"Buckle your seat, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!"

College. College shopping. There. I said it. These days, with a senior in high school, it seems as though that's all anyone talks about. Now I'm doing it too. I will now repeat the words of wisdom from a friend...she's been down the college selection and application road more than once. "Buckle your seat, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!" At the time, those words seemed a little dramatic. Her words of wisdom came to me last fall, when I felt our junior in high school was ahead of the college tour curve. Here we are and it'sonly September...and that's my mantra.

At some point during each day, I hear well intentioned folks with questions. Do you know? Have you looked? Why so far? Not that close! A party school! Too small. Do you think she'll get in? Have you looked at? Are you sure about the south? midwest? wherever?

I haven't heard "what's your major" this much since bad college pick up lines.

All good intentioned friends. All good advice. Maybe too much information...information comes via internet, college admissions, college students, other parents, our own kids and everyone who has ever gone to college.

That's just me...the mom. I can only imagine what our kids are going through. E-mails, letters, tweets, facebook, iPhone, catalogues that look more J.Crew/Outward Bound than higher education, guidance counsellors suggestions....and that doesn't even include inquiring minds, family and friends, who want to hear about our child's prospects.

When did all of this happen? It seems like moments ago that I was thrilled to have signed them up at Montessori in Madison. We had just moved here. We chose Madison for the schools and...to be honest, the Surf Club and R.J.Julia. While I have my coffee or walk the dog, I see our wonderful young neighbors put their kids on the bus and wave goodbye in the morning. Some afternoons, all of those kids are hopping off the bus in a frenzy for plans to play outside. I was there...wasn't it just a minute ago when we had spontaneous lemonade stands and playdates?

Playdates are more serious now. We're looking at GPA's, SAT's, extracurricular activities and community service with guidance counsellors, admissions counsellors, paid college counsellors and road tripping for college tours.

I was out on my own adventure yesterday...alone! I was at Coney Island, New York exploring and taking photos...for my own pleasure. On my drive home, I realized the rides and attractions were a metaphor for this life...roller coaster, whirlygigs, wild rivers, soaring eagle, ocean riptides and rainbows...like the sky after some stormy weather.