[Lovethesand]

I don’t hear from Debbie until later in the day which is good news. I’ve figured out the later I hear from her, the busier her schedule is, the better the news. I get an email later in the day during a break in her schedule. How crazy am I now? I have my fingers crossed as I open the email. If I had a rabbit’s foot, a lucky penny, a four leaf clover, you name it, I would have had it. Debbie has 3 houses! We/she are batting .500 now (3 out of a possible 6 houses in this round). Debbie is disappointed Sunset cut her because they were her #1 (I ask myself since when? First I’ve heard of it.) I don’t say anything because I know my parental commentary will not be appreciated at all. All I say is 3 houses is very good and to enjoy.

Coronado – They’ve pulled into the pole position after 4 days and she loves them. She absolutely loves this house and can see herself there. She hopes she doesn’t get cut. I hope she doesn’t either, not because I'm leaning toward Coronado but just because I want my baby to be happy and hasn't she been rejected enough? Honestly. Again all of these dark thoughts are kept to myself. Pollyanna is my first, middle, and last name when talking to Debbie.

South Beach – Debbie liked the girls. She said they’re warm and friendly and she feels relaxed. I remind her of the positives of a new chapter on campus, a new house, and new opportunities.

Big Beach – Debbie loves their philanthropy so she’s going to keep an open mind but she’s just not feeling it like Coronado or South Beach.

The day ends with Debbie clustering her top 3 or in Debbie’s case her remaining 3. Debbie again maximizes her options but she voices concern about South Beach and Big Beach. She loves Coronado so much she’s not sure if she can see herself at either South Beach or Big Beach. I don’t want to rain on her parade but I also want her to keep an open mind. Not sure how successful I am. She’s blinded by Coronado love. I think to myself, “Great she’s found a house she loves but it’s not like her recruitment as been a bed of roses, unless thorns count”.

As a sidenote: Debbie as you know is my one and only. She and I are very close. We talk about everything pretty honestly. I've really had to bite my tongue during this process because my parental advise isn't what she wants. She just wants a sounding board that is unjudgmental and supportive. There's a fine line between supportive and "you're just saying that because you're my mom". I've quickly learned that. By the time she and I can really talk she's already made her decisions about clustering so she's not asking for my advice. She just wants a voice from home. Even though I seem to have become a completely different woman, I get that. I've really learned to think quickly though when Debbie calls. I never know what to expect so my first response better be good. So much pressure for a caffeine hyped, sleep deprived 40+ year old woman.