Nerd A-Ramma Wi-Fi

The following photo was staged.
You may remember that Andrew opted to skip Graduation. Thanks to our friend, Emily, we were able to re-create the make believe moment after the fact. Thanks Em!

Looking back at the days following Andrew's graduation (*you know - the one he didn't attend), I noticed that he seemed anxious. After work, I'd see him fidgeting. He was overwhelmed with a false sense of needing to get something done for school. Soon after, he channeled that excess of energy into finding a job.

It's clear that the long process of saying "Goodbye" to our friends, family and neighbors has begun. When wearing the veil of denial, this process isn't painful. I know it's happening, but rarely do I feel that it is. I prefer numbness over heart ache. Avoiding my list of to-do's help me maintain above mentioned, state of denial; so here I sit.

On the other hand, my focused other half has been busy. At the moment, he is happily de-junking another box of junk he picked up from his Dad's garage. Never fear hoarders, I'm sure a hefty percentage of his junk - uh I mean, treasured goods, will make it with us to the South. Unfortunately, the fish tanks has found a new home... known as the D.I. (cue malicious laughter, MWAH-HA-HA). The fish re-located to our friend's tank.

I'm diverting from intended topic. My apologies.

I can't say that I'm surprised by Andrew's calm, relaxed demeanor as we prepare for this HUGE, life changing event. That's just how he rolls. He takes it all in stride (whatever that means, I'm not really sure). With that being said, I was somewhat surprised when I detected a trace of sadness in his voice after leaving a a recent BBQ with his college friends.

"I spent years with them, Ali." he quietly said.

And it's true. If you didn't count the time we spent together asleep, I'd wager that he spent more time with his college family studying than he did at home. Looking back - that's a whole lot of male bonding.

Andrew never joined a Greek Fraternity. To be honest, I don't know much about Fraternities and Sororities. I'm semi familiar with the process of pledging or "rushing" as I believe it's sometimes called and a batch of unfair stereotypes...but that's about it.

After observing his relationship with this particular group, I've decided that Andrew naturally fell into his own Geek Fraternity. A Fraternity I've respectfully named,

Nerd A-Ramma Wi-Fi

*Please know that this word "Nerd" is revered. It's a loving term of endearment in our family

The bonding began at SLCC. We witnessed and shared in life changing events; awkward first dates, engagements, weddings, new homes, arrival of babies, added lifts to off-road vehicles... you know, important stuff like that.*Side note: Like the fish tank, our 4-runner is gone. It took two hours to sell that puppy; I'm not even kidding.

Knowing that they chose to spend time socially after spending hours together up at the U, was a testament to their friendship. Fortunately, they each ended up with a stellar wife; women I'm now lucky to count as friends.