The Empty Nest way of life

As I am randomly searching for blogs to follow and read, I often come across one or two themes that are consistent - either the author has a young family or the couple is experiencing the empty nest.

The common thread? They both have families.

I, on the other hand, do not.

That does not mean I do not know what the rest of you are going through, I did grow up in a family. lol I even (in a previous marriage) had exchange students, so I understand the hustle and bustle of navigating the car pool waters and crazy schedules.

But my new life involves a great deal of quiet. This time - it is forever. See, my husband and I do not have children, nor will we have children, and he refuses to allow pets in the home. Less chaos - but more restlessness.

For those of you with no concept of what I do with my time, I thought I would share with you what the "empty home" is like. (It's not even a nest - no one flew away that will ever return.)

For one, it is quiet. Really, really quiet. Which can be great after a busy day at work. But on a Sunday afternoon, it is almost deafening.

It stays organized. Which again, can get a little boring. I remember when I did have a house full (including 3 cats and 2 dogs) and I felt like I was always cleaning up after someone.

I read a lot, I write a lot, I watch tons of movies. Which is why I am always talking about learning a new hobby.

I used to be a scrapbook kind of girl (oh yeah.. don't laugh.) I have well over 20 completed albums - but the challenge now is, there is not a whole lot to put in those albums. Yes, my work is interesting from time to time - but really, who wants to see a scrap book with tons of pics of just me??

I check out tons of cookbooks. Always making lists, planning different menus. My love of cooking came from my desire to find something to do in the kitchen. Then there is the challenge of not making too much. With only two people, you quickly end up with a lot of left overs.

It's a bizarre, peaceful sort of existence...

How about you? What type of "life" are you living?