Revisiting Empty Nest Disorder (END)
My schedule is caput, I find the freedom intimidating
WSG 116
Happy Fall, Ladies!
For some of us this time of year can be weird. Those with kids are busy stressing about something related to school starting. The physical that was never done. but required, for junior to step on campus. The AP courses they never signed up for without you knowing. The lack of a driver’s license despite being way over 16 which means you are driving them everywhere. Behind the anxiety is the surety that the kid is starting school and that means you have a very set schedule for the next eight months.
However, our kids are gone. Two have graduated college. One in college. I keep feeling like I forgot something but can’t remember what it is. No one is enforcing a schedule on me so, I have to do it. But I don’t. I really have become Maggie Smith, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, who doesn’t know what a week-end is. I do struggle to remember what day it is.
I know there are such things as weekends, I just don’t know when they are.
My work is seven days a week. I write, paint, pay bills and sit on several boards. I know it’s the weekend when I cannot get ahold of doctors and lawyers. What does it matter at this point, anyway? I blame Covid for my careless attitude towards the “work week'.‘ I know there are such things as weekends, I just don’t know when they are.
Below I am resharing a post (WSG #44) from when my youngest had left for college and we were new empty nesters. I think I have come a long way, actually. I do care about my waiting emails and I still cook dinner several times a week. I found the kids still cycle through the house with great regularity…so we aren’t lonely but we are discombobulated.
What about you? Please share your thoughts with us below!
Zoomie Hang Out, thoughts:
Five women joined me online for the first Women’s Survival Guide Zoomie Hang Out and it was delightful. We talked about so many different topics and everyone participated. I plan to do a monthly meeting and see what happens.
Too many people showing up is a problem I would love to have. If only one person clicks the link for the September 23 at 7PM EST I will be there with a smile on my face. It was extremely cathartic to be in a virtual room with women around my age just talking about whatever came up. I’ll think up some topics for next time, ideas are welcome!
Join Zoom meeting September 23 at 7PM EST
us06web.zoom.us/j/86195729979?pw...
ID: 86195729979
password: vtXgS2
Eldercare series # 1
Like the Zoom the first Eldercare story was well received and prompted a lot of chat and connection among readers. That was what I was hoping for! The next one will be out September 15th. I have put a tab on the web page where all the eldercare stories will be kept for your easy viewing pleasure. I will put one out every three weeks!
Please feel free to send me your own story about taking care of a parent or grandparent. I will post it (editing and appropriateness pending). womenssurvivalguide@gmail.com.
Next week!
The second installment of eldercare stories! This one by Ororo!
xo
K
The hustle bustle of school starting. I remember those frustrations from kids forgetting to —sign up for soccer and oh it’s too late— BTW back to school night is tonite— etc.
The quiet around the house was wildly unnerving. I kept 'accidentally' mothering randos and people were like, "Excuse me, are you oK?"