Abroad?

Bobby has always been adventurous and wanted to try new things. This past week he has been talking about how he wants to study abroad for a semester in Europe. As you can imagine, the thought of Bobby living in a different country for a couple months pulled at my heart strings. I want the best for him, but isn’t moving away to college enough; not moving to an entirely different country.

His freshman year he did not declare a major, but now after his first year completed and now about to begin his second year, he is thinking he wants to major in international business or studies; which would be a good fit if he does study abroad. As much as I didn’t want him to move out of the house for college, I am happy with who he has become. He has grown so much and I have as well.

I know Bobby would thrive in a new country and environment; he has always love meeting new people and leaning about different cultures. I have seen him mature so much in the past year it is incredible. I know that studying abroad in college requires a lot a maturity and I am sure he has it. He would be living in a country where he is unfamiliar with the surroundings, most likely not fluent in the language, and have to be responsible to go to class with all the opportunities around him. I feel like he would be able to learn to manage his time, and with his maturity, excel in a new way.

I found this website called College Parents of America with some good information and questions to ask as a parent of a child that wants to study abroad. I personally felt assured reading about the reasons why a wonderful young man like Bobby would want to leave his loving mother to live in a different country. Here is what they said-
• Study abroad allows students to experience a new culture.
• Study abroad gives students a new perspective on the world, and on their own culture.
• Study abroad experiences provide new challenges for students to overcome.
• Studying abroad increases student’s sense of independence.
• Study abroad allows some students to extend their curriculum by taking things not offered by their own institution.
• Study abroad looks good on a resume.
• Study abroad may fulfill particular personal goals of the student.
• Studying abroad is an adventure.

I am trying to convince myself that this study abroad thing will be the best for him in the long run. I know it will be hard for my husband and me, but I want the best for my children. And who knows, maybe we could go visit him if he decides this is something he would like to do.

Have you had a child study abroad? I would love to know how you managed to be childless for so long and how you coped.

Any pointers about the study abroad process for parents would be greatly appreciated.

Until next time,

Nancy

Corporate Floral Arrangements

I had the honor to help my boss create floral arrangements for a corporate client this past week.  Before working on this project, I never took notice to corporate flowers; but after seeing the transformation of the office, it is clear that flowers and greenery keep work environments lively.

At first I was having trouble creating “corporate looking” pieces that fit our clients business.  My boss really helped me out and pointed me in the right direction.  I learned it is important to focus on flowers with a gentle sent not a potent one to keep it from over powering an area.  Flowers help set the mood in a room, keeping the floral message in the office appropriate is a pivotal aspect of a florist.

When I was making the floral arrangements for the reception areas I had to keep in mind that they will be see by everyone and be entertaining employees and clients.  Keeping my audience in mind is something I learned to be very valuate when designing.

Now that I understand how to create visually appealing professional pieces, I think that an effective arrangement can really add to the tone of the office and create a welcoming and positive environment.

Nothing creates a positive impression like fresh flower arrangements in a corporate environment.  After talking to the client and my boss, I think that the flowers are an extension of the business and the branding.  Subconsciously, when I walk into an office if there are fresh flowers I immediately feel at ease. 

I enjoyed taking my floral arrangements down a different path.  I liked creating corporate pieces but I think I like weddings and other events better!

Until next time,

Nancy

Solo Beach Day

My husband left yesterday for a business trip to Arizona for three days; so what’s a better way than to start my solo weekend at the beach.  Although I will miss his company I am excited to have some time for just me. I have been working quite a bit lately; although I love every second of it, I feel like I need to give myself a little break and relax. This couldn’t have come at a better time.

This morning I slept in and took my time drinking my coffee and reading the paper. It was so nice not having any commitments or places I needed to be. I actually read the whole paper AND did the crossword puzzle.

When I got to the beach I found a quiet corner all to myself. I laid my blanket down and just sat and listened to the waves. I found myself slip into a meditative state, since Tai-Chi I find it much easier to find peace and really let go. My breaths matched the waves crashing in, calming my body and relaxing. I hadn’t felt this at peace for a while.

After I was done, I began reading a book Clara brought home for me. It was an old romance novel she thought I would like; and of course I did. It felt like I hadn’t had time to just sit and read for ages. It was good to not only lose myself in the calmness of the ocean but in the book as well.

To make the day even better, my menopausal symptoms cooperated and didn’t make me a sweaty mess. When I relax, focus on the present, and maintain a healthy lifestyle I feel so much better and feel my body taking steps in the right direction.

Sitting by the ocean listening to the wave’s crash made me forget all my worries and reflect on what makes me happy and everything I am grateful for. I think everyone needs a day to themselves every now and again.

When I allow myself to have a day to do nothing, I acknowledge the positives in my life and create a better environment for myself and my family. This is going to be a much needed relaxing weekend to myself.

“Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream.” –John Lennon

Until Next Time,

Nancy

Creating a Dream Board

I was recently reading a few articles about dreaming and visualizing dreams to make them a reality. I initially thought that creating a dream board sounded kind of cheesy and childish, but after reading a little more it was shocking to see the research behind making them dreams visually available and achieving them.

The meaning of a dream board is to have dreams and motivation in a visual form to inspire you to be happy and work to achieve those dreams. Even though I have accomplished so much in my life already and am very happy, I like the idea of dream boards and what they are intended to do.

I have hopes, dreams, and little quotes that make me want to live each day to the fullest. I decided to create a dream board this morning. Although I took a little different spin on it, I put things I am grateful for, things I have accomplished, and photos and quotes that make me a positive. By creating a physical inspirational board that I can look at every day, I have no excuses to be upset or unhappy.

Here are a few of the pictures and quotes I put on my dream board. 🙂

In my digital version of my dream board I have a picture of my favorite beach to go to with my husband and kids, a diploma for my children and everything they have accomplished, a quote about kids that makes me such a proud mother, a quote about loving my husband, a photo of a road trip we went on to the center of the US a few years ago, a photo of one of my favorite floral arrangements I have created so far, a quote that makes me feel very rich :), a photo from our romantic getaway to New York City, and a photo of the Eiffel Tower because I want to visit Paris one day.

I absolutely love my dream boards; I made one on the computer and one on a poster. I found a lot of inspiration and quotes on Pinterest that were perfect for this project. I hope I inspired you to make your own dream board, it is a great way to see your dreams and work to make them a reality.

Until next time, keep dreaming,

Nancy

A New Direction- Floral Arrangements

Ever since I took the floral arrangement class a few months ago I have been making bouquets and center pieces left and right. Even some of my friends have begun asking me to make them for them and their friends’ homes and parties. I really enjoying designing and creating them, it is nice to channel my creativity in such a productive way.

I recently was considering applying for part time florist and floral design jobs. I think it would be fun and I would be keeping myself busy. This morning I built up the courage to apply for a few florist jobs around town! It was really exciting, I felt so good about myself afterwards. I have grown so much in the past year; I don’t think I would have ever expected myself to be doing what I am today.

I have learned so much from the class I am taking but, I think if I was in a setting where I was constantly being challenged, I would thrive and learn so much more! Learning is key in growing old; or at least that’s what I think. I notice my attitude become so much more positive and upbeat when I am learning or engaging in something knew.
Reading the summary of duties on the job posting made me nervous and excited about the possibilities. I would be designing arrangements, producing special orders, setting up at venues, and providing inspiration for seasonal presentations. I haven’t had a job that allowed that much creativity EVER! I think this would be an incredible opportunity.
From beginning my Tai Chi classes and participating in the Floral arranging classes my mind has been so much clearer. I am using learning to beat the empty nest syndrome…and menopause. 🙂

Keep your fingers crossed, I really hope I get this position. I feel like it would be a great step in the right direction.

Until next time,
Nancy

Early Christmas Shopping

I am not the most organized or timely person but for some reason I got the urge to finish my Christmas shopping this week. It was weird…I have no idea was possessed me to do it! I usually don’t do much shopping for our extended family, I usually just stick to my kids, my husband and our parents.

This year has been an incredible year for me. Even though my both of children moved out of the house and I am going through menopause, I look them as positive learning experiences. I can’t keep my children living in my house forever, and after a few months of them gone I am learning to like it. And menopause is a natural process that I have learned to take with stride. I think my newfound confidence and lifestyle made me change my ways and want to get Christmas gifts for everyone.

Before I went shopping I made a list of people I wanted to buy gifts for and an idea of what I wanted to get them. I set my budget to make sure I wouldn’t go crazy…it is so easy to spend more than you want when buying for other people…tis the season I guess!

I decided to go big and head to the mall for my little shopping spree. Walking in was so magical; the entire place was decorated with lights, big snowflakes, candy canes, Christmas decorations everywhere and Christmas music playing from the speakers in every store. I forgot what it was like to shop in the mall during the Christmas season. I have become the gift card lady to the nieces and nephews over the past couple years and haven’t ventured to the mall.

I ended up getting everyone their gifts; the first time that has happened in many years. I really want to share what I got for everyone because it is all so great, but I can’t risk my family and friends seeing this post before Christmas! 🙂

You all will just have to wait!

I am so happy I decided to go shopping in the mall for everyone’s gifts. It really got me in the Christmas spirit. It is a wonderful time of the year!

Until next time,

Nancy

Floral Arrangement Class

I grew up in the garden watering the plants and pulling the weeds.  Flowers and gardening have been a passion of mine since I can remember.  Now that the kids have moved out of the house I have had more time to rekindle my passion for flowers and floral arrangements.  There is something special that floral arrangements do for a home.

A few weeks ago I signed up for a Floral Arrangements 101 class at our local community college.  I never thought I would go back to school, but this was such a great decision.  I think it is the best time to take a class because of all the holiday parties coming up and the floral arrangements I’ll want to make.  🙂
Today was the first class of a 6 class course.  I was a little nervous about the class because I don’t have any professional or educational background in floral design, just a strong interest in it.  When I got there I immediately felt better, there were beautiful arrangements all around the room and it just so happened an acquaintance from my husband’s work was there too.  It is always more comforting when there is a familiar face.

Today in class, we learned about composition, color and design for the different seasons.  I was amazed at how extensive the professional thought process is when designing.  When I create an arrangement at home I just put together what looks good to me; after this class I hope I am going to be able to make professional quality arrangements.
After a little lecture and chatting, we dove in and began creating our first.  We designed little Dahlia and Mum bouquets for a small table setting.  Our teacher was so informative and knowledgeable.  After listening to her instructions I realized I had been doing the preparation all wrong.  We began by cutting the steams of late fall dahlias and mums and arranged it with twigs of crabapples and orange winterberry.

         

I was surprised how great everyone’s turned out…for our first class, we looked like prodigies.   They looked effortless and so chic.    The best part was we got to take them home when we were done! The short arrangements look great lining the center of our dinner table.  My husband even noticed and commented on how great they looked when he came home!

I loved my first class, I can’t wait for the next one.  Who knows, I may have found my new passion?!
Until next time,
Nancy

Halloween Memories

This past weekend was one of my favorite holidays, Halloween.  I love decorating the house with spooky decorations and getting the candy ready for trick-o-treater’s.  My kids are grown and have been doing their own thing on Halloween for years, but there is something about Halloween that brings back so many happy memories.
This year I found a few cute DIY projects to decorate the house.  I have been feeling crafty so I made these easy decorations
•    Hanging Ghosts- On a few Styrofoam balls I drew big black eyes with a Sharpe and hung cheesecloth over the balls.  I shredded the cheesecloth at the bottom to give them a scary look and hung them with fishing line from the porch.  They looked great!

•    Pumpkin Vases- These vases looked so much better than I thought they were going to.  I just carved pumpkins out…and saved the seeds for a snack 🙂 …sprayed some sparkle pant on the outside and made a nice little flower arrangement inside of it.  It was a good alternative to carving.

•    Spooky Mason Jars- These were very easy to make.  I had a few extra mason jars laying around the house.  I decorated the jars with cloth and googley eyes to create, pumpkin faces, mummy faces, and spooky faces.  Then I put an electronic tea light in the jar and put them along our front door.  It made our entrance look so festive!

On Saturday when the trick-o-treater’s came around I couldn’t help but miss the good old days when the kids were young.  There is just something about this time of the year; I don’t know if it is the warmth of the season, remembering the kids fall activities, carving pumpkins, or all the memories of fall with young children.
When Clara and Bobby were young we always used to match their costumes for trick-or-treating.  They hate us for it now, but it was so cute back then.  To make it even better, I used to make some of their costumes…needless to say they would not be “Pinterest worthy” by today’s standards. 🙂
I am so blessed to have had such great kids and had so many great times with them.  This weekend brought back so many great memories.  I am proud of myself for focusing on the positive and not letting myself get sad about them not being here.  I was able to Skype Bobby AND Clara this weekend and show them our decorated house.
I am making steps in the right direction.  Maybe this whole empty nest thing isn’t that bad! 🙂

Hope you all had a spook-tacular Halloween!

Until next time,
Nancy

Coping with an Empty Nest

Bobby has already been out of the house for nearly 2 months.  Although he was barely around the months leading up to his move, it is still tough having a child-less home.  Clara moved out years ago, but there is something that keeps bringing back feelings of sadness and loneliness.  I tell myself each day is a new day, a new challenge, and a new victory.  I try keeping a positive attitude and look forward to seeing my children.

Some days are better than others, and I take it one day at a time.  I am happy I prepared myself before “moving day” or I think it would be pretty ugly.  I met up with a few friends yesterday that also had their kids move out for college this year.  It is comforting knowing other people are feeling the same why I am.

I am no empty nest expert, but I try to make each day better than the last.  Here are a few steps that are continuing to help me cope and get through this.  Maybe they can help you or you can share them with someone who needs them.
1.    Preparing myself for the “move” was probably the most important thing I did.  I worked to accept the fact my children were moving out before the day came.  It helped me feel more at peace when it happened.  Whatever emotions that appear when going through a time like this are okay as long as you acknowledge them.  Share feelings with others or write them down in a journal.
2.    Getting healthy is one of my greatest accomplishments so far.  I never really considered myself to be unhealthy, just not that active.  When my hot flashes and menopause symptoms were acting up and getting active was a way to minimize them, I took a big step towards a positive change.  When I go on a bike ride or a walk I feel great about myself.  My body is happy and so are my emotions.
3.    Being romantic with my husband wasn’t a priority when I had two kids running around the house.  Now that it is just the two of us, there is time to spend together and remember why we fell in love in the first place.  We have been doing little surprises for each other that making each day exciting.  It is easy to remember why we fell in love after an evening just the two of us.
4.    DON’T MOPE! This was very difficult for me.  I felt so much better when I got out of the house and tried new things.  It is amazing how much more time there is to focus on yourself.  I went shopping alone, started a new fitness and healthy lifestyle, began taking a tai chi class, and have been sparking the romance with my husband.  Don’t mope; I promise it gets better faster when you get out there.
5.    Join an empty nest forum if you don’t have friends that understand what you’re going through.  I am lucky quite a few of my friends are going through the same thing I am.  I find it very beneficial for my moral to talk about missing my kids and how I am feeling.  Sometimes it is hard to tell your friends exactly how you are feeling, I found joining online forums anonymously is a great way to get everything off my chest.  Here are a few forums I like: Circle of Moms, Empty Nest Moms, and Daily Strength.
I hope that by sharing what I have done and continue to do, I might be able to help someone else get through tough times like these.  Every mother loves their children dearly, but it is important to let them fly to their next destination.  I knew becoming an empty nester would be difficult; but with knowledge and a good support system going through it can be a great learning experience.  Embrace the change and grow.
Until next time,
Nancy

New Technology

Along with not being very fashion forward, I have never been tech savvy either. My kids have always made fun of my out of date cell phone and laugh when they try to Skype me and I have no idea what I’m doing…what mom of college students hasn’t been laughed at during a Skype call. 🙂 A couple days ago my phone decided to take a swim in the park river, so I had to get a new phone, and decided to get a “smart phone!” I thought it was a good time to join the tech world and try to master social media and video calling my kids.

I never really wanted a smart phone, but with the technology and society today it is hard not to have one. I hope now that I have one, I will be able to figure out social media a little better and use it to communicate with Bobby and Clara more. I already have a Facebook and Pinterest, but now with my new phone I will be able to go on it everywhere. A bunch of my old friends from high school have a group chat on Facebook that I didn’t really get to participate in because I only check my Facebook on the computer a couple times a week. But now with my brand new smart phone I will be able to talk to them all the time. …now that I’m writing about everything I can do on my phone, I think I’m realizing how excited I am! 🙂

My husband is also happy I got a smart phone! He always is up on the new technology trends and what is coming out next. Now that we have the same type of phone we can text easier and send photos quicker….at least that’s what he tells me. I’m sure he will help me figure it out.

Since I got this new phone two days ago, I have spent so much time on it, it’s ridiculous. I have been figuring out how to work all of the bells and whistles on it. Luckily for me, not only is my husband tech savvy I also went out to coffee with one of my good friends yesterday who is a cell phone guru. She is always posting pictures on Facebook from her phone and talking about how often she Facetimes her children; hopefully after her instructional coffee date some of her knowledge rubbed off on me.

After coffee and my cell phone tutorial I was feeling so much more comfortable with my phone. I even tried Facetiming Bobby at college when I got home. Although it didn’t really work, the picture was really delayed, it was so great seeing Bobby and hearing his voice. He laughed at me trying to figure out how to point the camera at myself and not the celling. It was so incredible seeing him and hearing his voice together, it was almost like I was there! I really miss him.

I feel like when I started writing this post I wasn’t thrilled about my new phone and now that I’ve actually thought about all the things I am going to be able to do on it, I am really eager to learn more! I am ready to take on my new smart phone, Facetime, and social media. Find me on Facebook and Pinterest!  Watch out techy world, Nancy is coming! 🙂

Until Next Time,

Nancy