the kind of confidence I never had

(as if there's only one kind)

I’m in Texas this week visiting colleges with my first-born. It’s been a cool time and we’ve packed a lot in. Got to see some good friends, explore a little, eat some yummy food. But I’m presently captivated by an image that will probably become the highlight of my trip. So, with apologies to the good friends we’ve seen, here it is...

I’m “working” at a coffee shop on the edge of campus. On the street corner in front of me, there’s a kid about the same age as mine, holding a sandwich board.

(Why is it, by the way, that mattress stores have collectively agreed THIS is the best way to advertise?) 

Anyway, the kid holding the sign: I’m pretty sure he’s trying to hide the fact that he’s eating a hot-dog. He’s most definitely not hiding the fact that he’s listening to something amazing on his air-pods - probably way too loud cuz I’m old now.

He is somehow playing air-guitar and drums at the same time. I sort of imagine him prepping for his high-school Battle of the Bands competition or maybe even backing up Scott Pilgrim in Sex Bob-Omb!

This kid loves his job. At least right now he does. I'm not sure how one can love holding a sandwich board, but he was pulling it off. And anyway, his job isn’t "sandwich board holder". It’s "Rock Star!" 

This is the kind of confidence I never had.  I'm not sure I've found my inner rock star. I certainly hadn’t found it in high school. I suppose the best I can do, for now, is to help my kids find theirs.

So, here I am, sitting in a coffee shop, while my baby girl tours a college campus that is both across the street and a world away. She’s meeting me here in about 20 minutes. I’m brainstorming about the worldly wisdom I could impart as she prepares for this next step in her journey.

I suppose I could ask probing questions or help her make a pro/con list. Or maybe I’ll just buy her a latte and have her watch the kid with the sandwich board for a while.

kZB