My Baby Girl is Grown Up

Wow, what an experience! I am not talking about the awesome sight seeing in Roma or Berlin as shown in Amanda’s great photos on her flicker site. I am talking about seeing my baby girl taking on so much. Amanda has had to adapt to a brand new environment with less hot water (I still can’t get over this one), harsh weather (I was lucky not to have to deal with it), different human interactions, a totally different educational setting, a tight budget, a “criminal” landlord, and all the while, she has to develop herself as an artist. Hats off to you, Mandi! I am so very glad to be able to visit you and catch a glimpse of how you’ve been learning. I think you have matured and acquired independence and life skills in an accelerated way. I am most impressed with your ability to incorporate other people and their agendas into your schedule; just be careful not to spread yourself too thin, pumpkin. It is your time to develop your self-interests, so take advantage of all of your opportunities when you can.

I am so proud of you, Amanda. I know you have a long adventure ahead of you simply because you have made it so far and can continue to refine your goals. Keep working hard to develop yourself, and opportunities will show up. You just have to go get them.

One can tell a lot about a person by her friends and associations, and you have surrounded yourself with intelligent, decent, innovative, hard-working, go-getting people. Good for you, pumpkin, it’s all about karma!

I am very happy to have you home in a month and a half. I know we have our moments, especially when we are PMSing...watch out! I also know you are grown up and want to have your own space. You are smart and you know how to take care of yourself now, so I don’t worry. We can resume our shopping sprees, museum hopping, dim-sum Sundays, etc when you get back. Maybe we can take yoga together...I want to have a stronger, toner body. See, I can’t wait till you come home.

Love ya, my Ribasaurus Clan,
Mama