The humorous side.. What happens when the kid leaves -kitchen funnies, doggie duty and more

[Nancy69]

All of the stress of watching my 19 year old flee the proverbial nest is not without its humorous side.There certainly has been a fair amount of change to things in this household. I am sure that is true for all - particularly those of us who have found ourselves plunged into the empty nester's reality. And - I must say - that to be an empty nester at 40 - while watching so many of my friends chasing toddlers, changing diapers, potty training and all that great stuff - has left me somewhat lost and yet somewhat liberated. Odd.
Still, I have had to get used to taking out the garbage again, picking up after the DOGS - instead of the kid (strange that he could pick up after the dogs more than himself at times).And the kitchen stock is unbelievable. I go to look for that perfect snack - or that sinful lunch - you know what I'm talking about - the frozen burrito, the nestle chocolate milk, the Wonder white bread and some thick and creamy peanut butte -but WAIT!. In 3 weeks I am left with what? My travels to the fridge leave my wanting... how about a non-fat yogurt? A Skinny Cow ice cream? Well - there's always a glass of skim milk or a Weight Watcher's cheese stick! I may not be doing push ups and running laps - but goodness knows I must be losing weight! There's just no excuse to cheat anymore. The other day I had a turkey sandwich on lowfat bread with mustard - this is sacrilegious. I didn't have cheese and I forwent the mayo! (of course the "mayo" is now really a "dressing" anyway that seems like it should be poured instead of spread).
Meanwhile my dogs have reverted from about the age of 5 to the terrible twos! Their boy is not around to play crazy with them... I may have to change my Jack Russell's name to "demon" if this keeps up! I don't know what he did to keep them occupied - but they are both in hyperspace these last couple of weeks.
And what else do I get? Oh, you know... the "box" - the box of crammed in - crumpled up clothes - MORE LAUNDRY!! 900 miles from home and the kid STILL has me doing HIS laundry!!
But the absolute WORST of it is my nightly tea. Now as strange as this may sound - having been a single parent and for most of Chris's life the only adult in the household - we developed a twosome routine. And every night before Chris headed to do his own things - or off to bed - he always took the extra 5 minutes to make me a cup of tea. Now I have to pause Anderson Cooper (thank goodness he taught me about this digital cable thing) just to walk to the kitchen - boil the water (the only thing that can't be changed to lowfat) and then pour in my non-fat milk and sugary Splenda packet and make the darn tea myself! And HE thinks boot camp is bad!! Boy do I have news for HIM ;)

[Nancy69]

Paula - thanks.. I hear ya'! It's only been 3 weeks now... but it's funny how cleaning the house went from what seemed like a day long endeavor to 5 or 10 minutes a day..HAHAH.. Glad your daughter is doing well. :)

[Sherry James]

Hi Nancy, I'm a single mom myself and I so related to your blog because your post is wonderful and you have a "way with words!" Keep on blogging girl!!