“Senator Palpatine?!?” (turns to Panaka) “What’s happening?” – Padme Amidala, Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace
A lot has been happening, not that you’d know it by hanging out here. In no particular order, we:
Went to see Star Wars in Concert and had a fabulous time. Which was better, the actual program itself, all the people in costume roaming around before the show, watching the impromptu light-saber duels in the seating areas during intermission, or the movie props set up all around the lobby? Hard to say, because they were all terrifically fun. We had what can only be referred to as fantabulous seats – well worth the money.
Padawan Learner’s facebook status, uploaded by his mobile phone while we waited for the show to start, was OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!! Dad Windu’s only regret was not seeing any gold-bikini Princess Leia stand-ins, only mumu-ish white dress ones. Personally, I enjoyed noting that DW’s & PL’s Obi-Wan and Anakin costumes from a few years back (sadly, not worn that evening) were easily as good if not better than many (most) of the costumes there.
Spent the Fourth of July weekend in Minnesota with family, swimming at The Club, golfing (DW), hanging out with Queen Jamillia, Dorme, Verse & Count Dooku, watching the neighbor’s illegal fireworks (brought in from Wisconsin, we learned later), and talking about our whacky spring/early summer weather.
Started teaching PL to drive. He’s doing very well. Doesn’t enjoy it as much as he thought he would, but that’s not surprising. Driving for real is a bit more complicated (and scary) than a Need for Speed: Shift
Little bit of trivia about Iowa: on one’s 14th birthday, one may go down to the DMV and take the written driver’s test. If passed, one is allowed to get a learner’s permit and drive with a parent. Successfully passing a driver’s training program is not a requirement for obtaining a learner’s permit. AND if one does not pass the written driver’s test, one may come back the next business day and try again - without limit - until the test is passed. I’m going to say that again: without limit. Really? Seriously? OK, things that now scare the beejeezus out of me: 14 year olds driving. Doltish 14 year olds driving who failed the written test an untold number of times before getting lucky. Call me crazy, but shouldn’t you have to wait a bit if you fail the test? Perhaps to give you time to study a bit more. And wouldn’t there be some incentive to passing it if you had to shuck out a few bucks to pay for the subsequent testing times? But nooooooo, the place was full of parents sitting there with their dimwits their knuckle heads their would-be drivers. One of the moms next to me said, “Oh, this is our fourth time this week. I keep telling him he should just read the (driver’s manual) book and be done with it.” Let me tell you, driving in IA has taken on a whole new level or terror.
Went back to MI twice. Man, but that drive just doesn’t get any more relaxing or quicker. Not much time for socializing, but did manage to squeeze in a nice visit with Red Leader and her boys, PL got to stay over at Chewbacca’s house, had a quick dinner with an old neighbor and got the scoop on the people who bought our old house (very hermit-crab-ish), grabbed a drink with Padme Amidala and Princess Leia, and spent the night at our Sunday Morning Doughnut Buddies’ place.
Showed off Des Moines to our Sunday Morning Doughnut Buddies and found the ultimate beer bar for DW and them: El Bait Shop. Not being much of a beer drinker, I volunteer as the driver.
Off to the vet’s with the cats. Wish the vet luck. 
Wow, and I thought our motor vehicle laws were a little scary here in Oregon!
What is it with Star Wars? Amazing how it’s reached across generations and still getting the attention and capturing the imagination of kids and adults. I’ve always been a huge fan, too.
Laughing at the no bikini thing… that’s my hubby’s favorite costume, too.
Nice to ‘see’ you again. Sounds like you’re definitely keeping busy.
Those are some driving laws!
Well here in Texas, you do have to pass the written test within 3 tries, but you don’t have to wait any length of time in between . . . but get this . . . if you have parent led instruction (which we did – DUH!), you don’t even have to take a behind-the-wheel test. The parent just signs a paper saying that their student can drive. Baby Boy has been driving for a couple of years now, and he’s pretty good . . . but just the thought of 15 and 16 year olds with no behind the wheel certification is really mind-boggling.
Star Wars in Concert sounds like a lot of fun. We missed it when it came here. Maybe next time.
Ami: It is shocking how well Star Wars has moved across the years. PL was just saying that a few days ago.
Mom #1: I like that “within 3 tries” rule; it gives them some incentive to actually read the material!
Um, I am not too fond of the “take the test as many times as you like” rule, but I am glad we require drivers ed to get a license at 16 (you don’t have to take it if you wait til you’re 18 for your license). The past several years a certain homeschool group has been trying to get a law passed to allow a parent to teach driver’s ed. As many idiots on the road here I am thinking that would be a very bad idea.
You’d think the mom would be embarrassed to admit her kid is too lazy/stupid to pick up the book and that she is fool enough to keep driving the kid out there to take the test.
Ami, my sister lives in Portland, we just returned from there a few weeks ago. The drivers there are insane, but at least they stop for people in the crosswalk. Here you are risking life and limb if you step out from the curb when traffic is around.