The summer is over and my daughters are entering a new school year; I can't believe how the years have flown. It seems like just yesterday, I was exhausted and overwhelmed with two newborn babies, and now 12 years have passed. There is a quote I have seen a lot lately that is so fitting to these feelings: "The days go slow but the years go fast." So very true! (I was unable to find the originator of the quote; however I came across this poem containing the quote and it resonated with today's blog: Walter Erickson Blog )
What shocked me about this year, is that I am not my typical, stressed-out-freak self, like I normally am at this time of year. I find that odd. I must be getting old.
Rather than cramming in back-to-school shopping the weekend before school starts (when there are barely any supplies left on the shelves), I actually went shopping the first weekend in August. Crazy organized for me - I know!
I have recently begun to take the first and last days of school off from work so that I can celebrate at the morning and afternoon bus stops with my girls; marking this passage of time; noting its fleeting spotlight in the sun. I would like to say that I cherish these rare days off and lounge around while the girls are at school, curling up with a good book or napping or some sort of leisure activity; however that is not how it ever plays out. I did a couple of loads of laundry and dishes and went grocery shopping...such are the deeds of a domestic goddess Oh, and I also cleaned out a bowl of candy that was sitting on my counter and found this:
Yes folks, it is sad when you have Christmas candy still hanging around in August! *Sigh* Still working on earning that Domestic Goddess title.
I will note that I experienced that human folly of emotion called jealousy - or even envy - on this special day off of mine. As I was returning from grocery shopping, I happen to pass the local coffee shop and saw a bunch of moms hanging out and laughing. Here I was, feeling proud of all I had accomplished during my 6 hours of alone time and then ...Wham! ... envy hits me. I know I should be above this; in fact jealousy and envy are quite the stupid emotions to have because of course no one truly has it easy, and you never know what battles someone is facing. But of course, in MY mind, these four women had quite the charmed life ... I was picturing them as stay-at-home moms who were celebrating their returned freedom and alone time now that their kids were back in school. However, in reality, who knows what trials they face. I am glad they took the time to celebrate their moment with their friends. Go away Green-Eyed Monster, you are a waste of my precious time.
I wish all of the kids going back to school a good, successful, enjoyable school year. I wish all of the parents out there some time for peace and quality time for themselves.
Still Working On My Domestic Goddess status as well as Seizing the Moment,
Me
Motivational Moment:
I have three, very varied, motivational moments for today:
1. On a light-hearted and happy note, my Dinner Plate Hibiscus has bloomed:
How cool are these flowers?! I just love how big they get and how they are so colorful!
2. On a fun note, I really like Taylor Swift's new song and video, Shake It Off. So true that Haters are gonna hate and you need to shake it off and just be you. Shake It Off Video
3. On a very deep and emotional level, here is the heart-breaking story of Anthony Carbajal, who is currently going through his ALS battle and helping care for his mom who also has it. Anthony's website
- Anthony - what an awesome video you made for "Kiss My ALS" and the ice bucket challenge!
- Sending a shout out of love for our friend Brenda, and her family, who are currently going thru her battle with ALS.
Peace, Love, and Hugs!
SG
