February Link Party
It’s time for another link party with Sheryl at A Chronic Voice! This month’s prompts are:
February Link PartyAdapting
I’m in the process of adapting to an empty nest. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen over night. My youngest son is a very busy young man. Between school, work, friends, and studying, I don’t see much of him. At first this upset me. Now, I see it as an opportunity to slowly adjust to his going to college/university in the fall. I’m having to rethink what I make for dinner and how much I make. I can only handle leftovers for three meals, before I want something new. LOL!
I’m having to think about what I want to do when he’s not here. Do I want to eat at the table or snuggle with my dog on the couch for meals? I like eating with my dog next to me on the couch. The big table just feels empty.
Evenings are the hardest time for me to be alone. I’m trying to keep busy with this blog, decluttering, and coloring. I also enjoy playing solitaire and word games on the computer. I’m still working on learning Spanish.
Some days I have more pain from my fibro, so I need to adapt my activities to match. I think all of life requires adapting. If only, we got better at it with age. Wishful thinking, again.
Practicing
There are two things I’m practicing this month: Spanish and balancing exercises at physical therapy. The balance exercises are embarrassing, especially when I have to walk a line with my eyes closed. If a police officer pulled me over and had me walk with one foot in front of the other, I would wobble even without alcohol. I don’t drink alcohol, because of my medication, but I would still look drunk. At therapy, they make me do this with my eyes closed. I don’t like it, but I’ll keep practicing, because I don’t want to fall and break a bone. I wish my body would just behave.
I’m also still practicing Spanish. There is so much to learn and brain fog doesn’t help, but I’ve always wanted to be fluent in another language. So I keep practicing.
Humano necesito tu ayudaRealizing
I’ve been resisting the knowledge that I’m having to sell my home and move later this year. I think I’ve finally realized that it is happening whether I want it to or not. No amount of “if only’s” will change my circumstances. Reality can really suck, but fighting against reality is a colossal waste of time and energy. Finally, the light has dawned and I’m determined to make the best of it. Maybe I just needed to grieve first. I don’t really know, but I’m determined to not waste any more energy on wishful thinking.
Celebrating
Valentine’s Day! I have hated this day for years. I hated it when I was married, because my ex said “he didn’t need a day to express his love,” only he never got around to it. I have hated it since being single for a decade. BUT this year, I ran across a Be YOUR Own Valentine pin by Dominee at Blessing Manifesting. So I signed up for the seven days of self-love prompts. Why can’t I celebrate Valentine’s Day? If you’re single I encourage you to join me.
I will also be celebrating my oldest son’s 26th birthday. He’s away in the Navy, but we’ll still celebrate long distance.
Inviting
It may sound silly, but I’m inviting myself to really enjoy the process of decorating and setting up my apartment. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to set up a home without having to take into consideration the needs of six children. I can add what I find useful and beautiful, without having to worry about offending someone else’s decorating style, or worrying about whether or not it will get broken. Having four boys will do that to a person. LOL!
Conclusion
That about wraps up my answers for this month’s link party. Thank you, Sheryl, for hosting these monthly parties! If you missed January’s Link Party, you can read my answers here.
I would also love to hear what you have to say! Please share comments below. Don’t forget to share with friends and family!
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Till next time, Kathy
Such exciting times for you, Kathy!
I know it must be hard after living in a house for many years and raising children there, but a change is also very good for us.
I find moving to a new house super exciting! (yes, it’s draining in anybody’s condition, specially ours) Like you said, you get to make this one just the way you like it. Take your time and enjoy the process.
I recently started watching Spanish shows on Netflix! I don’t speak Spanish, so I have to read subtitles, but after 3 different shows I now find I can listen without reading at times! This is how I picked up Italian when we moved to Italy almost 20 years ago. Listening really helps with intonation and use of language. Enjoy!
My Feb link-up post is up too, late again this month, but I finally got it up haha…
I enjoyed reading your comment. I’m going to try listening to Spanish shows on Netflix. That sounds really helpful.
Thank you so much for sharing Kathy! I moved homes a couple of years ago and it is traumatic, even though I wanted the move, and exhausting, so be gentle with yourself!
I appreciate your reading and comment, Kelly! Last week, I heard that I may have my apartment by the beginning of April. Instant panic occurred. I had to tell myself that I would be okay and do some deep breathing. Thanks for the reminder to be gentle with myself.
Wishing you well with adapting to a quieter house! It has been great to read more about you and your life which I suppose is one of the great benefits of participating in these linkup parties!! I hope you enjoyed celebrating Valentine’s Day!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Rhiann. My Valentine’s day was nice.
I’m new to the link up party and recently started my chronic illness blog. I’m adapting to a Son in college too! I still make way too much food! Lol Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
I’m so glad you’re joining the party! I can understand the making too much food issue. LOL! Happy Valentine’s Day to you as well.
Kathy, I loved reading more about you! Adapting to an empty nest isn’t always going to be easy, but it lets you know you did your job well, because your children are able to be self-sufficient young adults. When my son left home, we actually left him, because we were being reassigned with the military and he chose not to go with us. Driving away was hard, but he did fine and so did I…. I’m sure you will too.
I had to chuckle when you said you wouldn’t pass a sobriety test, because I’ve always said exactly the same thing. I don’t know if I could walk a straight line if my life depended on it ha ha!
I love the idea of being your own valentine! I hope you enjoy doing it. We all need to learn to love ourselves a little more, don’t we?
Blessings to you!
It’s nice to hear from another mom whose child left the nest. It’s one of those bittersweet experiences. I’m also glad, that I’m not the only person who can’t walk a straight line! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Wishing you well in all the process of Adapting Kathryn! and love your Valentine’s Day views and link. I’m married now but I was single most of my adult life and having a chronic illness was what taught me so much about self-love. This way of celebrating Valentine’s day is terrific no matter what!
Thank you, Veronique, for reading and commenting. I got my first Be Your Own Valentine email today. It’s all about planning what you want to do for yourself on Valentine’s Day. It gave me lots to think about. This is going to be fun!
I love to read your replies as well. Even though we are worlds apart where we live and what age we are, I love to read about your life! Thank you for your kind comments.
Did I mention I love, LOVE to read each and every one of your prompt replies every month? 🙂 It’s just so fascinating what everyone is up to, how our lives are so different and similar.
It’s sad to have an empty home, and I hope that you can slowly adapt. Take it easy on yourself, and all the best with all the learning you’re getting into! Happy Valentine’s Day! xx