The author (not pictured) is preparing for her empty nest by creating a travel wish list.Fiordaliso/Getty ImagesI'm already getting sad that all of my kids will be out of high school in half a decade.I'm also excited about all the things I'll have time to do when I'm an empty nester.I'm taking steps now — like building better friendships — to ensure I'm not lost when they leave.I realized earlier this year that if everything goes according to plan, all four of my kids will be out of high school in just five years.Even if they don't move out of the house, then I'll have a lot more free time.