…start a blog that is, and yet here I am, giving it a try. It is a time of firsts for me and that isn’t all bad. I remember thinking that I wouldn’t survive when the kids left home. What would I do? My self image completely revolved around being “mom” first. It didn’t matter that I was a working woman, a wife, a volunteer, had hobbies and interests of my own; my main role was that of mother. We think our nest is empty when the youngest goes to college, but that really isn’t the case. They are still home for holidays, summers and they are still actively involved in your everyday life. I learned a few months ago that the nest really empties when the last one moves out for good. Well, at least we think it is for good. When my youngest moved halfway across the country, the weeks leading to “the day” were filled with anxiety and dread. I’m the first to admit that I miss her like crazy. I also admit that the bond isn’t broken at all and that I actually have more conversations with her than I did when she was in college and would come home and shut herself in her room. I still feel needed when she calls to ask how to cook something, or who to call about whatever the problem of the day might be. I also have time now to explore who I am. Time to try a few new things, like knitting or blogging! The house stays clean, dinner might just be a bowl of cereal and we can get away for a weekend with only the dog to make arrangements for. This just isn’t all that bad! The waters may be uncharted, but I’m finding my way.