DD1 came over last night to do a test set-up of the small four person tent, making sure she and her sister knew the logistics and made sure there were no missing parts or stakes. I made a vegan curry for supper, totally delicious, and got to visit with her a bit. DD2 was upstairs listening to new to her albums she got from my brother. He has a massive collection of LP's, tapes, reel to reel of just about every genre available and had invited her to look through the vinyl and pick what she wanted. She brought home an eclectic collection ranging from old 50's rock and old rock/country/bluegrass, a collection of Motown classics, some late 60's stuff, and one of Aretha Franklin's. I've been battling fatigue for a few weeks now, really started right before my business trip, but shortly after my older daughter left, I went to bed while it was still light out. I'm due for some blood work and suspect both my vitamin D and iron levels are off.
The girls leave early Friday morning for their long weekend camping and road trip up to Canada and back. I was mistaken about my Friday and need to work in the morning, but will take the afternoon off, and have basically most of Friday and Saturday to myself, a taste of what fall will be like most weekends. At work yesterday I was doing some calendar clean-up and started looking for a few less congested weeks to schedule a week off. The reality dawned on me that when I take this week, I'll not have to think about anyone elses schedule but my own. DH needs to check, but he thinks he has 7 vacation days left. He'll want a few around Christmas, but we are looking at a week in late fall. I have five weeks banked and even with taking some days in August, I'll accrue that time in the next three pay periods anyway.
Now with this time extra September week, I could tackle a few more house projects. I never did take back DD1's old bedroom for an office. When we finally redid the floors in the family room, we just moved crap into the room. It needs to be cleared, the headboard and dresser sold or gifted to someone, but I'll keep the mattress and frame as an office day bed. The carpet needs to be pulled and replaced along with a deep cleaning of the ceiling, fan, walls, and a paint job. That seems though like it could be a project for a series of flex day Fridays and Saturdays.
I guess what I'm rambling about is that I not only have time away from work in evenings and weekends, but also schedule time off of work to put into whatever needs tending to. While doing that, I also have time to pursue things I've wanted to do, but haven't like more writing, or playing with my camera. I'm feeling more positive about what this next phase of life could be like. Granted, it helps that DD1 has moved close by. though I don't want to be that mom that she feels like she needs to entertain, as much as I enjoy her company. First, I think I'll find that week all for myself. It will be a good step in looking ahead to my empty nest status and being my own company.
I can imagine that it's such a huge transition. I think you have the right attitude, and I'm sure it will be an evolution as you get more comfortable with all of the free time & flexibility. Our kids leaving the house corresponds when both of us plan to be done/done with work (for me, I'm hoping to switch to a more flexible role long before that), and it makes it easier to contemplate one big life change.
ReplyDeleteShe has been so busy with friends on her off time, and on days she works, she is up and out of the house early, so that too has been part of my transition. While I'll still be working, I also need to get some of the activities I used to like and find new ones.
DeleteI was amazed at how much easier it was to keep the house clean and uncluttered after kids moved out. Seemed to make life much more relaxing to me, having a clean house, LOL.
ReplyDeleteRight! Last ight the kitchen was all cleaned, dishwasher ran etc. I woke up to several glasses in the sink, all collected and brought down form her room-after I had started the dishwasher. Actually having no dirty dishes in my kitchen will be the first sign she has moved to college!
DeleteIt is hard to get used to but then it becomes very freeing. For a while I went to a movie a week in the early afternoon just because I could.
ReplyDeleteI've got so many projects that need to get done, I shouldn't even worry about not having things to do. As you said, it should be freeing to know I can make plans that don't need to fit a child's schedule.
DeleteSam you will love being your own company trust me.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting thought. I like alone time-just not so sure how I will adjust with so much alone time.
DeleteAs someone who never did fill her nest can I suggest that when ever you have a negative thought about things you turn it around. So it isn't that the house feels so empty but rather that the house is so spacious now.
ReplyDeleteNow there is a thought. I still have stuff of my older kids in the house, so spacious, not so much. I do like the sentiment to keep the positive flip ready when I get down.
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