Weekending

 

March is flying by. How is it already mid-month? That is not a rhetorical question btw. We hit the road very early Friday morning Madison-bound for an admitted student day at the University. I wasn't sure we needed to go, but I'm glad we did. The whole day was designed to woo the students...get them excited. It worked for our future Badger who will be in this fall's freshman class, and yes, September will be here far too soon too.

Faculty presented on various topics, we ate lunch at The Gordon Market, took another tour of the campus and a tour of the Nicholas Rec Center. My biggest takeaway was a sense of pride in our Wisconsin legacy. A record 60,000 number of applicants applied for this fall. Last year's freshman class was around 8500 students. It isn't easy to get in. Lily earned her spot and can be proud of her past efforts and future endeavors. And while it isn't Harvard or Yale, UW is a prestigious institution. I was reminded that Madison grads make up the largest number of Fortune 500 CEOs and also the largest number of Peace Corp Volunteers. Both impressive.

A big takeaway for Lily is the realization that it's okay to not have a blueprint for her future yet, or even for the next four years. There was an emphasis on exploration and countless offers for guidance along the way. I have seen this firsthand with Ted's experience. He has benefited from the wisdom and support of mentors. He came in thinking he wanted to go the finance route, pivoted and is now studying international tax with a clear career path upon graduation. She too will find her way.

We all agreed that while the campus dining halls offer more variety these days, the food is just okay, this isthmus is no joke in winter (warm coat, hat, gloves are a must), the Nich center is 4 floors of unbelievable (thanks Ab!), Memorial Union trumps Union South (that terrace) and The State Historical Society is the place to study (think Hogwarts). So while things change, they also stay the same.

 

We met up with Ted in time to watch the Badger Basketball game at State Street Brats. Lily got a little taste of Madison nightlife before we hustled to dinner. We had reserves at one place, but Ted suggested we eat at Cento instead as he really enjoyed it the week before with Uncle B and Aunt A. It was a good call because we had a lovely and delicious time from the cheese board to the tiramisu. We bundled up and headed back down State Street stopping at The Plaza for a not so quick game of darts before calling it a night. We were exhausted from the busy day and the over 10 miles logged.

 

The other highlight of the weekend was the return of Sunday dinner for which my brother and sister in law joined us. I set the table, lit candles, cued up the jazz and made dessert. Mike was in charge of the ribs. It's always my favorite way to end the weekend: yummy food, lively conversation, warm atmosphere...just because. Just because intentional communion is the perfect way to end one week and start another.