Back to Routine

Today’s the first day of a new school year. Ainsley is starting 2nd grade. Zack is in pre-school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So, I get a lot of one-on-one time with Zack. And a little time to work uninterrupted.

I decided I should just create the habits I want to have for the whole school year right out of the gate. I got up at 6 am and worked out. Got Ainsley ready, fed her a healthy breakfast, and WALKED her to school. It actually felt really good.

It’s really only about 4 blocks, though across a major highway. In my day, she would have just walked with the pack of other children also going to that school and there would have been safety in numbers. Now, everyone drives their kids in their big SUVs regardless how close they live. I’m opposed to this, but trying to accept it as the reality.

This year the school is trying something new. Not only are they feeding all the poor and rich kids breakfast, but they are doing it right in the classroom at their desks. The middle kids, like mine, who won’t add $3 to their child’s daily food allowance just get to watch the other kids eat. Or bring a granola bar. Whatever. Previously, I had to deal with, Can I have a lunch tray today? NO. every day of the year. Now I get, Can I have breakfast today? No. Can I have a tray? No.

I’m trying to to be pissed off about this. I’m sure it’s really best thing the school can do. Really. I mean, parents can’t be expected to get up and tell their kids to make a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. Wait. I do. But, whatever. I’m just grateful I can afford to feed my kid healthy, nutritious food at home. Also trying to come to a state of peaceful acceptance about this.

It’s going to be a great year. I’m torn between being wistful about a very good summer gone by and wistful about the year ahead. We’re still doing it with one car. Which can be overwhelming if I think about it. But, if I just deal with the moment, the day, the tasks right in front of us, it’s fine. Soon, Jeremy will be driving his dream car: a Jeep Wrangler. I’ll have total control of my red minivan. Soon.

I signed up to be a substitute teacher this year. We’ll see how that goes.

For now,, I’m creating good habits – getting my work-out in before everyone wakes up, creating space to do yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays, making sure everyone gets to where they need to go with one car, working on my book proposal for the book I wrote this year, The Girl Revolution.

How’d your first day of school go? Goals for the year?