My mom thinks that she has to get my opinion on everything. But now it’s getting a little more difficult than just telling her that she should go to this or that dinner party over the phone. She’s redecorating the living room all by herself now that she has an empty nest and lots of time on her hands. But that doesn’t mean that she isn’t asking me to approve everything, just like always.

She wanted to make sure that I would be available to approve things all the time – and be able to do my homework too – so she looked up internet providers by zip code and settled on one that seemed pretty reliable for my new apartment.

I’ve gotten so many e-mails from her about paint swatches that I can’t tell the difference between. If I see one more off white, antique white or linen white shade – which I can’t tell apart – I think I might just scream.But I’m excited to see the end result of the room when I go home for my first visit!