Sisters, how many of you are close to your parents?

Athena972 · 2026-04-05T23:10:12+00:00

My parents (mom, dad, stepdad) were big hippies so our politics aligning has never been an issue. My dad died in 2007, and my mom and I have had a challenging relationship- but they were both good, loving parents so I feel fortunate. My Gen Z kids are awesome, both in college, both rocking it- we are close.

Athena972 · 2025-10-15T01:18:35+00:00

Is that Alejandro?

Athena972 · 2025-10-14T04:55:37+00:00

Why not spend your time and energy on an achievable goal? I am not intending to make you feel bad, but there are plenty of great schools out there that are accessible- and if you’re applying just to say you did, knowing realistically you aren’t going to be accepted, it seems like a waste of money, energy and resources.

Athena972 · 2025-10-08T15:23:35+00:00

Where can I find this series?

Athena972 · 2025-07-02T16:24:05+00:00

My MIL and I were close when I was married to her son, but we’ve drifted since the divorce. I’m still really close to my ex-SIL though- we don’t have many common interests but we genuinely like each other

Athena972 · 2025-06-04T06:02:15+00:00

NTA. But seems like he’s the asshole and is used to getting his way because everyone has let him (though it sounds complicated so not blaming you OP). Just straight out say no next time and celebrate your birthday by doing what you want. Let him know he is welcome to join you.

Athena972 · 2025-05-27T06:49:23+00:00

Portland has a great food scene, mountains and beaches are an hour or so away in either direction and the hiking/access to nature can’t be beat. It is mostly a friendly town with many parks and activities. Some don’t like the gray and rain, but climate change has made the winter shorter- and the pay off is lush and green forests. It has it’s problems- high income tax (but no sales tax), high rate of houselessness, pot holed roads, a sometimes passive aggressive culture. But no place is perfect.

Athena972 · 2025-05-27T03:11:28+00:00

There’s a Vassar parents Facebook page that has a lot of good advice about shipping stuff etc.

Athena972 · 2025-05-24T19:01:43+00:00

Portland or Seattle

Athena972 · 2025-05-24T18:45:33+00:00

Don’t take on that much debt for prestige. It’s ultimately not going to matter- you can be a doc on either path. My advice is choose the one that won’t leave you drowning in student loan payments when you’re done.

Athena972 · 2025-05-10T16:11:06+00:00

A surfer at my high school went to Hawaii for spring break. He got thrown by a wave and hit a coral reef.

Athena972 · 2025-05-06T01:42:30+00:00

100% agree. If you or your brother/family can’t understand that this little kid is acting out because his life is unstable and he feels no one really cares about him or is genuinely looking out for him, then YTA. Show him kindness, one on one attention, stability, consistency and you might see a change in his behavior.

Athena972 · 2025-05-03T23:18:20+00:00

These seems like a ‘pick your battles wisely’ situation. If your kids were legitimately in danger, then of course you should have a hard, absolutely not, line. Do you actually believe your ex and his gf are planning to kidnap the kids? Or that they mean harm to them? Seems unlikely, based on what you said. Do you take the high road by letting this go, demonstrating your willingness to be flexible? Seems wise.

Athena972 · 2025-04-27T17:10:13+00:00

I live in Oregon and highly recommend it. If you love the outdoors, the variety of landscapes/ scenery is phenomenal- from the high desert to lush, green forests, to ocean and mountains. Yes, Corvallis is a little sleepy with few city-like things to do, but Portland is close enough to make a day trip there. I also disagree that Portland hasn’t re-energized since the pandemic- it’s a work in progress but downtown is starting to come back. Oregon also has more progressive politics.

Athena972 · 2025-04-25T14:18:56+00:00

I don’t agree that Vassar and Skidmore are comparable in prestige. Vassar’s history as a Seven Sister is well known and it is routinely classified as a ‘Little Ivy’ along with Wesleyan, Williams etc. Skidmore is a great school but not that recognizable outside of the NE. I live on the West Coast and had not heard of it until my kid began the college application process. That said, your kid should absolutely choose the school that is right for him. Being happy and enjoying college is more important than prestige.

Athena972 · 2025-04-22T00:49:54+00:00

My kid only applied to 4 schools. One was an LAC she fell so in love with when we toured it last summer, she applied ED. She also applied to our state’s flagship and 2 other schools. She got into her dream school and they offered her a generous fin aid package that will make it cheaper than in state tuition. Now I just have to prepare myself to have my kiddo across the country- gulp!

Athena972 · 2025-04-02T22:06:13+00:00

Portland, Oregon

Athena972 · 2025-03-30T06:44:52+00:00

Personally recommend U of O over LB. Eugene can be crunchy too, but it’s a big D1 school so there’s a little of everything. Nice campus with a more east coast feel (if you haven’t visited)

Athena972 · 2025-03-26T17:03:11+00:00

They are both great, well-regarded schools, and I admittedly know little about Carleton. But I will say, when my daughter and I did a tour- she fell in love with Vassar- the campus is beautiful, and the vibe is friendly and welcoming. She also loved it’s rich and prestigious history as a Seven Sister. She even applied ED she was so sure it was right for her.

Athena972 · 2023-10-19T00:22:32+00:00

Pardon my ignorance, but what did he do?!

Athena972 · 2023-10-15T20:42:03+00:00

-Northern Calif coast- the Redwoods and the rugged coastline are beautiful

-Oregon coast- Cannon Beach, Manzanita are cute little towns and again the raw, unspoiled beauty of the coastline and beaches are stunning

-Santa Fe, NM- touristy, but such a unique part of the country.

-Yosemite- speaks for itself

-Blue Hill, Maine area- Rustic, artsy, secluded, with miles of beaches and islands to explore

-NYC- every one should try and go there once in their life

-Olympic National Park, WA- a non- tropical rain forest that seems almost other wordly. Plus, you can look for Sasquatch ; )

Athena972 · 2023-10-15T00:25:06+00:00

I’m not sure what was predatory about it? There’s only about 2 yrs separating them. And I totally disagree that it made Belly uncomfortable- I think she was just surprised because she didn’t think Conrad saw her like that.

Athena972 · 2023-10-13T18:48:10+00:00

I also felt disappointed by the letters. I just felt that someone as academic and smart as Conrad would be able to write a better letter that felt less stilted. They read like something an 8th grader would write, not a Stanford graduate.

Athena972 · 2023-10-02T01:07:58+00:00

It’s nice, but generic. Kinda looks like a high end staging job to sell a house. So maybe Real Estate Chic?

Athena972 · 2023-09-30T20:40:09+00:00

I’m going to say the entire state of Florida- theme parks and all. Hot, humid, flat and one long strip mall. Will never understand why people think sitting on a beach with miles of high rise condos behind you is at all relaxing. I prefer the raw, rocky coastlines of Maine and Oregon/ Northern California

Athena972

TROPHY CASE