light at the end of the childhood?

[sistawendy]

I stayed home to be dry and shake this cold despite knowing of multiple fine opportunities for socializing and booty-shaking. Oddly enough, I'm not all that resentful of the universe about it.

But what I really want to write about is another encouraging sign that my son is growing up. A recap of the story so far: In the spring quarter of this year, he dropped on college class after letting us know, then another without letting us know. He got himself put on academic probation. Thanks, ADD! So he and his adviser worked out a plan whereby he was to take one class in the quarter he just finished - he says he did well, yay! - then two, then a full load.

Well. He came for lunch yesterday because his work & school schedule meant he couldn't spend the usual two consecutive nights with me. On the way back to my place he said he'd made an appointment to talk to his advisor because his college's registration system wasn't letting him register for a second class for next term. I quizzed him on when the registration deadline is, and he thinks he'll be fine if he gets it taken care of this week. I said I'm glad he's on top of it, and that's an understatement. Here's why this is a big deal:

1. He registered without needing a reminder, at least not from me. I don't know if Ex has been reminding him.
2. He took prompt action to deal with a SNAFU...
3. ...apparently on his own initiative.

Yeah, this is all basic adulting, but this kid has long had difficulty with basic adulting, and that's been my #1 worry about his future.

Why is he able to do this now but wasn't earlier? I don't know. I never know, about any of the abilities he gains seemingly overnight, and I'm pretty sure no other parent does either. Children are a mysterious, non-linear phenomenon.

---

And what did I do yesterday while I was coughing and sniffling? Plan my birthday party, of course. Schedule spreadsheet? Check! Packing spreadsheet? Check! Traktor DJ software obtained and figured out? Check! (Don't worry, Goths. I front-loaded the playlist with goodies for you.) I must say, Traktor seems to be just what you need if you want to be a laptop DJ. I... don't, really.

Comments

[ximinez]

Hell, I'm in my 40s and I still seem to be discovering new skills overnight. A lot of it seems to be realizing no one else is gonna do the damn thing, so is better figure something out..

[dark_phoenix54]

Theyve found that brains in early 20-somethings are still maturing. So dont give up hope... he may still come a long ways.

[eeyorerin]

Honestly, he can probably still sign up for classes until the day they start -- but whether or not he'll get into what he wants is another matter. So better sooner rather than later.

I promise you that his adviser has seen plenty of students like him and will again. Lord knows I have.

[sistawendy]

Honestly, he can probably still sign up for classes until the day they start -- but whether or not he'll get into what he wants is another matter.

That's pretty much what he said.

[staxxy]

these things are all a HUGE DEAL OMG!!!

This is very exciting.

Now, even if the Ex is poking him to do things, it is still marked improvement as he has needed it from both of you in the past. SO even if it is not fully self-motivation, it is halfway there. I am, however, very hopefully that this was all on his own.

YAY BIRTHDAY!