Saturday, November 7, 2015

November

We have had something scheduled every weekend since the middle of August. This weekend is the beginning of a long stretch with absolutely no weekend plans. I am calling this my hibernation and cocooning time. I must say that right now I am totally enjoying the peace, quiet, and down time.

Today, I have done a little light housework and a little laundry. Right now, I am enjoying a home made peppermint latte while coffee house music plays in the background. It is raining (what else is new) today, so I am content just to sit and look at the trees outside my picture window.

I must say that I did enjoy all late summer/early fall activities. We went to beer festivals, film festivals, college football games, and pro football games. neighborhood parties, and even beer school! Wow! The things we get to do when the kids leave the nest, right?

I have minimal plans this weekend on purpose. I am just going to do what I feel like doing when I feel like doing it. Since it is a gray nasty day, I am probably going to run some errands and work on the "reclaiming of the house." Right now though, I am enjoying my coffee and contemplating whether or not I should get a shower! 

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Living Life

I usually take a couple of mental health days each school year. I usually take them about 1/2 way through a long stretch of days when we aren't going to have a break. I had one planned for September that had to be rescheduled, so I have ended up with two here back to back..

Last Friday, I spent the day at the spa. I had a manicure, a pedicure, and a facial. Just me, the spa and no one else. I was so relaxed afterwards! After supper last Friday, I slept for 14 hours!! Saturday morning, I felt like a whole new person.

Today, my husband and I have reservations for the behind the scenes tour at Sierra Nevada. They only do this on Thursdays. I am on break next Thursday, but that day was sold out, so we are going today. I was going to have someone cover for me, but it turns out that today is a day when some standardized testing occurs. So, I got a sub. That way, there's an extra adult in the building. This is mental health day number 2.

Basically, life is interfering with my job this month. I only have ONE more day that I am taking...I promise!! 

Monday, September 7, 2015

First Visit

This weekend, we got to spend some individual time with both kids. Our daughter came home for an over night stay. We headed up to WV for a football game and quick visit with our son.

The daughter had a dress fitting for a wedding she is in at the end of the month. We knew when she left for school that she would be home in two weeks for this fitting. It actually worked out well. We had a nice visit, picked up some necessities, took her to lunch and then she headed back. She is at a private school, so she is not off on Labor Day. It sure was nice to have her back in the house. I wish her visit had been a little longer, but she will be back this weekend because she was asked to work all day Saturday. Being the smart college student that she is....she opted to work  to  earn and little extra cash.

After Rach left on Saturday, we headed up to see Marshall play Perdue. I have to say that I have always wanted to see Perdue play. Don't ask me why...I just have. I have to admit, it was good to see my team pull off the win!
I have to say that it was EXTREMELY hot yesterday. Honestly, a couple of times, I thought I wasn't going to make it. I mean...it was even too hot to drink beer! However, all that water kept me from getting dehydrated!

Of course, to see our son, we have to go to a football game. He came over to the family tailgate and was there pretty much the entire time. I think that is what I like most about Marshall football. The entire family gets together to eat, drink, talk, take in a game and just have a good time. We have young and old alike. Honestly, I think it's better than Christmas. We have fun and there is no pressure to be perfect. All you have to do is show up and wear Marshall Green!!










Sunday, August 23, 2015

What do I do now?

So, that's that. The youngest is now a college freshman. The oldest has a job and is living in another state.

Now what do I do?

Should I change the name of this blog? Or, is it that the nest is always there awaiting their return or the appearance of grandchildren?

Today, I got all of my Sunday morning chores done by 9:30 am. Okay...that's a first. On top of that, no one needs their homework read, or their laundry done, or cupcakes made or any of that stuff. Even worse, it's raining...there's no going outside to kayak or workout.

Now what do I do?

Yes, I have turned into the stalking parent on Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. Really it's more to pass the time than anything. I just don't know what to do with myself besides cry and drink my favorite alcoholic beverage. (Today's choice is Biltmore House Red) Oh...and laundry...in this house there is always plenty of laundry...Is it sad that I am just living for the dryer timer to ring?

I don't seem to have the energy to do anything taxing. So I guess I will find something to binge watch and call it a day.




Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Anniversary Trip to the Island in Pigeon Forge, TN


Last fall, we heard that there was going to be a new Margaritaville Hotel in Pigeon Forge which is only 3 hours away from us. We decided to go ahead and make reservations for our anniversary even before the place ever opened! We had never been to Pigeon Forge, but being the Jimmy Buffett fans that we are, we figured a short trip to celebrate our 29th anniversary would be fun. We were exactly right - we really did have a great trip. In fact, I am going to dedicate my next few blogs to talking about our trip.

First, I have to say that the hotel is very nice. It has a beach feel without being tacky. We had a spacious queen room with what they call a village view. That means that our balcony over looked the shopping area of the Island. We love people watching, so this was perfect for us. In fact, my husband remarked that our balcony reminded him of sitting in Europe with a cup of coffee or a pint of beer and watching the world go by. Don't tell him I said so, but he is exactly right!



There are also fountain view and river view rooms. I really don't see the downside to any of the views. They are all unique in their own way. I guess it would depend on what type of vacation you wanted. We weren't sure when we made our reservations what we wanted, so we just took the first one available on the list.


The hotel had a nice little poolside bar up on the roof. We sat up there one evening to watch the fountain show and have a drink....or two. The view was wonderful from up there because you could see the entire fountain at once.


We did spend some time out and about in Pigeon Forge which I will talk about in another blog. But for now, just to let you know, we went shopping, took in some tourist attractions, ate at restaurants on the Island, and even found a great daiquiri place. (I'll blog more about wining and dining later.)  The staff at the hotel were very friendly and treated us like family. In fact, everyone on the island was friendly including all the people working, people on vacation, just everyone. Honestly, I am not into all that touristy stuff in Pigeon Forge, but I did like our little place on the Island and would definitely recommend this as a second honeymoon spot.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Behind on Summer Projects

Right after graduation, my daughter and I headed to Disney World. When she was in the 9th grade dummy here promised her that if she graduated as valedictorian I would take her wherever she wanted to go. She had never been to Disney. So, off we went!

We came home sick with nasty colds. My husband started with the cold before we left. I started getting sick on Thursday evening (our last night there); Rachael started getting sick on Friday morning. When we came home, my husband was getting a little better, but had a little relapse after being around us. We were all sick for at least NINE DAYS!! I usually don't run a fever....I had a fever of 102 with this one....I was one sick puppy. All I managed to accomplish during those days was to clean off the DVR and watch several ON DEMAND movies.

Needless to say, I am really behind on my summer projects. In fact, I haven't even deep cleaned the house yet. I am thinking that I probably just won't get to it this summer. Who cares? I am supposed to have all that extra time after the youngest goes to college, right? Well, I am banking on that extra time!

Today, I did order my new front door today which was the biggest summer project for this year. We figure we will save enough on our electric bill to just about pay for a new door. Our old one is so warped you can actually feel the hot or cold air coming inside. There is about a 1/2" gap at the top of it. So, this is definitely a need. I am really looking forward to getting it. The store says it will take about 2 weeks. We will see.

My only other planned summer project is to paint the laundry room. I have a few paint chips that I picked up today. It's time to hang them up and decide on a color. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Transition Help From a Book

A few months ago, someone told me about a book that I might find helpful. It's FUN WITHOUT DICK AND JANE: A GUIDE TO YOUR DELIGHTFULLY EMPTY NEST by Christie Mellor.

I have to say that if you are like me and are dreading the empty nest, this is the book for you. Mellor takes a humorous look at life after the children leave the nest. She points out that this is NOT the end of our lives, but a whole new beginning. She keeps the book light and airy while giving advice to us at the same time. I have a whole new attitude now.

I am not saying that it will be not be sad to see the last little birdie leave the nest, but Mellor points out that this is not an ordeal to get through. I have been planning my ordeal and making myself the focus. no, this is an adjustment- that's all. Now, I know that I have trouble with adjustments. I always have. I went a little nuts when we moved away from home to where we live now. I was depressed for a very long time when my son went back home for college and decided to stay there. I know that I will have trouble with this adjustment - that's just me.

However, I have a support system now and I am a stronger person this time around. Yes, I will miss the little bird, but I know that I can get through the adjustment period, claim my upstairs living space, and call it a transition.

I bookmarked and highlighted many of Mellor's passsages and may even re-read the book when the time comes. In the meantime, I plan on enjoying the summer with my daughter.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

The Summer of ME!

Last summer was all about being depressed because I was about to become an empty nester. I partied and vacationed too much, ate like a teenager and gained 10 pounds. This summer, I refuse to let that happen. This summer is the summer I have dubbed, "The Summer of ME!"

I have set five simple goals for this summer.

1. I want to get fitted and to purchase a good pair of running shoes.
2. I want to learn to make a home made light alfredo sauce.
3. I want to get out my bike and have it repaired.
4. I want to check out at least ONE new hiking trail this summer.
5. I want to learn how to get back on my kayak if it flips.

I only have one summer project in mind. We are going to get a new front door with a storm door attached. I want it to open backwards from most because the way our door opens, it covers our master bedroom entry. I can't tell you how many times I have just about been knocked out by someone opening the front door as I am exiting the bedroom!

Simple summer....simple times....simply taking care of ME!!

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Wish List

In a Facebook post the other day a friend posted that she did not know what she should do with all of her time now that the kids were out and about. This got me to thinking about the extra time I will have soon.

I decided to make a list of all the things that I used to do before I was Mom. It seems like a life time ago...I guess it was ... it was two life time's ago...one for each of my children. I am promising myself to do the things on my list instead of sitting around feeling sad and sorry for myself. Hopefully, a list of something to look forward to will over shadow the sadness.

Here is my list as I have it so far:
  • catch up on reading
  • crochet
  • redecorate
  • gardening
  • walking/running
  • playing piano
  • cooking
  • baking
  • dancing with the music turned up as loud as I want!

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Pictures as promised.

I will try not to  inundate you with pictures, but here are a few from the prom.








Saturday, April 18, 2015

Another Rite of Passage

Tonight is prom night. Since I teach at the small school where my daughter goes, I have two responsibilities today. One is to her and one is to the school. I am the parent on our Parent Association who is in charge of prom food. So, while the daughter was off doing hair and makeup, I fed the volunteers who decorated for the prom.

I am home now waiting to see the beautiful results! The kids will all meet here for pictures in  a little over an hour from now. After pictures, they will head off for dinner. My husband and I will get dressed, gather up the food, and take it to the venue.

At the prom, I turn into my teacher self. My job is to check the students in and make sure they have their tickets. I also greet any dignitaries who show up. (In my small county, local politicians and school board members, always make appearances at these type of events.) Checking students in keeps me out of the limelight and I get to see them all before they mess up their formal wear.

My husband will help set up the food table and then help me with the check in.

I have been a part of this rite of passage for many teenagers over the years, but this one is going to be the most special. It is my daughter's last prom. I just hope that she has a great, safe night.

I promise to post pictures later!

Friday, March 20, 2015

Last Things

Right now it seems as though my life if just full of "Last Things." The other day we were shopping at my daughter's favorite store (I feel uncomfortable just going in there) when I realized that this would probably be the last time I would be in that store with her. I must say that I got a little emotional.

I now realize that these last 8 weeks of school are going to be full of "last things." Our last Easter Break together, our last graduation together, our last frustrating week of exams...I could go on and on. I am trying to focus on the positive and the exciting, but I can't help but feel that I am losing my little girl forever.

I am not ready for graduation. Is there some way that I can just stop the clock and hold it right here?

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Visiting Colleges

Yesterday, we all went over to Wingate University for Scholars Day. We heard from the President of the University, several deans and professors. We visited with students, took tours and went to the bookstore. The typical college day visit. However, yesterday, we paid the deposit. Our daughter is now officially going to attend Wingate University.

We stopped at an outlet mall on the way home. We decided that we would shop for about 2 hours and then head home for dinner out. My husband went one way while my daughter and I went the other. We went inside her favorite store to browse for a bit. She totally planned to find a new shirt to take back with her.

I found her  a totally cool coat that looked wonderful so I just had to buy it for her. As I was paying an exorbitant amount of money for this thing, I realized that this would probably be the last time we shopped together in this store. After she goes to college, she will more than likely "outgrow" the store.  The joy of buying her something so perfect for her personality was replaced by sadness. My little girl is growing up. Time is passing way too quickly.


Sunday, January 18, 2015

Prom Dress Shopping

This weekend is dedicated to prom dress shopping. Yes, I know it is early, but our prom is early and once February starts, my daughter will be super busy. We are shopping now to avoid the stress of an over packed schedule.

I never got to go to prom. When we were growing up, girls didn't go to prom without a date. No one asked me, so my dress just sat in the closet with the tags on it until I was in college. My daughter has been two years with a date and is going with a group of friends for her senior prom. So, prom dress shopping is actually very fun for me. I have learned over the past two years just to sit and let her decide. My job is just to hold the bags and take pictures.

After Rach was asked to the prom her sophomore year, we made a pact. If she would allow me to buy her consignment dresses for her sophomore and junior years, we would splurge for a new dress at a dress shop for her senior year. I must admit, shopping at a dress shop instead of a consignment store is sooooo much nicer! She has a budget and is doing a good job of staying within those boundaries.

Here are a few of my favorites for yesterday. The camera on my phone isn't the best, but you get the idea.




This is our last prom. I guess the next time we do something like this will be for her wedding. I plan to enjoy the next stop on our whirlwind tour of dress shops!