Saturday, September 9, 2017

First Shift

Coco first real shift.  It's not just watching training videos.  This is the real deal.  I am very proud of him.
     Coco reported back that he was told to grab a cart.  Then he was given a shopping list.  He had to run around the store and grab each item on this list.  Then they had to check out.  He had to bag each item correctly.  Then they had to put everything back.  What a great way to learn the store.  Coco was very upbeat after his shift.  Excellent start.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Managing Expectations

It is ok to modify expectations and goals.  I need to remind myself of that.  Things change.  Change is acceptable.  Even with things going well, there will still be ups and downs.  Good days and bad days. We adjust.  We move on.  Move forward.
     A return to football did happen the way we planned it.  Coco let his anxiety build for weeks.  Months maybe.  The conditioning was too much.  He anguished over saying anything.  But he was secretly miserable.  He let it consume him.  Demi finally got him to face facts.  He broke down while letting it gush out of him.  Demi cried while listening.  Fortunately, Coco had a therapy session that day.  Timing is everything.  Though neither said it, I feel like Coco was scared to tell me.  Demi used kid gloves too.  Honestly, I felt some anger.  Some frustration.  I felt like he was giving up on himself.  But the relief could be seen on him.  It was as clear as day.  That made it the right decision.
     However, we still wanted Coco active.  We wanted him part of a team.  Demi placed a call to Coach Calrissian.  He knows Coco from School and from helping Coco through his tough times.  He was a central part of his success last year.  Coach Calrissian offered Coco a spot as a team manager.  The team would work with Coco's schedule.  Coco could work and attend practices  and games.  It sounded like a great middle ground.
     Tonight is the home opener.  Coco was fired up for it.  I took him down an hour early to start helping out.  He seemed happy.  That is important.  He needs to be happy about this.  I truly think he is.  So now the expectations are different.  And that is ok.

Monday, September 4, 2017

Labor Day 2017

Some lament this weekend.  They call it the end of summer.  Phooey!  With global warming, it's not going to get cold for a while yet.  Plus, it is college football weekend.  College football season is really the most wonderful time of the year.
     The Noel's opened against Bama. Sure the Noles got hammered.  Sure they lost their star QB.  Auburn opened up with an inferior opponent.  But hey...war eagle!  There were great games this weekend.  We got to the beach.  We grilled.  We drank great beer.  What is not to love?  And with college football, Coco wants to spend time with the old man.  He want to talk with the old man.  Even Caz chimed in from Auburn.  Life is good.

Friday, September 1, 2017

Drive Time

Demi is organizing a carpool for the start of the school year.  Coco hasn't finished his required drive time. We were warned.  This particular driving school in Kingston is really hard to get drive times.  The classroom part is excellent.  The testing is great.  They have the RMV come to them for the drive test.  But now we are past when Coco is eligible to take his test.  We didn't request bus service for him.  So now?  Carpool time.