Empty nests are for the birds

[Image credit: jannoon028]

As I discussed in my recent post, A new year for change…, I’m expecting 2013 to sport its share of change.  However, I’m already dealing with the first painful one even before the ball drops in Times Square.  My daughter is moving out, and Mom’s not ready.  Who am I going to blame for not scraping off the pizza stone or for forgetting to fill the toilet paper holder in the guest bath?  How will I manage when I don’t know if she’s safely tucked under her comforter at night?  I feel like I’m losing my Jacuzzi partner, my Tuesday night Parenthood date, my mini me.  I know it happens and I know it’s supposed to happen.  But I was just starting to get good at this parenting thing.  And the kicker?  She’s moving out this weekend while I’m traveling.  The other night when she was so loud while I was trying to write?  Yeah, not such a big deal.

Any tips you can give to this empty nester?