Yes, I have cried buckets after sending my youngest son off to college. However, through the veil of tears are glimpses of empty nest benefits to make this bird a tad more chirpy. So wipe the footprint off your beloved offspring's behind and count the reasons to celebrate.

Here are ten things empty-nesters can do for fun this weekend:

10

Change back all the pre-set stations and reset the volume on the car stereo.

9

Go ahead, leave the kitchen sink empty. Don't worry — when you come back it'll be still empty! Woo-hoo!

8

Rerun those TiVo'd "Last Comic Standing" shows in preparation for the comedy show by Roz and Chris Porter (8 p.m. Tuesday and Wed-nesday at Pipeline Cafe; $24). This time, you don't have to look offended at naughty jokes.

7

Hit Safeway and splurge, because your grocery bill no longer will rival a house payment.

6

Enjoy your own faves (like Keali'i Reichel's Kukahi 2006 concert, 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow at the Blaisdell Concert Hall; $28-$68, 591-2211, (877) 750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com) without being mocked mercilessly.

5

Clean out those Hungarian subway thrillers off your Netflix queue.

4

Forget holding your breath over the hill — you'll no longer coast into the Costco gas station on fumes.

3

Repeat these five glorious little words: "There's the leftover vinha a'ldos" (Portuguese-style meatballs) from today's Taste of Portugal (10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sam's Club in Pearl City; 845-1616).

2

Remember that your snuggle territory just increased exponentially.

1

Rediscover what it's like to have hot water throughout the entire shower. Ahh ...