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Wow. Like many I am so glad I found this thread. Haven't been on CC in awhile and not on the Parents Forum in longer. I can relate to so many of your comments. Unlike most of you, I am not happily married and unfortunately do not look forward to more spouse time nor do I want it. I am thrilled for D #2 heading to an exciting city and wonderful school, and D#1 is also very happy in her chosen college, just finished her 2nd year. I have a list of things I want to do (and funny enough, they were both just a little put out that I actually had plans for things to do once they were gone!!!) I think D#2 may have some adjustment and homesickness issues whereas #1 didn't at all...so that may occupy some time and put a few plans on hold, we'll see. I love them dearly and am thrilled at their accomplishments and the intelligent young women they have become, and eagerly look forward to what they will move on to do with their lives. Finances are indeed an issue and its tight for a variety of reasons. The big piece is deciding on how I will be happiest without hurting them, but I think we all deserve to be happy and I know that although parts of my life make me happy (them) big pieces of it do not. I recently described myself as a "married single parent" as that is what it has been. So.....courses, classes, a ballet class I have always wanted to do.....continue to go to theaters, shows, museums.....the cheaper the better.
By the way, for those looking into cheaper travel try hotwire or priceline. Not perfect but I have used them and gotten great deals at much fancier places than I would stay...like just this week I paid $50 a night for a nearly $200 a night hotel while taking D to college orientation. I didn't spend much time there but when I did, it was VERY nice!
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