Thursday, October 18, 2007

Senior Discount, Anyone?

I deserve a senior discount. I really, really deserve one. Uh, hold on there a minute, folks. Don’t get the idea I’m announcing I’m now officially eligible for that cheaper cup of coffee or ten percent discount at the check outs on Wednesdays. Sadly, that day will come all too soon. (Some days I feel it’s just around the corner…!)

No, what I’m talking about is a high school senior discount. As some of you may know, I’m the mother of triplets who are currently high school seniors -- twelfth graders in the throes of ‘senioritis’ -- and all the lovely symptoms that come with the affliction. I mean condition.

Think about it for a minute. ACT, PSAT, FAFSA. All those acronyms in triplicate! Triple the college visits, triple the number of graduation announcements, triple the hormones and the ‘tudes. Like I said, I deserve a senior discount. (And a long vacation)

The other day senior pictures were scheduled. Times three, remember. I didn’t know who to feel sorrier for: me or the photographer. Me, for trying to get everyone ready and there on time. Makeup? Check. Brush and comb? Check. Different outfits? Check. Shoes for said outfits? Check. Directions to the photographer’s rustic country location? Yikes! Okay so I ended up getting lost. (The only reason we weren’t late was because I was judging the time from the clock in the car and it was off by more than thirty minutes.) The photogrpaher had it little better. He ended up toting his camera back and forth a gazillion times for the outdoor shots -- narrowly escaping head trauma from a bunch of walnuts dislodged and sent plummeting earthward by an inquisitive squirrel--and exhibited Job-like patience waiting for the various changes of apparel. And changes of mind about backgrounds. And props. Or whether to smile or not to smile. Or rest a chin in a hand or cross arms or sit, stand, lie, lean… All in triplicate, of course. Whew!

We were finishing up for the night and down to the last picture. “Join us, Mom, for the last picture,” the triplets urged as I sat slumped in the tall director’s chair prop. “Please!” They chorused.

I gave them a ‘get real’ look. I had on scruffy jeans and a hoodie. My forehead was raw from all the forehead rubbing. What little hair I had left was standing straight up. And I had a little ‘tude of my own.

“Maybe next time,” I said.

“But we’re only graduating once, Mom!” they reminded me.

I smiled then. Broadly. Warmly. Wickedly. Times three.

“Now that’s the smile we’re looking for!” the photographer exclaimed.

And know what? That senior discount is looking better and better all the time.

So, how do you feel about growing old? Or older? What about your children growing up and moving on? Looking forward to it? Or fighting it every step of the way?

Oh, before I sign off for today I want to congratulate Linda H for being the winner of our first Killer Fiction prize package. I’ll be sending the goodies out to Linda this weekend! Congrats again, Linda, and thanks for visiting our Killer Fiction Writers blog! Come back often!

And make sure you all drop in this Saturday. Our Killer Fiction guest blogger is Dorchester Debut author, Angie Fox. Angie’s first book, THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER, will be out in August, ’08. She’ll blog about her ‘sale’ story and 'the call' so make sure you stop in and check it out!

See you next week!

~Bullet Hole Bacus~

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't have kids but I can't imagine coping with ONE, let alone three at once! You're a brave woman. :)

Christie Craig said...

Kathy,

I have a senior now, too. So I can relate, minus two. As for getting older . . . I decided not to do that. Nope, I'm going to stay young. :-)

Great post.

Crime Scene Christie

Stacy S said...

I only have one and thought he was hard enough(he'll be 11 Sunday!). I couldn't imagine 3 at once. Did you take the picture with them?

Kathy Bacus said...

It's a bit daunting at times, Tori. Through all their various stages of development I've told myself, "When they're ______, (fill in the blank with a developmental phase of your choice)it will get easier." Uh, news flash. Never did. Just different.

Triple the tears, but triple the joy, too!

Thanks for weighing in!

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

Only one, Christie? Lightweight! :)

And I guess I look at aging as being preferable to the alternative...!

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

Uh, that would be a big NO on the photo op, Stacy. No amount of touch ups or photo shop technology could have made me look human that night. Not even close.

Eleven is a tough age. They're entering middle school and that's where they begin to think they know it all. Hold on. It's a bumpy ride from this point on!

~Bullet Hole~

Gemma Halliday said...

Kathy, you're a saint. Times three.

~Gemma

Estella said...

My 'baby' is 37 years old, and yes I'm looking forward to my senior discount----next month.

Kathy Bacus said...

Yeah right, Gemma. I'm right up there with Mother Teresa. Snort.

But thanks for thinking so!

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

I'm thinking the 'perks' associated with senior discount status are probably less appealing than still being on the other side of the cut off, Estella.

Guess I'll find out, won't I? Thanks for posting!

~Bullet Hole~

Lily said...

Getting old... I don't know... I don't think about it! because you never know what will happen tomorrow... so I don't imagine something happening in 40 years.

Jana DeLeon said...

Heavens, making it through with 3 teenagers, a full-time job and writing books - hell, you don't deserve a discount. You deserve a winning lottery ticket! :)

Kathy Bacus said...

That's a great way to look at things, Lily. And frankly, I don't have time to worry about growing older anyhow. Guess it's better that way, huh?

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

Don't forget the night classes, too, Jana! :)

And I agree. There sure as heck oughta be a winning lottery ticket with ol' Bullet Hole's name on it. For the jackpot, of course!

Hey, it could happen...

~Bullet Hole~

Jenyfer Matthews said...

My youngest, a boy, just turned 5 yesterday and I swear he's harder to manage than a barrel of monkeys so I cannot imagine having three of him!! My daughter is 7 going on 17 with an attitude to match so ditto. Hats off to you, Kathy!

And just wait until all three are producing grandchildren for you!!!

Kathy Bacus said...

Uh, thanks for putting the "Grandma" visual in my head, Jennifer. While I'd love grandchildren, I hope my kids hold off for a while and let me catch my breath!

~Bullet Hole~

Nathalie said...

Old is beautiful... think of all the experiences you have lived!

Anonymous said...

True... but the wrinkles!! Don't want to think about it... though the discounts must be nice :)