I adore my children. They’re kind, intelligent, and well-mannered. I believe I’ve done a decent job as a parent (my partner deserves a bit of credit, too). After 19 years of hard work, with my youngest soon heading off to college, I’m gearing up to enjoy life and kick off the celebrations.
Gone are the weekends filled with dance competitions and recitals. No more carpools or frantic runs to tennis lessons and tutoring sessions. Life will feel like a never-ending sleepaway camp—every day (or until the kids return for holidays). I plan to savor every moment of this newfound freedom.
First on My Agenda
Never grocery shopping again. I’ll make a stop at Costco before they head out, stock up on essentials like toilet paper and eggs, and that should cover me for a while. No more Goldfish crackers or bagel lunches. Dinners of baked ziti and chicken parmesan? Not my problem anymore! While I may not be a culinary wizard, I’m switching to dining out or ordering takeout daily. Hello, Peter Luger’s for steaks and Chris & Tony’s for Italian delights!
Indulging in TV Time
I’m also going to indulge in some serious TV time. No more watching Hannah Montana or iCarly (though I did have a soft spot for Spencer). Instead, I’ll dive into cheesy rom-coms or binge-watch thrilling action movies with my partner. Maybe I’ll finally tackle Game of Thrones; according to Google, I could finish it in just over two days without breaks. Sounds like a plan!
Embracing a Liberated Lifestyle
I’ll embrace a more liberated lifestyle, and my partner will be thrilled to read this. While I’m not usually one for walking around in the buff, I might give it a shot. I could grab soap from the closet or dash downstairs for laundry, all while embracing my birthday suit. The landscapers might get an unexpected view, but hey, that’s life!
New Intimacy
Intimacy will also take on a new tone. Expect loud, passionate nights. Who knows? I might accidentally knock over a picture frame while getting a bit carried away. Different room? Why not!
Shopping for Me
Shopping will be all about me. No more kids’ clothing stores. I’m hitting up Bloomingdale’s, Saks, and Gucci! Out with the diaper bags and dance gear, in with Christian Louboutin shoes and Valentino handbags. Sure, I’ll have college tuition bills looming, but I have credit cards! I might need to remind my partner about my new ‘naked’ lifestyle to justify my shopping sprees.
Sending Care Packages
Of course, I’ll still send care packages to my kids. I’m not selfish; I want them to miss me too. But realistically, will they even remember me? My eldest only called me twice during her freshman year. One was to ask for t-shirts she forgot, and the other was a birthday greeting, possibly prompted by their dad.
Enjoying Drinks
I’ll be enjoying plenty of drinks—wine, gin, and maybe even some craft cocktails. With no kids to drive around or wait up for, I’ll be a regular at Total Wine Spirits & More. Who can resist “More”?
Work-Life Balance
I could extend my work hours, but honestly, I’m too tired for that. I remember the days of working 50-hour weeks. Now? I’ll take my time and sleep until noon. If I’m late to work, who cares? I work for my partner, and let’s be honest, a little loud intimacy might just make up for it.
Conversations Beyond Kids
Gone are the days of discussing my children at length. After 19 years of conversations about milestones and school events, I’m ready to talk about the weather, my favorite steak, or the latest book I’ve read. I just hope I don’t discover I’m not that interesting!
Traveling Freely
Traveling will be a breeze too. No more trips during school breaks! Think of the savings! I’m planning vacations where I won’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to snag poolside seats. Instead, I’ll visit California for fun and maybe even head to New Orleans for some wild adventures. I’ll be living life to the fullest!
Reconnecting with Friends
I plan on reconnecting with old friends, those I haven’t seen in years due to being too exhausted. Hopefully, they still remember me! And if you’re an empty nester like me, reach out! If your kids are still young, let’s catch up in a few years.
Feeling Sad
Will I feel sad? Absolutely. I’ll miss the chaos of kids fighting for the shower and those late-night pickups. I’ll feel a pang of nostalgia for dance competitions. But I’ll also be living life like a carefree 25-year-old—perhaps a slightly out-of-shape one, but a 25-year-old nonetheless. With fabulous red-soled shoes to boot!
For more insights on parenting and home life, check out this engaging post here.
If you’re curious about home insemination, visit Make A Mom for expert guidance. Additionally, Kindbody offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- How to prepare for empty nesting
- Fun activities for new empty nesters
- Tips for surviving empty nest syndrome
- What to do when kids leave for college
- How to embrace freedom as an empty nester
Summary:
As my kids prepare to leave home, I’m excited to embrace a life of freedom, indulging in self-care, shopping, and travel. While I’ll miss my children, I’m ready to rediscover myself and enjoy life to the fullest.
Leave a Reply