Orientation Date

Good Thursday morning!

The Gallery Pic this morning is from my backyard. We have a giant magnolia tree at the corner of our deck, and many people are huge fans of the magnolia tree. Me... not so much. I think I keep the giant magnolia tree because, although it is not my favorite, I am a huge supporter of all things Southern. And let's face it. Magnolia just screams, "I'm Southern!"

When Mikie and I were in the Singles Department at Shades Mountain, it was customary on Friday and Saturday evenings to visit other singles. It was very common to have at least one or two parties to attend sometime during the weekend. Usually, if a girl was hosting, the apartment would be spotless, the food inviting and the atmosphere candlelit and cozy. If a guy was hosting, the apartment would be picked up, brightly lit, television blaring and the table full of food the girls brought over. Either way, it was good, clean fellowship and one of my fondest memories of my years at Shades Mountain.

One Saturday evening, my chick friends and I were headed to an apartment of a new friend. It was an open invitation get-together, so you could expect ten to 25 people easily. Her apartment was very pretty, but small. Two bedrooms and one bathroom. One bathroom, but a lot of people. It didn't take a CPA to figure out the problem there.

However, back in the day, my kidneys were super heroes so I wasn't too worried. That is, I wasn't too worried until one of my friends came over and whispered, "There's a problem with the bathroom."

Panic-stricken, my friend and I (and two other chicks we picked up along the way) made our way to the bathroom. It truly was a sight. Our hostess had filled the bathtub with light green colored water and floating in the tub (ever so lovely) were real magnolia blossoms AND lit magnolia candles. So pretty.

In the sink, we found three more floating magnolia candles. "I'm not seeing the problem here unless you're deathly allergic to magnolia blossoms," I said. "It's really just very, very lovely."

"Keep looking," my friend said.

It was then I noticed the glow coming from under the toilet seat. "You've got to be kidding?" one of the other chicks said.

But as we lifted the toilet seat, our worst fears were confirmed... FOUR more lit magnolia candles... floating in slightly green colored water.

"It's very clever, but I'm sure she won't mind if we remove the candles," I said.

"One of the guys already asked, and she said she would rather we didn't. She said she worked hard decorating," my friend replied.

"Well, I'm on my third Mountain Dew here. I don't really think we're going to have a choice. It's either remove them OR leave now. That's not going to look good either." I responded.

"I don't like the color of the water, and I'm NOT moving them," another friend said flatly.

"Someone is going to have to do something pretty soon," the original friend who had discovered the "situation" said.

"The toilet water is the exact same color as the bathtub water and the sink water. I'm sure it's okay." But I knew where she was headed. Being the mother of two boys, I now know in the male mind it would be a fun challenge to use the bathroom without putting out a single candle. In my single days, it was completely gross. In my "mother of two boys and wife of Mikie" days, it has unfortunately become a common reality.

Just as we were deciding to head out the door, our hostess popped her head in the bathroom. "What do y'all think?" she squealed. "Isn't it pretty?"

"It really is," we all gushed. "But it's time for people to start using the potty. What do you want us to do?"

"Oh... I hate to mess everything up. Oh, well." And with that, she reached under the sink, picked up a fish scooper (the aquarium kind) and expertly removed the floating candles from the "iffy" water. "There you go! If you don't mind, leave the candles in the sink and just use this hand sanitizer," and she was off... and we were once again in line for the bathroom.

I'm contemplating putting a giant magnolia blossom in our toilets today... just to see what kind of response I get. But I have this nagging feeling they'll be flushed... and then I'll have the fun job of explaining to Mikie why the plumber had to be called to remove giant magnolia blossoms from our pipes.

And then I'll remind him of the story of the magnolia candles in the toilet at the party we attended during our days at Shades. (He was there, you know. He was with chick number 28.) I hope he sees the humor!

Blog Linkage - I have some very different linkage for you today. You'll actually have to look somewhere beside My Blog List. We're branching out, Baby!

1. If you're looking for tankinis for you OR your daughter, this website has some very cute swimsuits which are different from what we've seen in the stores. Go to www.limericki.com.

2. There's a new book out called Awkward Family Photos. These pictures are hilarious. If you want a sneak peek, go to www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com. The authors of this book were on The Today Show yesterday. I can laugh, but I know I have a ton of photos which would fit in this book very, very well.

3. Finally, there's a website I found on Sara's blog called Two Men and a Little Laney. The mom asked her soon-to-be four year-old daughter what was her favorite thing to do. She was looking for party ideas. Her daughter's answer... "Scissors!" Instead of asking what was her second favorite thing to do, the mom "went with it!" She created a very cute four year-old party with a Scissors theme. Look for the post entitled Scissors Birthday Party dated May 16. You'll have to scroll down a little. Cute idea. Cute cake. Cute kids. Great party.

Orientation Date

Since graduation is only days away, several of you will be attending orientation with your college freshman in the very near future. Whether your child is attending a local college, an out-of-state university or a school one to three hours away, plan on making a day (or two) out of this new experience.

Before you leave, check on local restaurants around campus for you and your date to try. Plan on shopping a little before or after the orientation meetings and buy them a school t-shirt or cap.

Late afternoon when the meetings are over, take some time to just walk and talk and get to know the campus. If it is a two-day orientation, on the second day make sure to eat at a different local restaurant and see different things in and around the new town where your child will be attending school.

Becoming more familiar with the new environment will take some of the nervousness away (for you, as well).

Also, if your child has friends attending the same school, invite them to eat with you. Make it fun and exciting... because it is for them.

If at all possible, ride to and from orientation with just your child. There is a lot to talk about, and even the quietest kid might have a lot to say about all they have learned during the meetings.

NOTE - The day of Austin's orientation Farah Fawcett AND Michael Jackson both died. As you can imagine, our conversation was centered around Charlie's Angels and Thriller for most of our ride home... but you never know what might come up!

Have a terrific Thursday. Keep your eyes and ears open for people around you who might need a kind word or a smile. You never know what might be going on in someone's life behind a strained smile and sunglasses in the carpool line. Don't be afraid to reach out... ever. Friday I'll have a few Weekend Happenings to share and some Randomness here and there.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda