Well, we asked permission and got to move her in a day early. It was still crowded and crazy. For instance, you pull in and get a parking pass for 25 minutes to unload...yep, not even a half hour. Then you go in and check in, surrender your ID in exchange for your key and a form to note room damages. You must fill that in BEFORE you can move anything in.

Needless to say, we were there WAY over the specified time but as it was not yet a zoo...apparently it was not a problem.

I had forgotten how institutional (and small) dorm rooms are. Their "renovation" included new floor tile and furniture (more later on that) but not new paint as there were several tear marks (from summer school?) nor updated bath fixtures (rust and even a bit of mold/mildew). Kate was finally glad that I had sent her with shower cleaner and clorox wipes!

So, once we got the form filled in... we unpacked. For those who thought WE packed a lot, good grief! One girl had a futon! (You can stack beds on one side leaving more floorspace...if you aren't short, as KT says!).

Dad and Kate worked on the electronics while I lined drawers and put shelving in the closet. Her furniture included a dresser which turned out to be three drawers: maybe 36 inches wide...one about four inches deep and two about eight to ten inches deep. Yep, for a GIRL's room. We were thankful for the multiple hangers we had packed. We then determined that IF toilet paper is provided...it isn't yet. So, off we went for Lupper (combo lunch/supper) and to get a few last minute things and a few more pieces of artwork. We brought Christie back to see the room and she helped her dad put together a chrome free standing bathroom shelf.

Before we knew it...it was late, we were all tired and ready to leave. Except Christie who realized finally that Kate was not coming back with. That was the only time I teared up.

So on the way home, I focused on Chris...change is hard for her too. Go figure, she is wired very much like me. So, last night she slept in Kate's bed and somehow, that made it easier for everyone.

BTW, when we took Chris out to supper on the way home...I once again said to the waiter, "Four, non-smoking please." Christie had to remind me it was three. Even as we laughed, it struck me how odd that really is going to be.

Last night at 1130 Les asked if I thought she had remembered her door does not autolock when closed. I said I had no idea but luckily she is right across the alcove from the Resident Mentor and few people had moved in so she would be okay. I want it noted that it was not ME that called at 1130pm to see if her door was locked. (But I was secretly happy that he did) Kate was too sleepy to be pissed. :-)

Today we shopped for Christie...school stuff and a few fun clothes, haircuts, etc. Was nice to focus on her after so much Katie time. We even found a great dress for her winter semi-formal coming up...a costume event in which she is going as Night. We laughed and talked and she would occasionally reach over and take my hand. Sweet.

Kate called and said she slept fine (afterward) and had met a couple of guys from her floor that were from her high school and the other rival in our town. No sign of roomie or suite mates but she said downstairs was like a zoo. She was glad to already be done which I think might be Katie speak for thank you. She sounded relaxed, happy and excited. It was good to hear.

Tomorrow, brunch with Gpa, Ms Suzanne, us "three," KT, and whoever she invites. One of our birthday prezies to go along with the art stuff and leather portfolio we have already sent. Maybe the most appreciated will be the $$$ in her card to take folks out for Indian food or to Mellow Mushroom for pizza on Monday, her birthday. Should be fun for them.

Looks like this is going to be good.