And the last semester begins…

Lydia returns to college today for her last semester.  She’s had a good winter break: family and friends, yoga, traveling and shopping, basketball games and job interviews.

When she’s around my basketball knowledge increases.  I’m quizzed while eating breakfast: name 5 players on the Knicks (full names), name as many NBA teams as you can (there are 16), and questions like what’s a 3-pointer?  We attended one game with her and turned down tickets to go Sunday. Going without her wouldn’t be nearly as fun.

We’ve discussed possible job interview questions and she’s debating whether she wants to stay on the East Coast (New York City) or try West Coast living. She loves the weather there and the easy access to the outdoors.  We went to a yoga class together; I managed not to embarrass her.

Her jacket, made from manmade materials, deteriorated, shedding bits of plastic everywhere. It was time for a replacement and a real leather jacket. She’s a shopping ace- she knows exactly where to park for which store and knows exactly what stores she’s going to. She navigates the mall like a sailor at sea, fast and efficiently. I never go there unless I’m with her.

She shopped in my closet, finding a pair of funky pants she used to despise on me and now coveted.  They look better on her and she has more use for them; she goes to more parties than I do. “I’m going to rock these pants,” she said.  

It’s her last season of college tennis; we’ll get to as many matches as we can. I’ll sit with the other parents, wistfully sighing about how fast time flew and how much our girls have grown as players, teammates, and leaders.  

She has a comprehensive paper to write for her major and an independent study project. Plus tap dance and photography.  It’s her last semester; she should take advantage of what liberal arts has to offer.

After a quick breakfast of tea and toast– she’s fighting a cold– she left. Driving alone, more independent than when we first brought her three years ago.