Two is moving on...

Two passed his driver's test, and is now a licensed driver... Those in Western Pennsylvania - Look out!!!

I am overwhelmed with a wide a range of emotions from excitement and pride, to feelings of loss. I am excited that he succeeded. The look on his face when he walked in the testing facility with the instructor after his test spoke volumes! I was so excited that I completely forgot my PSP sitting on the bench where I was waiting, and left without it (more on that later... since that's another story). I am proud that he overcame his battle of 'nerves' and succeeded. He is not what you would call a "natural born driver", and learning to drive has been a struggle for him.

I think most parents would be proud and excited when their kids succeed at something that means a lot to them, so that's not unusual... What's unusual is my sudden feeling of loss. All of a sudden I realized yesterday that Two really won't need me as much any longer. Now that he has his own transportation, and his own source of income, I won't be asked to take him places, loan him money, or hang with him as often. I will be just a guy that he will "see occasionally" as he stops into the house to get a change of clothes or a bite to eat.

The sense of loss is bigger than I expected, I think, because my girls don't hang with me much, they tend to stay mostly at their mother's place. So I think I am beginning to experience a slight taste of the "empty nest" syndrome.

Of course, now that I have said all of this, I will of course told the world (well a small part of it anyway) that I actually do have feelings, and I do more than grunt, laugh, yell and fart. So how much of my masculinity have I undermined today?

Congrats Two! I am proud of you! I hope you continue down the road and become a better man than me! P.S... Don't forget when the car breaks down, or if you need a few bucks, or some good wise old advice... call your mom, I am going to be out having a good time! (smirk!)

Later Lou

December...

Well December has arrived... and here in Western Pennsylvania it's arrived with White Christmas weather. As I may have mentioned in the past, I am not overly fond of snow. It does, however, make the bleak, post autumn landscape look wonderful, but snow almost always accompanied by outside temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. I tend to prefer temperatures above 60, actually 70 and above, but I am willing to be a little flexible.

There are other negative aspects of snow as well. Snow creates a walking and driving hazard, which isn't much of a problem for me, but since there are a lot of people that don't know how to walk and drive in the snow, I have to go around them, or go much slower than necessary. Snow means I have to spend more time preparing to go some where than just getting in the car and going. I have to add a few layers of clothing, shovel the walk, scrape the car, and wait for the car to warm up. As bad as snow is, don't get me started on ice!

Anyway, today we have plenty of snow and a little ice, and it made the drive to work less than pleasant. It was exciting a few times, when the car slid unexpectedly, but in the morning before my brain has kicked in, I could do without that type of excitement. Today is also the day that Two has scheduled to take his driver's test to get his license. This is his second attempt, and he is extremely opposed to rescheduling.

His school's annual semi-formal dance is this Saturday, and he would like to have his license so he can drive to and from and pick up his date without needing another "licensed driver" to ride shotgun. I don't blame him for his desires, because I had a similar desire when I was his age. I remember it well... (add chimes and a fade out as we go back in time....)

I went to the driver testing station my grandfather full of confidence just a scant few days before the a big dance, and a big first date. We waited in a long line, and after about an hour, my number was called, and away I went. A few minutes later, my confidence was deflated, and I was feeling like a loser... because I had failed my driver's test. I was told I couldn't take the test again until the next day, which was only 1 day before the dance. The good news is that after a second day, and an even longer line I passed the test, got the license and drove to the dance.

So here back in present day, I am hoping history will repeat itself, and Two will succeed today. If not, he won't be able to take the test tomorrow, as there is now a longer waiting period between tests (I believe it's a week), and you have to schedule your testing time, instead of just waiting in line.

Please think good thoughts, say a quick little prayer, and cross your fingers with me and hope that all goes well this afternoon at 3PM, in the snow, in December, a few scant days before the big dance.

Later Lou