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.