So, our caboose started kindergarten this week. For the first time in sixteen years, all my kids are out of the house at the same time. In addition, Richard started a new job today, so I literally have the house to myself.

Now, for just under three hours a day, I’m discovering that I’m not quite certain what to do. I could organize clutter, exercise, plan dinner, start dinner, read, write, play on the playstation…so much I could get done in three hours.

But I’m stuck. It’s too quiet. I tried to take a nap, went for a run around Capitol Lake, made some important phone calls, made my male cat chase me… All that took only an hour and a half.

Now what?

I, too, am in the process of finding work. That’s been the plan all along: that we would take the financial hit of having a single income while our kids were young, then we would both work when they’re all in school. That time has come, and I’m kind of nervous about re-entering the work force; I think I’m also a little anxious about not being here when the kids need me.

Will that pass?

© Alexa Lopez, 2008