I love that kid

Ahhh. My boy called this evening in a mood to talk. First things first, of course...much celebrating about the elections. Just like old times, we talked politics. He was proud of his absentee ballot contribution to our brand new governor. And he reports that people in his area seem to be pretty happy about Rick Santorum’s demise, too. That thrilled him because he’s despised the dude since he discovered what a Santorum was a few years ago.

Then we talked about food. One of the most important topics for a college kid, I think. He has taken his family’s collective advice and has come to view the food service on campus as his own personal grocery store. He and his room mate have finally discovered the art of filling zip lock bags with cold cuts and whatnot for their fridge. I have definitely noticed a stunning decrease in expenditures for late night subs, which, in turn, has led to a stunning decrease in spending, period. Progress!

Then on to the girlfriend front. There isn’t one anymore. She and he didn’t seem to work out so well. He caught her with another fella, in a compromising position...shall we say. His friends are all supportive, telling him that he deserves way better than that. It’s nice to have friends when the heart gets a crack or two. He sounds as if he’s weathering it pretty well, all things considered.

And finally, schoolwork. For the first semester, I have to say that he’s doing awfully well. His Dad and I expected that he’d have an adjustment period where grades might not look so good. But he has pleasantly surprised us with a 3.4 grade point average at mid-term. He was very excited tonight—he’d received a major exam back today with a 99% out of 100%, for his...I can’t remember what it’s called. It’s about International relations, policy, and diplomacy. I haven’t heard him so animated about school work in maybe...ever. This is an area of study that he’s discovered he really, really loves. I know he’s a political animal, but international policy/diplomacy seems to especially light him up. That gene has turned up in the family pool before. Interesting.

When it was time to end the conversation he told me that he’d felt a little down before he’d called, but our conversation had really lifted his spirits. “You’re the best, Mom,” he said. “Thanks for listening to me. I needed that.”

Not a problem, kiddo. Works both ways, y’know.