Friday, May 15, 2009

What a week and a half...

Have you ever been a single mom to three boys? I'm guessing most of you haven't. It can be overwhelming...especially as they get older. The past few years have been the most challenging as cars and insurance have become part of the package. **sigh** I've posted this picture before, but here is Jeffrey, my oldest (he'll be 23 in October)...with his girlfriend Erica. (He hates this picture, by the way.) He lives with friends in Austin and is going to Austin Community College and will transfer to the University of Texas-Austin next year. He's hoping to get into architecture.

Jared is the middle one...and will be 21 in September. He's going to Texas State and isn't really sure what he wants to do with his future yet. This past spring was his first semester. He had a '95 Mazda Protege which died about 10 days ago. We didn't want to put $2,000 into a refurbished engine so he had to think about getting a new car. I told all my boys that I would help them with the first car, but subsequent ones were on them. But I went shopping for him last Saturday since he had to work and found this for a great deal.

It's the same thing I got as a rental last January when my other son, Jonathan, had his accident from hell.

Since Jared has an excellent credit record, he was able to get it at a very low interest rate with low payments, so here he is...the proud new owner. (Mom just had to co-sign...didn't have to shell out any money.)

And here's Jonathan (and me)...he's the "baby." He'll be 19 next month. Jon's the wild seed...he definitely lives by his own rules. He originally wanted to join the military, then thought twice about wanting to go to Afghanistan. He's not a studious kid...and works at Carino's as the saute cook...and does an excellent job and they love him there. At 18, I'm proud that he's good at what he does and has a strong work ethic. While I hope that he will eventually go to college, I give him a lot of credit for wanting to be independent and self-sufficient. Considering all the self-absorbed kids there are out there today, I consider myself blessed that I have children who want to carry their own weight and pay their own way.


But Jon's truck that we got after his accident had to go into the shop for work last Thursday. This is something I dread with every fiber of my body because I automatically think it's going to be the most major thing that could possibly go wrong with it. $203. **sigh of relief** Personally, I think anything under $300 at a garage is "cheap."

I've had many conversations with instructors at the University this past semester who say this has been the worst for kids expecting A's for doing minimal work and are VERY upset if they don't get them. This generation has grown up with instant gratification for little work...which says little for our (or their) future.

So then there was Mother's Day...I got a new watch...

...and some new earrings from a friend...

So it hasn't stopped there for being a heck of a week and a half.

I received an e-mail from VivaAerobus this morning that my flight to Cancun was cancelled for May 28-June 7. I'm supposedly getting a full refund because of the swine flu deal. To tell you the truth, I wasn't suprised. This will be the last time I book anything through VivaAerobus. I plan on rescheduling with another airline later this summer. I'm hoping the fares stay low. So I will not be enjoying these sights the end of the month...



Another **heavy sigh**...

4 comments:

Ann said...

Sorry about your trip--I know you were looking forward to it. Maybe you & Beack will end up on Isla at the same time later in the year! I think delaying college is the best thing for many--my brother waited until he was 20 before going & it made a big difference; there are so many people who go & get a degree & never use it--I even know someone that went to law school & has never practiced!

Nancy said...

Oh, I'm so sorry about your trip! That really bites. Your watch is beautiful and the photos are great. You really got that macro thing down!

Life's a Beach! said...

So sorry Deb! I know how much you were looking forward to that trip. I think people are having a horrible time with airline flight changes to Mexico right now, even with the major airlines. But I guess their flights aren't totally cancelled. And the car thing. I know exactly what you mean about dreading repairs on kid's cars. I remember when our son's car had to have a new transmission. UGH! I think it was $2300 plus. It's a money pit. But you should be very proud because all your boys sound very self-sufficient. Life isn't as cut and dried now for kids, especially in the current economy. Sometimes it's hard watching them find their way.

My son, now 29, has finally landed that career type job and been in it for almost a year now. He always worked very hard, but his connections just finally paid off so he's earning a decent salary now. I'm crossing my toes that he doesn't get hit by the economy, but at least I feel he's on his way now. He's been totally self-sufficient since college, but I think it takes much longer now for kids than it did for us. The jobs aren't out there waiting for them!

Great photos and post!

Vee said...

Thanks for sharing photos of your boys, Deb. I'm sorry to hear that your flight was canceled and hope you can go later.