As my children prepare to leave the nest, I find myself on the brink of a new adventure. After nearly two decades of parenting, it’s time for me to embrace a lifestyle filled with freedom and fun. With my youngest heading to college, I’m ready to kick back and enjoy life to the fullest.
Gone are the weekends consumed by dance competitions and recitals. No more carpools or juggling activities. It’s as if I’m entering a never-ending sleepaway camp (at least until the kids return for holiday visits), and I intend to savor every moment.
First on My Agenda
I’m done with grocery shopping. I’ll stock up on essentials like toilet paper and eggs at Costco before they leave and then I’m set. No more fussing over snacks or dinner preparations. Instead of whipping up baked ziti or chicken parmesan, I plan to indulge in dining out or ordering in every day. Gourmet steaks at Peter Luger’s and classic Italian from Chris & Tony’s are on my list!
TV Time
I’ll be catching up on my favorite TV shows, but this time it won’t be Hannah Montana or iCarly. Instead, I’ll dive into cheesy rom-coms and bloody action flicks with my husband. And hey, maybe I’ll finally binge-watch Game of Thrones—I’ve heard I can finish it in just over two days, snacks optional!
Embracing Freedom
You might catch me embracing my body more often—who knows? I might just shed my clothes while running errands around the house. The landscapers may get an unexpected view, but hey, it’s my time to be carefree!
I’m planning on lively evenings with my husband, complete with loud and passionate moments. I might even shake things up by moving to a different room for some fun.
Shopping Spree
Shopping? It’s all about me now! No more kids’ clothing stores; I’m heading to Bloomingdale’s and Saks. Goodbye diaper bags and hello Christian Louboutin shoes. My spending may be a bit reckless, especially with college tuition looming, but I’ll make it work. After all, who doesn’t love a good shopping spree?
Staying Connected
Of course, I won’t forget my kids entirely. I’ll send care packages and gifts, making sure they feel my love from afar. But let’s be honest: will they even remember to call? My older daughter’s track record suggests otherwise.
Wine and Cocktails
I anticipate a lot of wine and perhaps some craft cocktails in my future. With no kids to ferry around or wait up for, I’ll be enjoying my evenings however I please. Total Wine & Spirits will become my new best friend!
Work-Life Balance
As for work, I might stretch my hours a bit, but I’m definitely not looking to burn out. I’ll enjoy leisurely mornings instead of racing to get kids ready for school, no more alarm clocks blaring ten times before I break into their rooms.
New Conversations
Conversations will shift from school events and parenting woes to topics like the weather or my latest meal at Peter Luger’s. Who knows, I might even discover that I need to work on my conversational skills!
Traveling Freely
Traveling will take on a new meaning, too. No more family vacations during school breaks; I can explore places at my own pace. Imagine a vacation without waking up at dawn to grab poolside spots! I’ll be heading to California and maybe even New Orleans to let loose.
Embracing the New Chapter
And while I may be sad about the kids leaving, I’m also ready to embrace this new chapter. Yes, I’ll miss the chaos, the late-night pickups, and the dance competitions, but I’m excited to live like a carefree twenty-something—albeit a flabby, slightly tipsy version!
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In summary, while I will miss my kids dearly, I am ready to embark on a new adventure filled with freedom, indulgence, and a little bit of mischief.