipee!

They spent a long time discussing how to let go and not be a hovering controling parent. Hmm, have I been doing it all wrong for the past few years. Should i have been more controlling when I had the chance. Maybe I should try to control Tony... I can't control the little wimpy cats, I will never be able to control boys.
The finance people spoke to us. I never took finance classes, and I only balance my check book every 18 months, so lots of it was way over my head. They gave us a packet of information. I will have to have Sam handle all that stuff. It he gets good at it, he can start paying my bills.

See, the college orientation has given me hope for the future. Let me enjoy the fantasy!

Sam's graduation.

Tony, Sam, and Laura. Dad is in the back ground... the only one who's hair isn't blowing all over the place

That's a good choice of what to wear under your graduation gown!

Here is Sam with their Dad, Great Grandma, and Tony. My Mother in law was nice enough to fly his Dad up for Graduation, and then to share him with the kids. They had a nice visit. Great Grandma looks good. Awe, look how Tony is holding Grandma's hand. How sweet!

More celebrating coming up on the 4th of July!

On the corner, just to my left, is the beggar. There is usually one there when I drive to work. I wonder, how do they decide who's turn it is to work that corner?

 When they bring their kids, is it because the kids begged to come along? "Oh, Daddy, please, please bring me with you to work today"

Or do they force the kids? "No food for you tonight unless you beg enough for a new crack pipe to replace the one you broke!"

I never expected to want to give to him. I know better. I've seen them suffer through detox! I don't want to give them money that will hurt them. But this time, I was actually thinking of helping. After all, he didn't bring his kids He actually had me worried for his kids. He had printed in big black Sharpie on cardboard: "Entire Family Killed by Ninjas. Need Money for Karate lessons"

What is the right thing to do? Should I give money to this beggar?