(Spring) Break From the Normal

Spring Break was highly unusual for me this year, not in what we did but how it felt. As usual, we didn’t go on a vacation (last year’s New York City trip was a freak occurrence); we were just milling about smartly around the house. I worked my two days at the salon and taught three spin classes, Jim worked, and the boys had lacrosse practice, got together with friends, and wasted time in the normal ways that they don’t often get to enjoy (video games, watching movies, etc.) because we’re so busy.

It felt…weird.

Perhaps it’s because I spend so much time these days at home and on the computer, writing. When you add that to the fact that I really don’t like too many changes in my routine (Who moved my cheese?????), I was slightly discombobulated.

Oh yeah, and there’s that other thing. As of the end of spring break, we’re in the home stretch of the older boy’s senior year in high school. It’s just…weird! He’ll be graduating in a little more than six weeks. I’m not filled with dread about that whole college thing at the moment, but there are definitely moments in which I remember that this is the last time we’re doing something or other before he goes away.

That’s why, to keep my own sanity and sense of reason about the ways of life and all, I do my best to focus “in the now” as much as I can.

Yesterday when the older boy left for work, the younger boy set up our Risk game, and the three of us played for a couple of hours in the same spirit as we always do, starting with the same countries that we always do, and fighting for the same continents that we always do. There were only three of us, and this grand finale to a quiet spring break was a wee bit lonelier than usual but no less fun. Jim decided to attack the younger boy’s hold on North America from Asia just as the older boy normally does when he’s playing, and the trash-talking tradition continued. It’s always nice to be able to focus on one kid at a time, and although the kid won’t admit it, I think he likes it too. The afternoon flew by, and as I stacked cannons and horsemen on Iceland to protect it from the younger boy’s troop-filled Greenland, I smiled at our practice session for what will soon be the new normal.

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©2010 Suburban Scrawl

9 Comments

  • Tara R.

    I hate to admit it, but after being away from home for the past three years, having College Kid home for extended visits are now the moments that feel different. We three have gotten into a new routine. I think that is what makes me the most sad.

  • Michelle

    Awwww *sniff* I can't imagine how you feel knowing he's going away. I'm still in the nap phase, but oh such a difference as they get older. Do you have a sense yet of how often he'll be able to/want to visit while at school?

  • Momo Fali

    I see many games of Risk when he's home on break. Someday, you'll be playing with your daughter-in-law too! Before you know it…there will be new children to teach.

    Seriously, I might as well just start calling you Grandma.

  • Sue

    I know you are trying not to be sad, but that made me sad.

    I have to focus in the present because anything else makes me mental. 🙂

  • Mom24

    Makes me sad too. I'm not ready for the new normal. I was doing pretty well until I realized the birthday she just had may be her last one at home. *sigh*

  • This Belle Rocks

    So glad I have another two years left before I'm at this stage! But once one goes the other follows the very next year.

  • nycgirl0501

    Change is good! You will soon have new traditions of going to see older boy in his new environment, quality time with younger boy and the best part…older boy will gain even more appreciation for his parents who are further away making the days he comes home all the more special.