Being downsized not the break

you originally might imagine

Help! I've been downsized.

No, it doesn't mean I've gone down six dress sizes or lost 10 pounds in one week (although I did have to tighten my belt. Unfortunately, it means I've been laid off, separated forever from my job of 17 years.

Downsizing makes me feel small. I feel like Rick Moranis made a movie about me entitled Honey, I shrunk the Full Nest Lady.

My kids don't see it that way. They consider downsizing a good thing. Now, mom can take them to pool, and the poolroom without them having to car pool. They can eat fresh baked brownies any hour of the day.

My oldest son reminded me of my good fortune by saying, "Hey, Mom, you're lucky because you don't have to get up at 5:00 a.m."

"Yeah," added my 14-year-old, "Now you can wait until your eyes open before you put your mascara on.

My daughter agreed, "You no longer have to worry about having to drive down the road plucking your eyebrows and blowing your horn at the same time."

Suddenly it occurred to me that I wouldn't have to drink three gallons of coffee while wrestling to fit in my pantyhose and that I wouldn't have to wait to read the newspaper on bathroom breaks.

I think I can handle watching my favorite soaps while soaping up the stains on my kids' jeans.

As I began to cheer up, my youngest son mentioned, "Now, when my teachers call to complain about my school performance, they won't have to speak to your voice mail. They can tell you in person. Maybe I won't even have to bring my report card . . . "

Suddenly I realized I'm not downsized. I have a big role to fill-that of a wife and mother, guidance counselor and teacher.

(Note: Full Nest was great when it started. It just keeps getting better and better. That's why we are running two this issue. -ED.)