Rites of passage
We don't really have rites of passage any more. I don't count first beer, first kiss, first driving drunk or first sex. They're transitions, sure, but not rites of passage. I was thinking of through-hiking the Appalachian Trail with my son, in 2 years when he'll be 15. But he's blown hot and cold about it (he's currently hot, which is awesome, and I hope it remains this way.)

But when he was cold on the idea, he came up with an awesome alternative. One that I will move heaven and earth to have happen, assuming he's still into the idea when he's 18. He wants he and I to ride up to Alaska on motorcycles, and spend a few months wandering around the state. I can think of no better way of noting and celebrating his passage into adulthood, and I'm just praying he keeps wanting to do this.

Getting divorced sucked the big one (except for the 4" off my waist and 40lbs lost in a year), but becoming a parent, and making it the central pillar of my life has been, without doubt, even more grounding than I could have begun to imagine.
(Large Hardon Collider Bah Bloody Humbug, Sun 28 Nov 2010, 5:28, 6 replies)

...drink driving?
Are you American?
(DjArcas, Sun 28 Nov 2010, 10:24, closed)

Must be
With any luck it would be followed by another rite of passage; becoming Big Bubba's bitch on your first night in the cells. Would serve him right.
( SteamedCleaner, Sun 28 Nov 2010, 12:38, closed)

Half correct.
I'm a Brit, but live in Colorado.
(Large Hardon Collider Bah Bloody Humbug, Mon 29 Nov 2010, 3:55, closed)

There aren't many roads up here
... hope you're not planning to spend months driving around.
(FleetlordVT, Sun 28 Nov 2010, 11:32, closed)

pre-reading
if you are still on to the idea of Alaska (and I think it is an excellent idea in principle) try to get a hold of this, and both of you read it:

www.amazon.com/We-live-Alaska-Constance-Helmericks/dp/B0007IWQD4

it is the most wonderful story, with an incredible background, of the last frontier (and possibly the last great generation) of your country, but while very hairy chested and butch is written by the wife of the couple, and so presents the most charming, sensitive insight into the state and the lifestyle.

No doubt amazon will do a better job of reviewing it than I can...
(pounana Slept well, and dreamed of large women, on, Sun 28 Nov 2010, 18:47, closed)

Thank you - I will!
(Large Hardon Collider Bah Bloody Humbug, Mon 29 Nov 2010, 3:55, closed)