Teenage Milestones

Yesterday, my precious teenage daughter, went to the DMV, waited along with the rest of the masses, had her number called, her picture taken, written test handed to her, and proceeded to take her test. I sat on the side lines being appropriately anxious, even though I pulled off the cool and confident mom bit. I had to for Chelsea. I didn't want my nerves rubbing off on her nerves, making her so anxious that she couldn't properly read and answer the questions. When she was done she mouthed to me "what do I do now?" I responded by pointing her to the appropriate counter where she nervously handed her completed test to the awaiting DMV grader. I joined her at the counter; Chelsea couldn't look, I couldn't stop looking at he made hash marks across some of her answers. My mind started rushing, "how many can you miss before you fail? She'll be crushed if she fails. Will I be crushed if she fails? I've got to hold it together for her in case she fails. Don't be silly, there is no way she is going to fail." I think you get the picture. The DMV dude looks up and says, "Congratulations, you passed!" The relief that rushed through me was palpable and need I tell you Chelsea's reaction? I took her picture but she forbade me to post it. She was smiling very big in the picture as she held up her driver's permit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dan and I leave with Greg and Mona tomorrow for Mendocino where we plan to ring in the new year. The kids declined to come, so we're leaving them home alone for the first time. I'm so nervous. I don't know what about. I was practically living on my own when I was Chelsea's age, but whenever I give my kids a little more freedom it is always accompanied with a bit of nervousness. I think I've asked the entire population of Chico to check in on them, so there are plenty of eyes on them. We'll be staying for two days and two nights. We love going to the coast because we truly are cut off from most technology. Cell phones don't work, no television reception, and no computers. It's a chance to hunker down with a good book in front of the fire with one's favorite beverage close by. I so need to be cut off from the world for a while with my husband and best friends. I'll take lots of pictures. Happy New Year everyone!