Class of '18 Best foot forward through the autumn leaves.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

old thread was getting big....

My next door neighbour is a secret smoker. It's funny because all of her children have left home and she lives alone so there's really no need for her to scuttle round the side of the house when I open my back door and surprise her sitting on the back step. Who am I going to rat her out to?

Ursula She'll have to build it into her budget. There will be a line for it in the Money Advice Service budget calculator. What to cut though? Makeup, clothes, shoes, food? Something will have to give.

Vintage clothing?

DD went back today too, lectures start tomorrow. She came home on the train but went back by car with all the extra stuff accumulated. Plus a large food shop from Aldi as she realised it's cheaper than her local Tesco. And alcohol, as it's more expensive in Scotland anyway.

DS1 has another week, but is currently on holiday with his girlfriend. DS2 and I are back to school tomorrow too.

I feel like I didn't see much of either of them really. They were both working, both went back to their unis for New Year's Eve. Lots of washing though .....

DD's BF was also complaining about the price of alcohol in Scotland. It doesn't seem to have done anything to curb his excessive alcohol consumption though.

DS1 has had three weeks to write a 2000 word essay that was due at midday today.

He spent some time organising his files and wider reading materials. Started writing notes at the weekend. Started writing the essay at 8 o'clock yesterday evening. Worked till 3am, slept for 5 hours then got up and finished it.

sounds familiar First...I just wish they didn't tell us they had to write it until it is finished!

I've spent the entire day it seems, cajoling ds1 to get up before midday (succeeded but not without a lot of arguing and threats, and a bribe - lunch in the cafe a good walk away) AND taking a very long walk myself and a Ikm run. It turns out my 2 km runs are only Ikm runs. But one km is tough when you add in a 4km walk as the bus seems to be suspended to the park.. Ds met me in the park and we had a nice sandwich there. All he can talk about is to worry about how dusty his room will be at uni when he returns. To which I suggested he return, dust it, and then come home again. He seemed confused by this simple solution. Anyway at least he was out today for at least 4 hours IN THE DAYLIGHT.

DD's boyfriend got back to uni to find that he had left the light on in his room all over the holidays!

TheFirst I have been your son. I have also been the person that spent the full three weeks polishing the essay (I deserved that A). In contrast my most epic piece of procrastination was to set the alarm for 5am and start 3000 words on some boring auditing question before leaving for college at 8am. I got an A for that too which really made me question the time I had previously been spending chasing perfection.

Having seen him today in a city environment I was amazed to see the improvement in his road crossing skills. He can now jaywalk across a dual carriageway with the best of them, identifying the best places to cross and considering blind junctions.

Just dropped DS back at university.

The house seems so quiet again. He said it was weird going back as he was so settled at home during the holidays .

For the past hour DS1 has been playing a board game with his 14 year old siblings. So far nobody has argued, had a tantrum or stormed off!

Dd is going back tomorrow. Apparently.

ds appears to be back in the swing of things at Warwick and looks like he has found a house for next year. It's within walking distance of the university, 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, utility with washer and dryer - sounds okay and have had a cursory glance over the contract and suggested to ds he follows up on a couple of issues.

ds1 has gone back to his halls for a night or two to "assess". He does not take transitions in his stride. Dh and I have been astonished how long he took to make the decision to go back for one night. A lot of worrying about sheets, what would happen if he decided to come back early or later than planned, if anyone would be there.

I'd forgotten how flexible adults are. I can think of dozens of ways to occupy his time when there is nothing particular planned, admin/reading/concerts/arranging next years accommodation/going to shops/walking around. But none of this is easy for him to "imagine" I realise, he just cannot "sequence" random activities. Ds2 who has ASD is going to give me some tips to deal with this!!! I think ds1 not properly diagnosed has been winging it for years by restricting himself. When ds1 is at home it seems so terribly dull for him yet he seems to crave the stability and not at especially keen to go back before term starts properly.

Nettleskeins I'm a bit like that sometimes. I struggle with the change (in either direction) from term time (when I work) to school holidays. I also get anxious if I feel unprepared or if I don't have the correct stuff with me.

I have a parent with (never diagnosed but obvious) ASD and a child with (diagnosed) ASD and I suspect that in our family's case it might be genetic.

I like the idea of spending one night somewhere for a recce first. Then you can work out what you actually need.

First thanks. Sometimes I find ds1's behaviour incomprehensibly odd and then I just think..okay, that is "transitions" and feel a bit better

He has rung up in excellent spirits once he made the decision to GO. Apparently my quick route was incredibly quick, he was door to door in 70 mins including walking to the tube as well. I hope it means he doesn't come shooting back home again tonight...there aren't enough lamb chops for three hungry teens...
His halls room was apparently "not dusty" this is his worst nightmare and his ensuite was sparkling, since he incurred the cleaning fine ie someone hardworking halls cleaner had cleaned it professionally. And the mayonnaise in the fridge was still edible! But he said the place is deserted..no students, at least First Years, to be seen. I'm sure there are a few somewhere, especially the ones with jobs.

DD will be heading back on Saturday. She has seen all her friends who finished earlier than her for Christmas spending their holiday revising or writing essays and is now delighted to have got her exams over before the break.

She’s had two bits of good news from friends too this week who have applied for places for next year and have their first choice.

I do wish she had socialised a little more in her time at home, but she looks so well rested I think snuggling on the sofa has done her the world of good. She looks very content and at one with herself.

DD and I spent this afternoon in Ikea buying some bits for university. She has had confirmation of her acceptance so now it feels more real. At least we won't need to madly rush round buying bits between results day and her start date. Ikea was lovely and quiet this afternoon.

Lonerica does she have a list? I quite enjoyed helping DS1 buy bits and pieces for starting university.

DS1 goes back on Saturday. He has found accommodation for next year and has paid the deposit, so that's one less thing for him to worry about.

No she doesn't. I believe lists are avilable on TSR? Or is it elsewhere?

She loved eating well and is an excellent cook, so she will be taking things like a wok with her as well as the usual stuff.

If anyone can let me know where these lists are I would be grateful.

There is at least one 'What not to take to university' offering on YouTube.

A snuggly blanket or bedspread (as opposed to a mere duvet) was missing from ds1's room for the first term. And a table lamp as opposed to desk lamp. He didn't think he needed these things, but it made his room a bit bleak I think. I remedied the snuggly blanket over Christmas. It has cactuses on it!

A snuggly blanket or bedspread (as opposed to a mere duvet) was missing from ds1's room for the first term. And a table lamp as opposed to desk lamp. He didn't think he needed these things, but it made his room a bit bleak I think. I remedied the snuggly blanket over Christmas. It has cactuses on it- an elusive brushed Cotton and acrylic blend! He took it back yesterday.

But your dd probably has a snuggly blanket already Lonicera...

tbh all the stuff I sent with him hasn't been used much, I think warm clothes would have been the best expenditure..really good coat, really good walking shoes, proper jumpers, thermal underwear. That is what he really uses in daily life now and would never think to buy himself or buy the Primark version. I ended up sending up along later in dribs and drabs. Next thing I can see him needing is a proper hat, so far he has refused to wear one, even a beanie, but the cold of the Cotswolds is pretty intense.

As I imagine it feels in on the Tyne and in Glasgow.

Ds1 now says he is coming back again to see us. He says the 18th is when things properly start again.

A snuggly blanket or bedspread (as opposed to a mere duvet) was missing from ds1's room for the first term. And a table lamp as opposed to desk lamp. He didn't think he needed these things, but it made his room a bit bleak I think. I remedied the snuggly blanket over Christmas. It has cactuses on it- an elusive brushed Cotton and acrylic blend! He took it back yesterday.

But your dd probably has a snuggly blanket already Lonicera...

tbh all the stuff I sent with him hasn't been used much, I think warm clothes would have been the best expenditure..really good coat, really good walking shoes, proper jumpers, thermal underwear. That is what he really uses in daily life now and would never think to buy himself or buy the Primark version. I ended up sending up along later in dribs and drabs. Next thing I can see him needing is a proper hat, so far he has refused to wear one, even a beanie, but the cold of the Cotswolds is pretty intense.

As I imagine it feels in on the Tyne and in Glasgow.

Ds1 now says he is coming back again to see us. He says the 18th is when things properly start again.

A snuggly blanket or bedspread (as opposed to a mere duvet) was missing from ds1's room for the first term. And a table lamp as opposed to desk lamp. He didn't think he needed these things, but it made his room a bit bleak I think. I remedied the snuggly blanket over Christmas. It has cactuses on it- an elusive brushed Cotton and acrylic blend! He took it back yesterday.

But your dd probably has a snuggly blanket already Lonicera...

tbh all the stuff I sent with him hasn't been used much, I think warm clothes would have been the best expenditure..really good coat, really good walking shoes, proper jumpers, thermal underwear. That is what he really uses in daily life now and would never think to buy himself or buy the Primark version. I ended up sending up along later in dribs and drabs. Next thing I can see him needing is a proper hat, so far he has refused to wear one, even a beanie, but the cold of the Cotswolds is pretty intense.

As I imagine it feels in on the Tyne and in Glasgow.

Ds1 now says he is coming back again to see us. He says the 18th is when things properly start again.