At the end of this week our last child will leave for college, and just like that, we’ll get to call ourselves ‘empty nesters!’ As this is kid number four, we’ve gotten pretty good at guiding them into the next phase of their lives. This move-out feels a little different, of course, since she is the last one.

On the one hand, watching all the kids take this next step has been so exciting, mostly because they’re so excited. On the other hand, our family dynamic is changing once again. We’ve loved our parenting journey and can’t believe we now have four adult children, and we’re also looking forward to the next phase in our life as a couple. We’ve made some big plans!

As our daughter sorts, organizes, and packs, Ray and I are doing the same on a grander scale. The water damage and reconstruction projects in our house have accelerated our own move-out timeline. Since we have to do the work anyway, we’re just not going to move any of it back in. You can probably imagine how much work this is, with some of it completely unexpected. Add a robust travel and book signing schedule and you have a slightly stressed mama.

My remedy for the overwhelm is to become super organized, with lists and sub-lists, and spreadsheets detailing what needs to happen and when. We’re trying to accomplish one project per day in an order that makes sense. When I break it down, I know it will all get done, but still, it’s a lot! I’ve been trying to keep Timber’s words in mind…

“You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.” – Timber Hawkeye

IN OTHER NEWS…

I’ve already been to Tampa Bay Comic Con and Boston Fan Expo this summer, and I sold out my inventory of books at both! It feels good to interact with readers and fans again. If we met at one of these events, thank you so much for your support and I hope you enjoy my stories!
I’m heading to Chicago World Con from Sept-1-5. My days will be jam packed with programs, panels, and readings. I’ll post my full schedule on my social media channels and on Monday Musings before the big event.
I’ll be at the Big E on Friday, September 30th signing all day. Look for me at the ‘book nook’ in the Rhode Island building.