ringing in the new year

Disclaimer:

When I wrote my first entry for this blog, I made sure to state that I "may not post every day, or even every other day". I think it's quite obvious simply by looking at my datelines that this was a gross understatement. I have also mentioned that I have two teenagers, and that it is very difficult for me to elbow my way through the crowd to get some screen time. And, may I call your attention to the title of my blog, the "About Me" blurb to the right, and to my color-coded-out-of-necessity calendar. I will try to post more often.

Now for a much-overdue update:

The new year is always an extremely busy time for us. Not the traditional New Year, which is celebrated nationwide with the tooting of obnoxious paper horns and public drunkenness, but the (announcer voice) New School Year. The one marked by summer-vacation-weary moms, who are more than ready to clean their abused homes, get caught up on some reading, and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet before the bell rings and their little bundles of energy come running through the door, leaving shoes, socks, and backpacks in their wake. Our schedule (see above) was already tight prior to August 20, with football and cheerleading practices requiring much time behind the wheel, in the stands, and on the sidelines. Add to it the (voice, again) Back To School Shopping for four kids, and you'll understand why I was looking forward to the opportunity to catch up on my household tasks.

My optimism was purely in vain, though, because there has not been one blank, white, neon-free square on our calendar thus far. Someone always has to be somewhere, and they can't drive themselves. I had such high hopes for this September, because last year was so tough, our move into our new home coinciding with the beginning of the school year. However, this year's schedule has been nearly as unforgiving, with my mom's move coming on the first weekend, and our garage sale on the second. To add to the chaos, Dan's been training for the Tour Davita, which is a 230 mile bike ride to raise awareness for kidney disease. And what's that I see on the horizon but the start of Girl Scouts, which is, for the Leader, like having another part-time job.


With the advent of the New School Year comes delightful events, such as Back To School Night, Meet The Teachers, High School Orientation, just to name a few. The last one, in particular, is always entertaining. Our high school hosts an evening during which we, as parents, follow an abbreviated version of our child's schedule, complete with passing times and bells. Dan and I were both able to attend, so he took on the schedule of our Freshman son (who wishes to remain unnamed here), and I tackled that of our Junior, Nick. I used the map he gave me, along with the list of his classes, to find the appropriate classrooms. I felt the years melt away, and it was easy to imagine it was my first day of high school; people were lost, asking for help, looking for a familiar face in the crowd. When one was found, questions were asked:

"How was your summer?"

"Which class do you have now?"

"Can you believe school's starting already?"

And some, spoken on cell phones, that brought me right back to the present:

"Did you put the roast in the oven yet?"

"Have you finished your homework? I told you, you can't go until it's finished."

I hadn't really been transported back in time 20 years to the orange and green of my alma mater, but was walking along the corridors of the red, silver and white of what will be my children's. I am the parent now, and this is their turf; these halls and classrooms will become snapshots that make up a slide show of memories in their minds. I am just a visitor here.


As such, I attended Nick's classes, including AP English/Comp, AP US Gov, AP US History, Honors Physics, Pre-Calc, and Spanish III. Much has changed in the two decades since I attended high school; listening to what is expected of my son, it is obvious that he has the schedule of a college student. I was excited and daunted by all he would be experiencing in the coming months, thrilled to hear how enamored his teachers are of their chosen profession. They love what they do, have a heart for teaching teenagers, and are well prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. He is in good hands.


I passed by Dan at one point in the evening, giving me evidence that our sons are able to greet one another during this passing period. I am pleased to say I was lost only once, and late only once as a result. I had forgotten how quickly one can cross an entire campus when worried about being tardy. When Dan and I met up at the end of the night, he shared that he was so late to 2nd period, he just decided to skip it all together. He was able to make it to his other 6 classes on time, and was equally impressed by the caliber of our Freshman's instructors, and by the amount of information he'll be presented with this year. We went to dinner and shared our new found knowledge, our concerns, our praises. We agreed that a difficult year is ahead of our sons, but we know they will rise to the challenge and impress us, and themselves. We have full confidence that they are each moving in the right direction, toward the goal of a college education, independence, and success.


Tonight, our younger children's elementary school hosted it's Back To School Night, so I was able to meet with their teachers once again, hear how the school year is going thus far, and what their plans are for the months ahead. Cris and Brooklyn have much to look forward to, as well. It was a relief to hear the instructors speak about concepts I have a clear understanding of, and to know that these two kids will still be able to come to me for homework help. And more importantly, that I'll be able to give it.


I am very pleased to report that the 2007-08 Back To School Season is now officially over. Football season rages on into November, just in time for the retailers to convince me that I should be preparing for The Christmas Season.

35 years young

Happy Birthday to my hubby! Since I posted 8 words to describe Brooklyn on her big day, I will do the same for Dan:



He's 1. funny, 2. handsome, 3. creative, 4. a social butterfly, 5. ambitious, 6. a good friend, 7. outgoing, 8. a sports fan, 9. a great husband, 10. tall, 11. cute in his bike shorts, 12. embracing his baldness, 13. a leader, 14. a fabulous dad, 15. the head of our household, 16. a jokester, 17. entrepreneurial, 18. travel-savvy, 19. adventurous, 20. competitive, 21. loving, 22. a Sunday-afternoon napper, 23. rambunctious, 24. goofy, 25. a Law & Order viewer, 26. generous, 27. great with kids, 28. good at fixing things, 29. a perfectionist (about some things), 30. a golfer, 31. a skier, 32. a valuable employee, 33. a good cook, 34. smart, and most importantly.... 35. a Godly man.



I love you, and wish you a happy 36th year!