Monday, August 12, 2013

Summer is winding down! (Brain Dump Edition)

I cannot believe that Mister J returns to school in two weeks and Miss M in just 9 days!  This is the part of summer that usually has me getting excited, but I can't start the back-to-school countdown just yet.  You see, M is away at her first spend-the-night - and she got to stay for two nights!  She's been having a ball, which makes me so happy!  Also, I've had some one-on-one time with J.  I think we should make time to do this more often, but somehow we manage to let our "free" weekends get away from us.  They are few and far between, and we often spend time enjoying the simple fact that they are unplanned.  But even a few hours one-on-one would be something to celebrate.  Hmmm...  Food for thought.

I've managed to continue running throughout the summer, and even improve my pace!  I cannot wait for cooler weather - I love to run in the fall and winter.  Actually, I just love to run - which is how I've managed to keep up the routine over the summer (though I did take a bit of a break early on).  I am thankful for the cooler-than-normal summer, and think that's a big reason I've been able to continue running.  I have also reached the point that I don't ditch a run just because my running buddy can't make it.  I'm tackling those mental roadblocks and learning to enjoy being out there even if it's just me.  However, I do have a bit of a physical roadblock - so I'll be taking at least a few days off.  I've managed to deal with (and treat) pain from a tight quad and I've conquered plantar fasciitis, but I've been sidelined because I took a spill on (or rather, off of) a bike yesterday.  Ouch.  Most of the impact was to my elbow and shoulder, but I also have a bruised hip.  I'd love to say I'll be back out there Wednesday morning, but that may be a bit too ambitious.  Darn.

And - surprise! - I've taken a part-time job at our church.  It's 4 mornings a week, and when school is in session it will be during the kids' school day - perfect!  I'll do drop-offs and pick-ups just like always, and I'll be home for homework in the afternoons.  I started about 3 weeks ago, so we've had to do a bit of juggling with camps, transportation, and child care - but thankfully Big J has some flexibility with work and the kids are able to entertain themselves if he is working from home.  I think the transition to the school year may be a bit challenging - I'm used to grocery shopping on Monday mornings, going for a run in the late morning, and spending a day doing laundry.  I know that part of my schedule will necessarily change - and I'll still need to fit in volunteer hours at school on my day off - but I'm certain we'll figure it out.  I have to admit, these first few weeks have left me worn out in the afternoon.  It seems odd to me - because it's an administrative position - that I should be so tired in the afternoons.  Again, another adjustment and I know it'll just take a little time. 

For now, I'm looking forward to getting the last of the school supply shopping complete, meeting the kids' new teachers, and getting back into a routine.  Summer is fun, and I love that we can send our kids to camps that feed their interests, but some of us around here seem to operate better with a routine.  (Um, that would be me and Mister J!)  Also, I love fall.  Jeans weather!  Camping weather!  Running capris weather! 

So, how've you been doing?  What do you love about this time of year?  Or do you prefer summer?