To The 2008 Graduates
Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:30 am
We had two sons graduate from high school the past two years. It made me reflect back on my years in school. The one thing I do remember is the ceremony and how dull it was. Someone that I didn't know got up and spoke about it being the crossroads, the time of our life, and how we needed to rise up and meet the challenges ahead....yada yada yada. After thinking about the changes that I encountered, I thought a more realistic speech might be in order.
To the graduates.
You did it. You finished high school. Now you have some decisions to make. Do you keep working, or continue your education? That's the easy part. Here are the difficult things you will have to deal with.
The magic hamper is gone. You know, that basket in the bathroom where you throw your clothes and wet towels and they suddenly reappear a couple days later clean and folded. It is gone. Get used to it. It's very simple to do, just put in the laundry soap, turn the dial and start it up. Oh yeah, start saving your quarters. When you have your own place I can almost guarantee your efficiency apartment won't come with a brand new washer and dryer.
Ants. Yes, that's right, ants. What do ants have to do with graduating from high school? You will soon become acquainted with them. I know because when I moved into my own place I had trouble with the concept of cleaning dishes and wiping the crumbs off of the counter. Dishes were piled up high and you couldn't even use the faucet without knocking down the teetering mound of plates and cereal bowls. The ants will soon find this buffet and will be coming and going at their leisure.
Welcome to AOL. Remember that high speed internet you had at Mom and Dad's? It cost money and you will inevitably try to save a few bucks and get dial up internet service. The two bad things about this are that nothing online works on dial up anymore, and once you subscribe to AOL, it practically takes an act of congress to cancel it!
Tuna fish and ramen noodles. When you are out on your own for the first time you will discover that the vast array of wonderful meals has disappeared. Also, you money supply has somehow shrunk, due to things like rent, utilities, insurance etc.... You will learn how to dress up mac and cheese with some tuna and green peas and discover the joy of buying ramen noodles ten packages for a dollar.
Overall, your life will see some dramatic changes. A lot of them will take time to get used to, but just like everyone else, you will find a way to get by. Just don't forget, now that you are out on your own your parents might actually want you around once in a while. They got used to having you there for 18 years, so it will be an adjustment for them too. You can use this to your advantage by dropping in for a visit, with three loads of laundry. Oh, and make sure you plan to visit around supper time.
Good luck!
To the graduates.
You did it. You finished high school. Now you have some decisions to make. Do you keep working, or continue your education? That's the easy part. Here are the difficult things you will have to deal with.
The magic hamper is gone. You know, that basket in the bathroom where you throw your clothes and wet towels and they suddenly reappear a couple days later clean and folded. It is gone. Get used to it. It's very simple to do, just put in the laundry soap, turn the dial and start it up. Oh yeah, start saving your quarters. When you have your own place I can almost guarantee your efficiency apartment won't come with a brand new washer and dryer.
Ants. Yes, that's right, ants. What do ants have to do with graduating from high school? You will soon become acquainted with them. I know because when I moved into my own place I had trouble with the concept of cleaning dishes and wiping the crumbs off of the counter. Dishes were piled up high and you couldn't even use the faucet without knocking down the teetering mound of plates and cereal bowls. The ants will soon find this buffet and will be coming and going at their leisure.
Welcome to AOL. Remember that high speed internet you had at Mom and Dad's? It cost money and you will inevitably try to save a few bucks and get dial up internet service. The two bad things about this are that nothing online works on dial up anymore, and once you subscribe to AOL, it practically takes an act of congress to cancel it!
Tuna fish and ramen noodles. When you are out on your own for the first time you will discover that the vast array of wonderful meals has disappeared. Also, you money supply has somehow shrunk, due to things like rent, utilities, insurance etc.... You will learn how to dress up mac and cheese with some tuna and green peas and discover the joy of buying ramen noodles ten packages for a dollar.
Overall, your life will see some dramatic changes. A lot of them will take time to get used to, but just like everyone else, you will find a way to get by. Just don't forget, now that you are out on your own your parents might actually want you around once in a while. They got used to having you there for 18 years, so it will be an adjustment for them too. You can use this to your advantage by dropping in for a visit, with three loads of laundry. Oh, and make sure you plan to visit around supper time.
Good luck!