<p>But tomorrow we drop off our youngest for his first year in college....</p>
<p>I am beyond proud! But I just don't know what I am going to do with myself now.</p>
<p>No more driving back and forth from the high school, no more college research or visits, no more just having him home at night....</p>
<p><em>sigh</em></p>
<p>Start with the attic or basement, then the garage, then the closets…</p>
<p>You’re an old pro at sending kids off to college. You’re going to be brand-new at being an empty-nester. Whole different ballgame, so give yourself a break. It’s a huge adjustment, for sure, no matter how many kids you have. I also missed all that goes with having a high-schooler in the house. It’s tough at first, no question about it. </p>
<p>There are several threads around here on the topic, with lots of great ideas to help you get over the hump. My best suggestion: Get started – immediately – on something new, preferably something that takes you out of the house: Volunteer a few hours, start a weekly Saturday-lunch-out with a few friends, take a class at the community college, get involved in a ministry at your church, tackle that patch in the garden you’ve been meaning to get to. I signed up for a class at the studio where my D had danced for 15 years, which at least kept me in touch with that piece of her former life.</p>
<p>Also, give yourself permission to grieve. A good cleansing cry is a wonderful thing. </p>
<p>One more: Keep in touch here. No one understands like the CC parents do, and I know from experience that they will gather around.</p>
<p>Hugs to you!</p>
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<p>Good advice. I would add the yard if you have one. Taking care of plants is a little like having kids at a slow pace.</p>
<p>Amble on over to the Cafe…some funny threads there. </p>
<p>I will say…I THOUGHT I was going to miss going to the High School (sometimes several times between 5 and 9) but you know…I really don’t. I miss my kids…I do. BUT I don’t miss the “stuff”.</p>
<p>Welcome to the empty nest club.</p>
<p>We got home from dropping off youngest for freshman year at 2 AM today. I just went and re-joined the gym near my office. No more excuses for not getting in shape.</p>
<p>I wish I could feel some sadness, but alas . . .</p>
<p>I’ve got 4 days left, and honestly I can’t wait until she’s gone. In fact, because she’s local (but living in the dorm), I’ll be stuck with her again over Labor Day. But, her roommate is from the northeast, won’t be going home, and I suggested d borrow the car and take her to the local arts festival. This was obviously before d was in full foul the nest mode. And she’s done such a good job that she could give lessons. </p>
<p>Susgeek, don’t be so sad. Be glad that your kid is a decent enough person that you’ll miss him.</p>
<ul>
<li>I have a few levels of Angry Birds to finish with 3 stars…</li>
<li>I started cleaning out DD1’s office space and closet full of art supplies, old projects, and old HS math exams (our HS reuses these and DD2 could benefit in a couple years)</li>
<li>longer walks to get back to my 5 miles a day routine</li>
<li>Spend more quality time with my pet rodents</li>
<li>stalk DD1 on Facebook (we’re friends) and watch for updates and such (1st week is ‘orientation’ - aka party central, gotta love Southern schools :-)) as she adjusts to college life
: : : :</li>
</ul>
<p>You had a life before kids, now you need to rediscover yourself. The cord isn’t completely cut- there are still trips home. It is easy to get used to the lifestyle- you and your spouse develop different habits. No more need for regular suppertimes and a host of other freedoms.</p>