Back to School Already?!

And just like that, I'm ready for school to start.

It happened one day, as I was driving with Abi, close to her school.  It was a flashback that came over me.  I saw myself driving the route day, after day, after day, after day...and then BAM!  I was suddenly excited for it all to start again.

Who would have thought this possible?  Was it not I who counted down for school to end last spring?  Was it not I who said school couldn't end faster?  Was it not I who was so burned out and tired of the constant pressure?  Homework, class projects, making lunches, remembering Spirit Day, and making sure school colors were washed and ready to go?

Ahhh...see?  I just got excited again.

OK, so declaring 2011 to be the year that I clear the kids' school files out of my desk before the sun set on the last day of school, was a little lofty.  They're out, but they aren't up in the rafters yet.  No matter...2012 will be the year.  I can feel it.  New files are going into the desk this weekend.

We haven't even begun school shopping yet, but since when will I let a little thing like procrastination slow me down, or drown out my enthusiasm?  Nope, not me.  We have two full weeks to shop.  Plenty of time.

It's the routine I'm craving, and am ready to get back, ironically enough.  I know myself well enough to know that as much as I like to see it end in the spring, I always like to see it back in the fall.  This year is no different, and the idea of it seems quite refreshing.

Yes, I will miss the kids while they're gone, but having the time to do what I need to do while they're in school will only heighten my QT with them, right?

But it's not just that.  It's the time of year school starts in.  Autumn.  The best season of the year, and the one I anticipate the most.  Even if we do have to go up to Oak Glen to feel the crisp fall air, it's the spirit of autumn that I love.  The homespun vibe, meatloaf, apple pie, soup bowls, cinnamon-scented candles.

And being in that mood makes me eager to get those after school snacks baked.  Cookies, muffins, cottage puddings, light cakes...ahhh...

It's all good stuff.

It also helps that I love the kids' schools, and the people I get to see every day while I'm there.  Last year was a year of heavy volunteering in Lee's Kindergarten class, and this year will be my beginning in the PTA at his school.  Something I loved doing with the other kids, but haven't been able to do for him.  Last year I got to know great Kindergarten families, am I'm excited about getting to know even more families since the PTA is more diverse.  It's easy to be enthusiastic in my new community.  I'm looking forward to getting more involved in it.

Today we were shopping, and while we were out, we did look at backpacks.  We didn't see anything that jumped out at us.  Well, Lee was in the mood to spend him some money, so the tacky green camouflage backpack was his vote.  I vetoed it.  We'll find one when we are officially school shopping.

Next week.  Or the week after.

Really, I'm excited.  My heart's racing, in fact.  And I'm sweating.  And breathing quickly.  That's excitement, right?  Right?

Maybe a little panic attack?  Just a little one.  I suppose I know the system well enough.  We get back in, and then it's back to crazy.  But it's not like this summer has been slow and relaxing.  In fact, it's been plain exhausting.  Fun, a whole lot of fun, but exhausting.  And now we're getting back into crazy again.  I suppose, no matter how good it is, it's still hard work.  Whether it's the school year, or summer vacation.  It's work.  Families are work.  So much work.  But so very worth it.

I have a friend who has said that her hands are full, but so is her heart.  It's true.  And with the half-full perspective I am blessed to own, I rather enjoy viewing my life with a full heart, while being realistic about my hands being full as well.  Yes, it's busy, but it's all so good.

So bring on the school lunches, the class parties, the dirty P.E. clothes.  It's Back to School time, and we're going to enjoy it.  And as ready as we aren't on the outside, we're as ready as we're going to be on the inside.  Enthusiastic realism.

Now, I'm going to go find me a cinnamony candle and light it.