I adore my kids. They’re kind, intelligent, and well-mannered. I feel proud of my parenting (my partner deserves a bit of the credit too). After 19 years of dedication, with my youngest headed off to college, it’s time for me to embrace the carefree life and kick off some fun!
Gone are the days of dance competitions and recitals that monopolize my weekends. No more carpools for activities or juggling tennis lessons and tutoring sessions. Life will be like a never-ending sleepaway camp until the kids return for holiday breaks—and I intend to savor every second of it.
First Things First: Grocery Shopping
I’m done with grocery shopping. I’ll make one last trip to Costco before they head out, stocking up on essentials like toilet paper and eggs, and that should cover me. No more Goldfish snacks or bagel lunches, and definitely no more baked ziti or chicken parmesan dinners. Why do they always need to eat anyway? While I’m stepping away from cooking (not that I was ever a master chef), my plan is to dine out or order in every day. I’m headed to Peter Luger’s for steaks and Chris & Tony’s for Italian cuisine.
TV Time and Movie Marathons
I’m going to indulge in a lot of TV time. No more Hannah Montana or iCarly (though I did find Spencer amusing), but I’ll be diving into cheesy rom-coms and bloody action flicks with my husband. I might even start binge-watching Game of Thrones. Apparently, I could finish the whole series in just over two days—without food or sleep! I’ve got the time, and a bathroom break or two won’t hurt.
Embracing a Liberated Lifestyle
I might also embrace a more liberated lifestyle. My husband will certainly be thrilled to read this. While I’m not typically one to flaunt my nudity, I might give it a shot. I can grab soap from the closet, dash downstairs for laundry, or even make breakfast in the buff. Just a heads up to the landscapers, though—our kitchen windows face the backyard, so they might get an unexpected view!
Nighttime Intimacy
Nighttime will bring a whole new level of intimacy. Think loud, passionate moments—maybe even knocking over a picture frame of the kids in the heat of the moment. I might switch things up and explore different rooms as well.
Shopping for Me
Shopping? It’s all about me now! No more Denny’s Children’s Wear. I’ll be hitting Bloomingdale’s, Saks, and even Gucci! No more diaper bags or dance supplies; I’m eyeing Christian Louboutin shoes and Valentino bags to match every outfit. I’ll indulge myself, even if it means racking up credit card debt—two college tuitions won’t hold me back! I might have to remind my husband about my newfound nudity plan to soften the blow.
Staying Connected with My Kids
Of course, I’ll still send care packages and gifts to my kids because I’m not entirely selfish. I want them to think of me fondly too.
But let’s be real. Will they even remember me? My eldest only called a couple of times during her freshman year. The first was a request for t-shirts she forgot to pack, and the second was a birthday wish, likely prompted by a reminder from their father.
Drinking and Relaxation
I foresee a lot of drinking in my future. Wine, gin, and maybe a few craft cocktails to experiment with. What else is there to do? I won’t have to drive the kids around anymore or wait up for their late-night returns. I’ll save my first glass of wine for after work hours, but I’ll become a familiar face at Total Wine Spirits & More. After all, who doesn’t enjoy “More”?
Work-Life Balance
I could choose to work longer hours, but honestly, after a year of staying past 5 p.m., I’m exhausted. I remember when working 50-hour weeks was the norm—okay, maybe it was 40. But I’m older now and just want some peace.
Sleeping In
Sleeping in until noon? Absolutely. I might be late to the office, but since I work for my husband, I can make it up to him with those loud, passionate moments we talked about. No more stress over getting the kids dressed and ready for school or hearing alarms go off ten times before I storm into their rooms.
New Conversations
I’m done discussing my kids. After 19 years of conversations revolving around their milestones, birthday parties, and school achievements, I’m ready to talk about the weather, my delicious steak dinner, or books I’ve read. I worry I might discover that I’m not as interesting as I thought.
Travel Plans
Traveling? Count me in—just not during school breaks anymore (thanks, pandemic!). Think of the money I’ll save! I won’t have to wake up at 7 a.m. to claim lounge chairs by the pool. Instead, I’ll take a leisurely getaway to a resort or fly to California to dance with the stars. I might even venture to New Orleans for some fun or head to Vegas to see what really goes down there.
Reconnecting with Friends
I plan to reconnect with old friends. There are high school and college pals I’ve been too worn out to meet over the last 19 years. I hope they still remember me! Maybe I’ll even make some new friends. If you’re an empty nester, reach out to me. If your kids are still young, call me in a few years when they’re grown. I have plenty of plans, and I might even throw on some clothes for you… or maybe not.
Embracing Change
Will I feel sad? Absolutely. I’ll miss my kids bickering over the bathroom and those frantic midnight pickups. I’ll feel the absence of dance competitions as well.
But I’ll also be embracing life like a 25-year-old—albeit a slightly dull, tipsy, and flabby one—with some fabulous red-soled shoes.
For more insights, check out this other blog post at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re interested in home insemination products, Cryobaby offers great options, and for additional resources on pregnancy, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent choice.
Probable Search Queries:
- How to cope with empty nest syndrome?
- Tips for enjoying life after kids leave home
- Fun activities for empty nesters
- Best shopping destinations for moms
- Traveling without kids: tips and tricks
Summary
As my children prepare to leave for college, I’m ready to embrace a new chapter filled with freedom and self-indulgence. From dining out and binge-watching my favorite shows to rekindling friendships and enjoying spontaneous adventures, I plan to savor every moment of this newfound independence. While I know I’ll miss my kids, I’m excited to live life to the fullest—just like a carefree 25-year-old!
Keyphrase: empty nest adventures
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]