So, here we are, a few months in. The kids have flown the nest, leaving behind a slightly echoey house and two confused dogs who still can’t figure out why there’s less food being dropped on the floor. But let me tell you, the adjustment to this new phase of life has been…well, surprisingly awesome and only occasionally hilarious in ways I didn't expect.
What’s Gone Well: Less Chaos, More Snoop Dogg
For starters, my husband and I are spending more time together. With no soccer matches to attend or school commitments, we’ve found ourselves doing things together that don’t involve binge-watching crime dramas. Evening walks, joint gym trips—who knew exercising could be a bonding experience? It’s like we’re dating again, except this time we’ve got better shoes and an actual retirement plan.
I’ve also decided to shake things up a bit. Jogging has re-entered my life, and yes, it’s exactly as painful as I remember. But hey, with country music blasting in my ears, I’m reminded of my younger days—when I had stamina and no fear of leggings. Now, I jog at a “scenic” pace, rediscovering my love for both the fresh air and songs about trucks and heartbreak.
Another unexpected win: The house is always clean. Always. It’s like living in a magazine spread, minus the uncomfortable furniture. There are no socks draped on the backs of chairs or mysterious pizza crumbs lurking between couch cushions. I could get used to this.
And don’t get me started on cooking dinner. I’ve gone from short-order cook to breezy, gourmet meals for two. Cleanup? It’s so fast I feel like I’m cheating on my pre-nest self. If this keeps up, I may even have time to invent some complicated recipe that no one will eat—just to relive the old days.
And then there’s Snoop Dogg. Yep, you read that right. I’ve rediscovered my love for Snoop Dogg, because who doesn’t need more Snoop in their life? It’s less about “Gin and Juice” (although I do love that song) and more about his cultural influence, sense of humor, and kindness. I’m tuning into The Voice just because Snoop and the Gangsta Holy Ghost need me to.
Time with friends has become more intentional and catching up with my friends feels like a proper occasion. We actually talk about things, deep things, like skincare routines and why grocery shopping together with your husband can only be described as a “learning experience” (more on that later).
The Surprises: Texts, Gift Cards, and Toothpaste
While the kids may be out of the house, they’re certainly not out of touch. In fact, the daily phone calls from them are my absolute favorite. It’s like a little update from the universe that I’m still needed.
Text messages are a different story. I expected sweet updates or photos. Instead, I get messages like, “Hey, what’s the Amazon password?” or “Can you Venmo me for toothpaste?” Ah, the joys of raising responsible, self-sufficient adults—who apparently don’t understand how toothpaste pricing works.
One of the most delightful surprises came while cleaning out my son’s room. Amidst the discarded wrappers and forgotten school supplies, I discovered $125 in unused gift cards! Naturally, he insisted those cards were already spent, but guess who had a mini shopping spree on Amazon? Yep, this mom. He’s unknowingly funded a new dress and jean jacket for his grateful mom.
And finally, there’s the grocery store incident. Let’s just say that going grocery shopping with my husband was one of those moments where love and frustration come together in a beautiful, chaotic dance of aisle wandering. After that adventure, I promptly signed up for the Kroger Boost program that offers free grocery delivery. It was the best investment I’ve made since buying noise-canceling headphones during the toddler years. Trust me.
The Best Part: Watching My Kids Take Flight
As much as I joke about the Amazon passwords and toothpaste reimbursements, the real joy comes from watching my kids grow. Seeing them try new things, make bold decisions, and even make a few mistakes (which they’ll totally learn from) fills me with a sense of pride that I can’t quite describe. This phase of life may be quieter, but it’s also filled with excitement—for them and for me.
Empty nesting has been a journey of rediscovery, both for myself and my Apple Music playlists. And while I miss the noise and chaos sometimes, I’m learning to embrace the peacefulness. Plus, the daily phone calls remind me that even though the house is empty, my heart—and my text inbox—are still very full.