50+ club

...HOO.  Sniff Sniff.  I've reached the end of my 40's and the last of my tulips.

I belong to the 50+ club along with my sister, brother, and...

Hello Kitty! I admire kids today who are unafraid to express themselves.  I lack that kind of confidence at 50.

There was a time I was free spirited like my beautiful niece.

Nowadays, I warehouse shop for flannel pajama sets.

Find satisfaction in feeding my compost bin.

Get distracted in tile design.

Roam international markets.

And just wait for Truman to come home from college.

He missed out on my handroll making birthday dinner.

And his favorite Sprinkles Salty Caramel cupcake.

On the other hand, he did show up for Susie Cakes.

And had Paris Baguette leftovers.  Thank you Ann!

After four long weeks, Truman dropped in on us and made the Hui Fam feel whole again. 

Missing him is an understatement.

His empty seat at the dinner table feels unnatural, and the bunk and desk he once shared with his brother still seems barren. It's like a part of you is somewhere it shouldn't be and yet, that part of you is exactly where it should be. 

After he left for college, I escaped to Santa Barbara with my gal pals which helped recharge my state of mind.

Hello Kitty + Tea Time with Portia lifted my spirits too.  

How lucky am I to have a lunch date for life.

Getting lost in scribble with her is easy.

It wasn't that long ago she turned one like Ren.

And just a few years ago she was only six like her cousin Dylan.

Today, it's ALL about her bros (when did "bro" become gender-neutral?).

I've definitely come down with pre-empty nest syndrome.

Symptoms include fixation and infatuation with your children.

So now, I just watch.

Watch them all the time especially when they don't know I'm watching.

They catch me in the act every now and then.

Regardless, they have no idea how proficient my stalking abilities are. 

Stay tuned to read more about the life of soon-to-be accredited and authorized empty nesters.