Note to Self:
Always write your post on the day you think of it as the next day you may not be feeling it.

Luckily, the mind of an empty nester is similar to the boomerang; when trained well, will travel in a curved manner and land very close to the place where the original thought began. I am back to this feeling of unexplained euphoria and mixed-up day dreams that sometimes border on the ridiculous and yet keep me gloriously occupied.



The other day, (yes, two days ago) I attended a business meeting that lasted about an hour or so. Learned a few things, took a few notes and generally felt like it was a really worthwhile meeting. I shake hands with the attendees and say my goodbyes, get in my car and drive away, and then it happens. For no apparent reason, my heart is racing and every song that comes up on the radio is smoothing and sexy. There is a tingling in my toes (could it be my Jimmy Choo's begging to come off?). I am feeling so happy and loving life. You couldn't take the smile off my face if you tried. I am so sexually-charged I cannot believe it. I feel the need to rush home to relieve this pressure that's building up (yeah, I thought of that, too; but when I got home, my puppy needed to go out to 'get busy' and then he jumped in the pool...so I followed him and the coolness of the water cooled me down).

We all have triggers that can alter our moods and the emotions that follow. I am thinking that the triggers that usually set my temperament are are mixed-up now that the kids have all left the nest. I am no longer the responsible parent who's working, making meals, doing laundry, keeping everyone focused and building up their self-esteem. No one is saying, "Mom, you're not really going to wear that out to breakfast, are you?" No one is challenging me, "we just started the movie at Billy's house and I really want to see the end, so can I extend my curfew by 25 minutes?" The regular routines of everyday family life have gone away, leaving us to create new and improved routines. That's easier said then done.

Routines are so good to establish when you have little children. They seem to be more relaxed when you are the good parent and stick to the prescribed schedule. I have not followed this common sense advise since my daughter left for college, and the mood swings and thoughts in my head and all over the place. I do like the spontaneity of my life now, but giving myself a little direction might be good, too. Of course, I am not going to wrap this topic up in one post.

Step One: I recognize that my lack of routine and my new, empty nest life schedule is wrecking havoc with my moods and emotions.

Action Item: Hold on and enjoy the ride!