Newest Norseman

Today we drove from sunrise south into rain clouds and spent the day at Luther College in Northeastern Iowa. It was my son Joren's registration day. It was our third trip to Luther in Decorah in the last 18 months as we've been discerning with him about college choices.

Luther admissions very clearly chose him, but he kind of ended up there by procrastinating default and with the help of a reference from an friend alumus, Karen (Thank you, Karen!). Last year during Spring Break Luther was his first choice with cursory attention being paid to St. Olaf, Macalester, and Northwestern. After his All State Choir experience last summer, combined with some trips to St. Olaf in the fall, becoming an Ole was the top priority.

But then the procrastination bug bit and no amount of badgering from this bitchy mother could get the 17-year-old senior to get his college applications and audition requirements finished in time for anywhere . . . . but Luther. Hmmmm........

Luther wanted him, no question. But he had to decide for himself. Once he stopped beating up on himself for blowing it, he came to the realization that it's a great school and they want him.

Today he was sort of bragging about how difficult accomplishing a music major for vocal performance will be. Clearly he wants to rise to the challenge. We required him to attend the Procrastination Prevention workshop:)

Registration and orientation was so efficient, friendly and smooth today. It did not compare to the Arthur Missoula experience of two years ago whatsoever. The difference between a regional, small, private, faith-based, liberal arts college and a western state university were night and day. Don't get me wrong, U of Montana was a great choice and a great learning and yearning year for Arthur. FYI - his first night interning on the ambulance crew proved to be a hit, although a relatively slow night - only two trsansport calls and both relatively mundane. But he loved every minute of it and can't wait to work again on Wednesday night.

So the moment of the day that brought my heart joy for Joren was when we were visiting his grandparents on the way home and Grama asked about his day. He explained what his class schedule would be like. He reassured her that he will learn about his roomate(s) and dorm assignment in August and that it was okay since they hand-pick the roommates. He also related his need to audition for an ensemble in the fall but that all freshman men end up in the Norsemen choir.

*BIG GRIN*

Grampa then asked, "Do you think you'll like it?"

"Oh, I'm gonna love living there," he replied, without a beat of hesitation.

Music to my ears.

So we spent some cash in the giftshop and outfitted ourselves with Norse attire reminding Joren that he may be the only Danish Episcopalian in the incoming class.

His reply; "I bet I'm the only Joren Skov, too!"

One can only hope.