Well, it's been a week since my brood have begun their lives separate from me.  The first night, was, to say the least a very rough one.  I couldn't sleep because, in my mind's eye, ALL of the kids should be in their rooms, listening to music, watching TV, or getting ready for bed.   And when they  weren't, I'd stay awake till they got home.  That's when I could sleep. Amber left to serve with her Army Unit and our farewells were tearful. I anticipate some sleepless night till she's back on US soil.

The second night, I slept fitfully, waking up every hour to make sure the doors were locked; the lights were off; yuo know, anal stuff.

By the third night I was so exhausted, I slept the night through.  When the weekend came, my son was back home, asking for cake, bread, quick fix-it meals. I made those for him, sent him on his way, and cleaned the house.  I got to play MY music.  I love to clean to Meatloaf's "bat out of hell" CD...it motivates me.

Monica, the youngest, has taken this pretty well in stride.  Of course, she has her own social calendar that needs tending especially since Summer camp has started and Karate class has ended.  There's a lunch to pack; a swimsuit and towel to wash and get ready for swim lessons the next day. Field trips to prepare for and outfits to match.

A co-worker invited me to go with her to the Recreation Center  while she attended her cake decorating class.  She wanted an unbiased opinion of her boxed cake and her decorating skills.  I had mentioned to the instructor that I do not eat boxed cakes because of the preservatives and it's just as easy to bake my own.  She asked me after class if I would help by baking her a butter cake for the next class the following night.  Needless to say, the cake was a hit and I have orders to make 6 more for next week. 

I'm making the class red velvet cake.

So, I have been busy getting into a new routine; meeting new people; spreading my wings. My cookbook is still in its rough draft stage; but now I can focus on it and give my recipes some exposure.

My co-worker and I are signing up for ballroom dancing to start in August.

So, all in all, I have entered this new life (sans children) with wide eyes and a bit of excitement....it's a little uncomfortable.  I'm not used to putting me first............................but, I could get used to this.  I'll have set-backs and slip-ups, but I have a great support system to keep me on the right track.