A daily series, Connect! Unite! Act! seeks to create face-to-face networks in each congressional district. Groups regularly socialize but also get out the vote, support candidates and engage in other local political actions that help our progressive movement grow and exert influence on the powers-that-be. Visit us every morning at 7:30 A.M. Pacific Time to see how you can get involved. The comment thread is fun and light-hearted, but we're serious about moving the progressive political agenda forward.
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What is an empty nest supposed to feel like?
Maybe you're an empty nester. Maybe you'll be one eventually. Perhaps you once were a child and left home at some point. Your parents then became empty-nesters. Could be your only experience of empty nesting is seeing folks crying (or partying) across the street. So maybe you can relate to this on some level. Maybe not.
Empty nest syndrome is a feeling of grief and loneliness parents or guardians may feel when their children leave home for the first time, such as to live on their own or to attend a college or university. It is not a clinical condition.Since a young adult moving out from his or her parents' house is generally a normal and healthy event, the symptoms of empty nest syndrome often go unrecognized. This can result in depression and a loss of purpose for parents, since the departure of their children from "the nest" leads to adjustments in parents' lives. Empty nest syndrome is especially common in full-time mothers.
Not getting the Empty Nest Syndrome...so now what?
I'm an empty nester now. My son "moved out" about two weeks ago. Three friends and he are renting a house. I say "moved out" because nearly all of his belongings, including his computer, are still here. Once they get internet he'll be back for it I'm sure. I'm assuming he's going to leave most of his stuff behind. Maybe that's why I don't feel like he left. I mean, I'm not struck with forlorn nostalgia or bouts of being verklempt thinking of all the wonderful adventures we had when he was growing up. Everything just seems normal to me. Well, except for the fact that he moved out on his own (without any prodding at all or financial backing from me). I think I'm feeling proud of him for that.
Is that denial? Is that because his moving out is still recent? Am I just feeling the temporary euphoria of not having a teenager (well, he just turned 21 actually, but you know...) in the house sharing their angst or anger with me? Is it because he moved across town and not across the country, and that he did so at age 21 instead of a younger age? Is it because I'm a bad parent?
I don't know. Somewhere floating around in my brain is the image of parents tearing out their hair in grief because their child has gone out alone into the world. I can't relate to that. Perhaps as recent as five or six months ago I would've reacted that way. However I've known he planned to move out this summer for months in advance. I did have one or two bad nights right after he moved out, but that was more because of rumors I heard about the "party" house he moved into. I've since discounted most (sigh) of those rumors as having initiated in youthful braggadocio. Perhaps that's just my naivete though. I don't know. I didn't think I had much left.
So what about you? Did you ever leave parents behind as empty nesters. Have you ever been an empty nester? Want to be one?
Latest Updates on Kossack Regional Meet-Up News Can Be Found Below the Orange Group Hug.
Let's Build Communities!
Our team is here to provide support and guidance to new and existing volunteer leaders of each regional and state group, helping them with recruiting, organizing and executing social and action events.
We invite you to join in this effort to build our community. There are many ways to pitch in.
If there isn't a group to join near you, please start one.
Instructions on HOW TO FORM A NEW DAILY KOS GROUP
List of All Existing Meatspace Groups
Where the Kogs Are: Index/Directory of the 130+ Localized Daily Kos Groups
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
Los Angeles Kossacks June 28th Meetup Report
by susans ♥ for Los Angeles Kossacks
The Los Angeles Kossacks ranks have increased by 40% in the last few months. New members attended the latest recreational field trip to see the retired space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center in Exposition Park near downtown Los Angeles.
Back Row L-R: Vyan, Chiwere, susans, Otoelbc, mommyp00ka, Ducktape
Front Row L-R: Robin, 714day, Little Loner, Moody Loner, jakedog42 and grandaughter, SanFernandoValleyMom
Please visit susans's diary for details on the Space Shuttle. You can still REC it. You can join Los Angeles Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to susans.
by John Crapper ♥ for Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks
Organizer John Crapper completed another meet-up, from his agenda:
Next, I updated the group on our efforts to identify campaigns we would like to assist in the upcoming elections. There are three that have been under active discussion but nothing has been firmly decided. We all agreed it was important to pick races that would help Washington Democrats regain control of the Senate.
Next, I asked for ideas, suggestions and assistance identifying future guest speakers. In connection with that I urged all to invite their friends to become Kossacks and join us to enhance our clout.
Longtime Kossack
LarisaW, President of
Progressive Radio Northwest (PRNW), was in attendance. She is leading an effort to bring back progressive radio to the NW.
All photos courtesy of mlharges:
L-R: John Crapper - John Crapper, his SO & momomia - TBoneApollo - Piren
L-R: EagleKeeper - Flamingogrrl - doingbusinessas - momomia
Please visit John Crapper's diary for MORE photos and commentary! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to John Crapper.
Event Organizers! Please contact wink from Netrootsradio.com by KosMail to schedule airtime with them to live broadcast your Event. Wink & Justice will then promote it on The After Show radio program!
Sunday, July 20th
Kansas Missouri Kossacks Meet-up with Lyon County Democrats & Candidates
Paul Davis (D-KS) who is running against Sam Brownback will be present.
Jean Shodorf, candidate for Secretary of State will also be in attendance as a special guest.
Potluck Dinner format and short meeting for Kossacks/Democrats afterwards. There will also be several other candidates and a full meeting of the county party.
POTLUCK!
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Emporia Senior Center
603 E 12th Ave • Emporia, Kansas
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2.
3.
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Maybees:
x1628
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Latest diary: Kansas Meeting in Emporia on July 20
Saturday, July 26th
Meet the Candidates in Hutchinson, Kansas!
• Jean Shodorf (Candidate for Secretary of State)
• Brian E Davis (Candidate for State House of Representatives)
• Jim Sherow (Candidate for 1st District US House of Representatives)
• Jill Docking (Candidate, Lt. Governor)
• Various County Party Leadership
TIME: 11:00-3:00 PM
LOCATION: Pyle Park
100 E. Ave. B • Hutchinson
BBQ, watermelon and other food provided. Bring a lawn chair.
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Major Kansas Events: Your Chance to Change a State
Sunday, July 27th
Phoenix Kossacks Roll Out the Red Carpet for navajo
Event will be potluck, so please sign up here with food, beverages or booze
TIME: 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Mother Mag's Rooftop Terrace
(address given privately to RSVPs) • Downtown Phoenix
ORGANIZER: Send Mother Mags a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Mother Mags
2. navajo
3. Azazello
4. Mrs. Azazello
5. Sun Tzu
6. Stripe
7. Kane in CA
8. puzzled
9. Late Again
10. Mr. Late Again
11. rasbobbo
12. DaNang65
13.
14.
15. threegoal
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Maybees:
dewey of the desert
Mr. dewey of the desert
PSzymeczek
Skippah
arizonablue
Mr. arizonablue
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Latest diary: Arizona meet-up: Summer potluck with Navajo!
Saturday, August 9th
Kansas Missouri Kossacks Picnic - Local Candidate Speaks
Meet at the Hays city park to enjoy a free hamburger/hotdog/watermelon feed. Jim Sherow along with other local candidates will be speaking.
TIME: NOON
LOCATION: Municipal Park
1st and Main • Hays, Kansas
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2. Skohays
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Major Kansas Events: Your Chance to Change a State
Saturday, August 9th
LA Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Guild Restaurant
611 W. 7th St • Downtown Los Angeles
ORGANIZER: Send susans a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. susans
2. Shockwave
3. navajo
4. Meteor Blades
5. Knucklehead
6. SanFernandoValleyMom
7. Otoelbc
8. Chiwere
9. Vyan
10. 714day
11. Ducktape
12. Mugwump Blues
13. Just Saying
14. Just Saying's friend
15. Panorama City Chick
16. jakedog42
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Los Angeles Kossacks June 28th Meetup Report
navajo maintains the above event list. Kosmail her if you have any diaries
about your event or if you have changes or additions.
EVERYONE is welcome, tell us what you're working on,
share your show and tell, vent, whatever you want.
This is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.