Just One of Those Days

Okay, today is one of those days I knew would happen once my kids were gone and I was an official empty nester. I thought, "I'll start a blog and just write the words that explain what and how I am feeling which might, in turn, produce helpful comments from insightful readers". The problem is, on days like these, the words don't come together like they're supposed to. I imagine it starts with the stars and the moon not lining up properly or some crazy notion like that. So, I am apologizing in advance for the piss-poor writing that is about to occur.

Number One: I miss my kids! I miss the noise. I miss JB singing loudly to some awful song. I miss Andy arguing with me about something he supposedly already told me. I miss the boys teasing Laura and quizzing her ("Who's' Elliot Spitzer?") and laughing at some of the crazy answers that would come out of her mouth ("Is he that preacher on TV?"). I miss them calling "shotgun" every single day to determine who gets to ride in the front seat of the car. I miss them complaining that the chicken is dry but the mashed potatoes are the best ever. I miss looking in and complaining about their messy rooms and how I told them I was afraid if we ever had a fire, they might not get out due to tripping over the clothes on the floor. I miss feeling needed (mostly for money for t-shirts, school pizza parties, for team training fees). But also being needed when a girl broke up with them or they were worried about getting good enough grades to get into a good college. I miss the 30-minute period prior to getting into the car to attend Church (Mom screaming: you are not wearing that, I don't care that Karla can wear short jean skirts, I don 't care if you are sooooo tired and stayed out too late last night, GET UP!, etc), but then walking into the Church looking like the perfect well-behaved family. I miss the physical touch from my kids. Andy's fish-kiss, JB's bear hug and Laura's snuggling on the couch.

Number Two: What to do about all these feelings?
A)

On days like these, I have no good ideas. I don't feel like transferring that love and affection to my puppy today. He doesn't feel like it either. He wants to run away on our morning walk, get into the Halloween candy I have sitting on the table not being eaten by anyone and dig up the grass in the backyard.

My husband is having one of the most difficult weeks of his entire career and coddling me is just about the furthest thing from his mind.

I do a presentation tomorrow with my networking group and I need to get that ready, so I might spend some time on it.

I never FEEL like cleaning the house.

A 'nooner' doesn't sound half bad.

I leave you with a simple plea: as a reader of this post, guide me through this lonely day. Share your thoughts. Point me in the right direction. Tell me a joke to get my mind off my special grown-up kids.

But it is one of those days and so probably there will not be anyone commenting on my blog today either!