I’ll be the first to admit. For the past few years I’ve been spoiled. I’m living here in paradise in Naples, FL, on my own, and having the time of my life. No encumbrances, no husband, no pets, no children living at home, and frankly, no real responsibilities. I’m dating, going out a lot with friends, and generally enjoying life to the full; doing what I want, when I want, with whom I want. I have a part-time job that keeps me occupied and out of trouble; preschool teacher which gratifies me and satisfies my need to connect with young children and their families.

I love having my own kids come to visit. My children and my grandkids are what keep me grounded. I know that this relatively new (3 year) chapter I’m going through will be short-lived. It’s just a phase and soon will want to settle down and live a more realistic way of life, but for right now, it’s working and I’m totally enjoying my freedom.

So here’s my recent story. My daughter Jill and son-in-law James along with their two daughters Abigail (3) and Paige (2) have come down to spend 10 days in Naples with me. Well, sort of; Abigail and Paige are in Naples for the full 10 days. Jill and James are dividing their time between Naples and Cancun where they flew off to yesterday morning, leaving me in charge of my two little angels for the next four days while they vacation on their own.  I’m only too happy give them time on their own while spending quality time alone with my dumplings.

However I have to admit that my modern lifestyle has been being seriously affected.

Here are some examples:

Exercising has taken on a whole new meaning. Rather that yoga and zumba classes, I’ve been running around in various playgrounds, swinging on swings, and climbing up ladders and sliding down slides.

My movie choices have changed drastically within the space of a couple of days. Three nights ago I was engrossed in the risqué “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” while downing half a bottle a wine in a posh, state-of-the-art movie house with luxurious, assigned, stadium style seating. Three days later I find myself adorned with special 3-D Glasses, babes in arms, balancing a box of popcorn on my knee, shoes stuck to spilt soda soaked into the floors, trying to keep little voices within acceptable volumes and attentions held.

I’ve discovered a new meaning to the term, “sleeping around.” Recently thought of as an activity for consenting adults, I found myself participating in a children’s game of musical beds; trying to show compassion for two little wakeful cupcakes missing their mom and dad in the night.

I’ve gone from kicking up my heels at the lively “Blue Martini” with devilish partners to doing the dancing the hokey pokey with two darlings within the confines of my own home.

My Rolex watch has been temporary replaced by a waterproof Mickey Mouse number.

I have discovered that Boston Market’s price for baked chicken is quite advantageous to that of Capital Grill’s.

All this to say that a break from my “norm” has been a blast and one that I will cherish for a long, long time. There’s nothing like being a grandma. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy; have your fill and then deliver them back to Mom and Dad, happy and spoiled and filled with happy memories for all to treasure. Then get out there with my contemporaries, party, party, party and never neglect to pull out photos of my little true loves all for everyone to admire.