Awhile back E and I were talking about sophomore year being a “break” in the action. A year to enjoy since the year prior (freshman year) is all about new experiences (there are new friends, new activities, new school, new traditions) and the following year (junior year) is all about college prep and transitioning to more “adult” things like being more independent with driving, getting a job, college visits, etc. But crammed in the middle is this little oasis of time where you know what’s expected of you, you’re not dealing with many “firsts,” and you don’t yet have the responsibilities and pressures of what is coming.
And what’s funny is that while we were talking about that I was brought back to my own sophomore year and specifically the summers that bumped up against that time. And that was when I remember feeling the most free and unburdened. I have so many memories of spending days upon days at the beach with my friends, hours talking on the phone (land line back then, CRAZY), and sleeping until noon during the summers (which just seems insane considering sleeping until 7 is sleeping in these days).
But, E is E. And she doesn’t do anything halfway…so her “calm” sophomore year turned into more than her usual synchro, tennis, school, youth in government routine. It was all that plus three AP classes, working in the writing center at school during her “free” time, driving hours, applying for PSEO for next year, taking the PSAT a year early because she could, orchestra solo and ensemble competition…it just never ends. And the craziest thing is that she makes it all look easy.
So let’s talk about her year.
E recently said to me, “I need to remember that just because it might not be my ideal swim doesn’t mean it can’t be my best swim.” And while that is incredibly profound, she does continue to, in my very humble and unbiased opinion, have IDEAL AMAZING INCREDIBLE swims.
Last year at the state competition (where the team happens to be right now for this season if you are reading this on her actual birthday) E and her team did tremendous. The highlight of the state meet was SLP ended up 3rd, beating out a much larger team to get that spot. AND…E got all state which means she was one of the 10 top scorers. Considering it was her 3rd state competition and she was a freshman, it was a pretty remarkable accomplishment.
And just to bring us all up to date…she also had this season’s sections meet this past weekend and ended up being 1st in extended figures, her trio, and team and 2nd in duet. So she just keeps on bringing her best swims.
E of course carried on her synchro accomplishments with this past club season, competing both a solo and duet. While she qualified for the Junior Olympics this summer, we put that journey on hold for another year. BUT. Watch out Junior Olympics summer 2027: E has her eye on you.
But E doesn’t stop at having synchro year-round. She still participates in plenty of other activities, too. Like tennis. E started playing in middle school and really grew to enjoy it, so she continued in high school. She has found her spot playing doubles and this year she was put on the Varsity team where she played at Sections and lettered.
She participated in Youth In Government again this year, this time opting to be a part of the legislature instead of the judicial branch. And, as she enters her junior and senior years, she’s looking at leadership positions there…because of course.
One new activity that E took on this year was being a writing coach in the newly formed Writing Center at the high school. She got some official training over the summer for which she was paid (first job?!) and then over the course of the school year she spent time helping students with their writing assignments. She even had the opportunity to speak at a school board meeting about what they do and participated in a (virtual) conference with students from around the country also working in writing centers.
This year she really dove more into her orchestra career. Starting her freshman year she joined Orchestra leadership, which she continued this year. She once again was a part of Chamber and participated in one of the competitions for solos and ensembles. She took extra lessons with her teacher on some Saturday mornings in prep for the competition, oftentimes practicing for an hour or two prior to getting in the pool for synchro practice. She even designed the program for their winter concert. All of this effort resulted in her lettering in Orchestra this year. So I guess you can say E does not do anything halfway.
And then there is the driving. Miss E went ahead and got her permit this year and has spent countless hours driving with her dad. While I wish I could enjoy this phase, I am both in disbelief that I have a daughter old enough to drive and afraid to get in a car with her mainly because I know my gasps (that I wish I could control but they just come out!) would probably cause her to hate me. So for the sake of our relationship, I’m letting Marc take this one (you’re welcome, dear).
New phase of motherhood unlocked…having an older teen is like having another adult around in so many ways.
Her knowing me so well that she sends me recommendations of music and it is ALWAYS exactly what I want.
Her writing me a thank you note for supporting her during synchro.
Having a conversation about a musical and the different versions of songs one day and the next getting a playlist from her with her favorite version of each song for an “E” edition of the musical.
Getting messages on instagram of “Happy Mother’s Day” from her.
Music and her dad.
The love that she and her dad share over music is something I adore seeing. This year they went to two concerts together, Alessia Cara and Bruce Springsteen. E sang with Marc’s band a couple of times, including at the annual 4th of July show. And, a moment that I thought perfectly captured their shared interest over music: we were in an elevator and E got a very serious look on her face. A moment later she said, “the notes of the elevator dings sound like “No Surprises” by Radiohead.” Not sure if I’ve ever seen Marc so proud.
A few more tidbits from the year.
She’s smart. But sometimes she says things like “Wait…Detroit is on the east coast right? Like in NJ? It’s the vibes!”
We had concrete put on for our driveway and when it was time to officially drive on it for the first time, I wanted a ribbon cutting ceremony. She was willing and jumped into action.
While playing a game, she gave a clue for “vampire” with “evil fairy.”
She once commented that “corporate mom” is hair down. “Home mom” is hair in a bun or half up. And corporate mom getting mad is much scarier than home mom.
When B & E were reminiscing about the old house B brought up a wall that he apparently pushed E into and said to E, “At least now you can’t get pushed into that wall.” To which E quickly responded, “Well at least I don’t run into any walls.” Because B did, in fact, run into a wall as a toddler and gave himself a mild concussion.
This year E began watching “The Office” with Marc and me and has been loving it. But. The hatred she has for Ryan is next level and I love it.
While on vacation the resort we were staying at had daily water aerobics. E decided to join a few times and she (shockingly, I know) did quite well for herself.
E loves Luna so much and when she gets the chance for more pups to be around, she’s in!
When telling us about a test at school she felt good about she said, “Short answer questions? Not a problem. Your girl can prove an argument.”
After I dared to interrupt her while she was going on a sugar/caffeine rant she said, “You didn’t even let me get to the third also.”
Prior to us going to see “Thunderbolts,” the rest of the family besides E had gotten a little behind on our Avengers universe knowledge. So E took it upon herself to create a slide show for us, just to get us caught up, prior to seeing the movie.
E loves to create and while she was on a roadtrip with her brother, the news broke of the MN Twins trading away (basically) all their players. B was devastated and E made him a little art project to commemorate those we lost.
Speaking of creativity…I love when she gets inspired by something she sees online and decides to try it herself. Last summer she made cut outs of some of her favorite songs for her room!
E’s determination, passion, strong work ethic, leadership, dedication, and kindness are the traits that are going to take her places. I am absolutely loving my front row seat to the “E Show” and can’t wait to see what happens on season 17.
