Finishing year 13 in 2017 part 2

tobee I'm suspecting a lot of this small print stuff too. Who's the hall provider?

Hmm. Not very impressed. DS got email today to say his accommodation only has Ethernet access to internet. Apparently it's "faster than wifi". I'm sorry but I think ethernet is last decade and restrictive. They're obviously just too mean to update to wifi. And why have they only just let him know? Anyone else? Surely that's unusual in this day and age?

It's so lovely to hear how they're all settling into their new places.

Oh that's great news Bizzy. Bet you are grinning!

Had a lovely 1-hour phone call from DD in Edinburgh tonight. Everything, literally everything, is going great. She is absolutely certain that she had made the right choice, and is totally comfortable five days in..

Relief!

Juggling we're heading off next week too. I'm nervous about random things like the motorway being blocked, the car breaking down, that we've turned un the wrong day etc

Feeling a bit nervous about the upcoming taking her to Uni trip next week. I guess I just want it to go well for her and for her to settle in happily with a nice group of flatmates (Uni halls) It's also going to be a long drive there and back, but we are staying over a couple of nights either side of move in day to try and make it all go more smoothly, and more of a holiday break feel hopefully. Staying in a nice, friendly looking youth hostel the night before. DD is also away in Slovenia this week so I guess I'm missing her already 😥

Yes Oldie, I feel I'm quite happy on my own too. Although whether that'll still be the case when I'm on my own all the time (except at work obviously), remains to be seen...

I have been on my own for 14 years (if 5 children counts as alone). My personality is loner though so I just cannot wait. My best weeks ever are those entirely alone and have had far too few or those in my life. Work is busy and often involves people etc etc. So I suspect it's a personalty type thing as to whether you like being on your own or not.

Good luck for the driving tests. My boys took theirs at Easter last year - the worst one passed first time so now says he is the best driver in the family. He did everythnig his instructor said and loads of very obvious checking mirrors and it paid off. His twin had to resit 6 weeks later just before AS exams and did pass - he is the best driver but was probably not cautious enough first time round. I failed first time and as I was 17 when I went to university I only just passed in the August before I left.

I know what you mean. I'm determined to try and make the most of the extra time though. (I've had quite a few friends die suddenly in their 40s and early 50s, so you never know when your time is up ).

Perhaps we should start a new thread for single parents whose DCs have flown the nest? I've got a couple of weekends away in the diary once DS1 has gone so I won't have too many weekends before Christmas on my lonesome. I suppose like everything else it's just a question of putting yourself out there.

Yes, Twirly, suddenly the house will seem not quite so small after all. I have no idea how I'm going to feel. I've given it my all, bringing them up alone, for 15 years, like you have, and I guess we should be able to 'relax' now, but I don't really know how it's going to pan out tbh.

Liney - you too hey? Fortunately I have lots of friends to keep me company, but I think it'll take a while to get into a new rhythm.

The best drivers don't pass first time, I am thoroughly convinced of it.

some even do 4 driving tests

AmITwirly, similar here, 15 years as a single parent, shortly to have both DC away at university.

User allegedly you're a safer driver if you don't pass first time.

Statistically, thats true. DD failed on something not too terrible the first time, but said she was quite glad as she didn't really feel ready. She's had a lot more practice now.

Lovely to read everyone's news - we're all in a busy flurry of activity aren't we?

We've had an interesting week since returning from holiday. DS2 started boarding school for Sixth Form (the first time either of my children has not been in the state sector) so that was a big wrench, although thankfully he's loving it so far. And now I'm helping DS1 get ready for uni in 2 weeks' time, so buying bedding and pots & pans etc.

After 14 years of being a single parent, this is going to be a massive change.

User allegedly you're a safer driver if you don't pass first time.

user bummer. But loads of people pass 2nd or 3rd time. Onwards and upwards!

driving test failed...better to have failed that than A levels though!

Good luck all those doing driving tests today!

If you live in London and haven't got round to getting the Meningitis ACWY vaccination you can pop into any pharmacy and have it done free of charge on the NHS, no appointment needed.

John Lewis and Dunelm were heaving with uni students and parents yesterday. Half of me felt a bit shocked that they had left it all to the last minute and half of me felt really envious that they were with their DCs agonising over choice of waste bins and colour of towels while I have had to do it all alone and agree choices via WhatsApp. Never mind, I am sure DS wouldn't have let me buy half the stuff if he'd been with me, lol.

Looking forward to having DS home again for 2 days of intensive
dentist visiting, clothes shopping and packing before we set off on Sunday.

My youngest was telling me tonight that this is it, the nest is being flown and will be empty soon. Thanks a lot!

Good luck user dc!

Even though I've been buying/readying/ordering all the stuff and piling up ready for putting in the car next week, I realise I'm still in denial. If I actually, properly think about I feel terrible and a voice in my head is saying "this is beginning of the end" Even though dd has done her degree and is back with us. Can you tell ds is my last?

Thanks. Failure is predicted (not by me!) but whatever...it's fine. I've said to go along, see how it goes and if not then wait until a car is needed and go and do an intensive course with the test on the last day.

Yes, good luck with the driving test!

Good Luck with the driving test. I think it could be fairly rocky here this week!

Well done ollie.