Empty Nest Diary

We’re not quite to empty, but pretty darned close. Down to the daughter who officially started only child status this morning, her first day of high school. The quiet around here is quite profound. There’s something of what I can only describe as a lack of presence around here, the house feels a little bigger these days as there are fewer people to bump into in the kitchen, on the way to the can, in front of the TV. Things I leave in my assorted dumping spots; the kitchen counter, the valet deal in the hallway, the corner of the bar in the den, the deck in my office, those things remain where I left them.

I will get used to that part of the deal in a hurry I believe.

On the other hand there was the weekend, Labor Day weekend. By Monday I can honestly report that I was experiencing a relatively new sensation for me, boredom. It was so quiet and there was so little to do around here that I actually found myself bored. And when bored I start putzting around and before you knew it, the day was gone and while I had seemingly done a number of things, I had actually accomplished nothing, save watering the lawn.

The old saying that body in motion in stays in motion and one that is not, does not.

I get it.

I did manage a Skype session with the Alabama kid. He’s marvelous as I thought he would be. Has met a bunch of people, as I knew he would, and is talking about going on a road trip this weekend with the campus Jewish student group to Mississippi State for the weekends football game. He’ll be the first of our family to go the state of Mississippi. Neat I suppose.

I’m very pleased to report that he crossed the border successfully, met with a graduate studies advisor at the University of British Columbia, the program he wants takes 10-12 students a year and according to the professor the kids transcripts and work at Michigan Tech would put him near the top of their applicants, very encouraging for him. Furthermore the Prof said that the job outlook for his field was excellent especially if he decides to stay in Vancouver and work there. Which was awesome for the kid, he decided that he could be very happy living in Vancouver, “every view is like a postcard”. Indeed. Expensive though.. postcard views aren’t cheap as the San Francisco crowd well knows.

And so, the kids are where they’re supposed to be and we’re back here transition to a quieter lifestyle. Our food bill is cut by 2/3. Good news I’m now planning more trips to Treader Joes and Byerlys for groceries now that I don’t have to purchase in bulk to feed a couple bottomless pits.

This is going to take a little bit adjustments me thinks, having a only child and semi-empty house. I’m already dreading this time four years from now when the last kid is gone. That’s going to be really strange.