I understand. I'm in the same place you are. It is hard to transition away from being a home school mom!

The table? Get rid of it. Get another table that you can use for the same purposes but one that does spark joy. The husband? I have no idea. Wish I could help. My husband's clutter is horrible. You can't cause someone else to declutter or organize. The Legos? We had (have) several large Rubbermaid bins with lids. Just shovel 'em in. :)

So sorry. :grouphug:

:grouphug:

I lived in BR years ago and am so saddened by this craziness. Not just in BR... the world has gone crazy. The BR shooter was not even from BR. He was from Kansas City. It angers me the way that "outsiders" go into a city and make a situation WORSE.

Talk to the hairdresser. A style that is suggested by one person may not work for YOUR hair. Maybe go in with some pictures that you like. Take more than one picture. I need a good hair cut too!

Another thing to consider.... What do you plan to do AFTER homeschooling is over?? 10 years will pass more quickly than you think! My youngest son graduated from homeschooling this year and I am in a "transition" year myself. I'm working about 30 hours a week in an inventory management position while deciding whether or I want another "career" or if I only want a "job". Having an MBA has opened doors for me... I've been interviewed at a very high rate and was the "clincher" for my current job. I will have "career" options if I stay with the current company. So, think about life after homeschooling. Also, I'm an adjunct at a community college. Pay is horrible considering. For some classes I've put in so many hours that I made "minimum wage" or less! I had a co-worker tell me that he would have made more money being a cashier at Kroger for a class he was teaching. But for other classes the pay averaged out to about $16 per hour... not bad. At my college adjuncts can teach at maximum of 9 hours per semester..... but some semesters I've been slated for 9 and then sections are dropped and I've only taught 3 hours. One semester ALL the classes were re-arranged at the last minute... I "thought" i was teaching 3 classes and ended up teaching 2 DIFFERENT classes. Last semester I had zero classes! You canNOT depend on adjunct income!!!!! But... think about income when you will be able to work full time.

One of mine sons was well over 3 before finishing potty training. I talked with the doctor about it and he told me that if he was still not trained on his 4th birthday then we would look into it medically. the doctor said that the range of potty training is about 20 months to 4 years... and most are 2. Now that reminds me of learning to read. The range of learning to read is about 3 to 10, and most are 6 or 7. I told my son.. no more diapers or pull ups. I cleaned up a few mesess for sure. One night wearing regular underwear he messed the bed and woke with poop everywhere. It was stinking, let me tell you!! My son was completely grossed out! We clean him and the mess. He NEVER had an accident after that. Sorry.... hugs to you.... I remember how I felt!

I was hurt over my daughter's wedding last year. I wish a few things had been different. But they weren't and I did not enjoy the way mother-of-the bride should enjoy it. But, time passes and those hurts heal. You are not alone! The issues may be different, but the "hurt" is the same. ((( hugs )))

All good thoughts and ideas. Thanks to everyone!

What kind of fabric? I've never heard of a spot clean only dress.

I am working for financial reasons and can not justify paying for a housecleaner. Although, that IS a good idea. I'm in a more "transition job"... more $ than minimum wage but not a "corporate" salary. If I decide to go for a "real" full time position next year, I might consider a housecleaner for a few hours a week. My 19 year old son is a TON of help! He always keeps the living room and his bathroom clean. He cooks a real meal at least once a week, sometimes twice... but his schedule will be changing soon and I can't rely on his "chef service." He's a great cook by the way! I'm not judging frozen dinners. We are eating pot pies with rice at night and I'm buying frozen meals for my lunch and son's lunch every day OR canned soup. We like Progresso. :) Breakfast is a non-issue... I have not "cooked" breakfast in years. I do need to use my crockpot more. Don't have an instant pot. We like salads, so having some chicken breasts cooked ahead of time to put on a salad would be easy. I think it will take several months to really get a handle on scheduling. Cleaning or exercising when I get home will NOT happen! I can clean in the kitchen while coffee brews/cools every morning and make the bed as soon as we get up.

(((Hugs)))

My kids always loved a "party plate". I would take a platter or two and arrange fresh fruit, veggies, dip, crackers, chips, several sandwiches cut really small. It was easier for me to do and they felt like they were at a party eating finger foods. That was especially good when I only had 2 or 3 peices of bread, a handful of crackers, one apple, etc. and 4 kids to feed. One or two of 5 or 6 things was enough to feed everyone.

I crashed on Saturday and "wasted" the day. I wish I had given myself permission to feel yucky. I love that phrase. and that is exactly what I need to do for a while. Just acknowlege that my life has changed. And, as I think about everything.... it is the change is SCHEDULE that is the main problem right now.

Great post, Empress Bee. Reading is one of the hobbies I want to still find time for. I think that reading books and websites on adjusting to change will help me through this transition.

I have to work financially and want to work emotionally. I can not imagine going from my "career" as homeschool mom to NOT working outside the home. Jenny: thanks for your experience. You could not find a good book?? Maybe I'll blog and write a book. (In my spare time , of course! ) :crying:

I worked while I was still homeschooling because we needed the money. If I would not have "had" to work I would NOT have worked. Also, I stayed in a job with quite a bit of emotional stress and WAY TO LONG. Your church should understand that your family comes first.

Thanks all. I appreciate all posts! Mandamom: Your life seems similar so you really understand. Life is just SO DIFFERENT than it was a few months ago! And, there may be (probably is) some depression in the mix. Maybe I'll look into some supplements like SAM-E for awhile. I'm getting good sleep, drinking plenty of water, dh and I carpool so we are enjoying being together.... Someone mentioned "quality nutrition" ... yes that is part of the problem for sure. Does anyone know of a good book for adjusting to the stress of life changes?

I have not "done the math" but yes, that does put things into perspective. My work day is only about 7 hours and I only get 30 minutes for lunch. No place to escape during lunch either. Thankfully I only work 4 days a week. I can let hobbies go. I just want to feel good and be healthy. Having fibromyalgia does not help here.

"The stress of the lifestyle change" YES yes and yes. That is it exactly. I am getting help at home. Ds does some cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Same for Dh. I used to do yoga and/or walk in the late morning. I used to do school and homemaking activities in the morning. I used to work part time 3 or 4 days a week leaving at 1pm and returning at 8pm. Now I work 4 days a week and am away from home almost 12 hours per day. I leave about 7 and get home about 6. I am too tired to do anything. I NEED to eat healthy food and I NEED to do my yoga at least.

sorry... meant to post on chat board... x posted over there now. thanks

You all are such a fount of information... Does anyone know of a good blog or book or you tube video that can help me adjust to my new non homeschooling life? I can not find anything that really relates to me... a 50ish "retired" homeschool mom, with only one child (ds19) still living at home, working a new job, commuting by car over an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. Dh and DD24 tell me to write my own blog about this life transition. I just need SOME help NOW. I am just exhausted. I have no energy to exercise, cook, clean, hobbies, etc. I'm working, riding in the car, or sleeping. I'm alway from home almost 12 hours a day. It sort of feels like that first year or two of homechooling. Or the first year with a new baby. That "How the heck to do I do this?" feeling. You all are probably trying to figure out how to homeschool with a new baby and a todddler.... but maybe your Mom knows of a blog or book to help me! Anything? Or should I just muddle through this and blog my journey? Help and Thanks. Pam

You all are such a fount of information... Does anyone know of a good blog or book or you tube video that can help me adjust to my new non homeschooling life? I can not find anything that really relates to me... a 50ish "retired" homeschool mom, with only one child (ds19) still living at home, working a new job, commuting by car over an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. Dh and DD24 tell me to write my own blog about this life transition. I just need SOME help NOW. I am just exhausted. I have no energy to exercise, cook, clean, hobbies, etc. I'm working, riding in the car, or sleeping. I'm alway from home almost 12 hours a day. It sort of feels like that first year or two of homechooling. Or the first year with a new baby. That "How the heck to do I do this?" feeling. You all are probably trying to figure out how to homeschool with a new baby and a todddler.... but maybe your Mom knows of a blog or book to help me! Anything? Or should I just muddle through this and blog my journey? Help and Thanks. Pam

Well... what's next is a good question. I've been working part-time for the last 5 years. I've worked 2 part-time jobs (at the same time) for 2 of those years. I'm tired. I am looking for jobs. If I stay part-time, I need a DIFFERENT job. I am applying for full-time "professional" jobs, as well. Financially, I MUST work. If I did not HAVE to work... I would still find something little to do. Now, I am actually mourning homeschooling. (And the death of a favorite aunt.) One of my daughters is graduating from college tomorrow. (The one with diagnosed learning disabilities if you've followed me here over the years.) It is just a very emotional time for me today. Thanks for the support! (Today and over all the years!)