More Bits

My oldest son Ryan got hired for his first job today. It was his third application and third time's a charm. He was so excited until he had to start filling out all the paper work. Just like going to the bathroom, no job is finished until the paper work is done.

We had to make a quick trip to the Social Security office to get a copy of his SS card. The lady behind the counter has to ask a series of questions to fill the copy request. One of the questions she asked was what is his mother's maiden name and he answered her. Then Ryan said to me that he had filled in his own last name as his maiden name on his job application. The clerk and I looked confused at Ryan and explained to him that only women have maiden names. How hard did the manager laugh when he read Ryan's maiden name?

Towards the end of the application for a copy of his SS card, the clerk administered an oath to the veracity of his statements for the application. Her words included that Ryan must 'swear to tell the truth or face perjury charges under the penalty of law, which could result in a prison term. Then she asked if Ryan's statements to her were truthful. Dead silence from Ryan and a glazed look came over him as he tuned out the clerk's voice. Boy, did I ever recognize that tune-out look on Ryan's face! She repeated his sworn truthful statement and Ryan snapped out of his trance and answered her 'yes'. The clerk and I laughed at how easily teens can tune out an adults voice while Ryan stammered that he was reading the copy application sheet.

On the way out of the SSA, I mentioned to Ryan how many times I had seen that glazed look come over his face when I talked to him or when he was texting when I was talking. I only wish I could threaten prison all the times my kids tune me out!

When we got home, I received the new insurance policy in the mail for Ryan to be covered while driving since he received his Driver's License recently. I handed him the envelope and told him "Now that you have a job, here's your first bill." His face fell clear to the floor. He hasn't even had his job orientation yet, let alone a schedule. His question to me? What did I mean that it wasn't all his money? Welcome to the real world, Ryan, sweetie :0)


The weather in Iowa is finally Fair after all the rain we've had this summer ( something like 67 days so far). Yes, I mean the Iowa State Fair. I have fond memories of taking my children to the fair, and even one good memory of going to the fair when I was pregnant with Ryan.

So this year is the big year when I decided to let them go by themselves. I remember that was a big thing with me when my parents let me go to the fair alone with my friends. Danny and Ryan were off to the fair. Ryan has texted me several pictures from the fair of the "Sheila Monster", an affectionate name given to me by my brothers when I was growing up whenever they saw the ugly lizard of a similar name. Oh, those boys!

Speaking of my boys, I took the boys to the first annual Jest Fest here in Des Moines. Boy did we have a blast and a lot of laughs! Friday night was The Higgins Boys & Gruber with Willie Farrell. We got to go back stage and talk with the stars. Saturday night we went back to Hoyt Sherman to see Chicago's Second City comedy troupe. The last time I was at Hoyt Sherman Place was some odd 40 years ago when I danced in several dance recitals there. I took Ballet from Tanglefoot Cottage with Lois Penn when I was young.

Cue Barbara for the music and sing "Memories..."


The Sheila Monster