Month: August 2013

New chapters in life

With both of my girls heading to school full-time this year, it has been difficult for me to stay focused.   No surgeries to schedule, no scans or appointment to get to and no child arriving home after just a few hours of school for lunch.  A few weeks ago I finally settled myself into the reality that my babies were growing.  I decided that although I still need to be home for bus stop and homework duty, I needed to spread my wings a bit.  I spent many nights after the rest of the family was in bed thinking about what my day would look like.

I started to think about jobs and what that would look like. I reached out to some old work colleagues for advice.  One stood out, the person said,  “say what you believe and get your family/work boundaries established early”.  As I looked around I saw part-time work that required weekends or night hours.  The only times I have missed putting my girls to bed was when I was in the hospital after the mastectomy.  My girls play soccer as well as many other things and I love being the proud momma on the sidelines win-lose or draw.  Many headaches, much thinking and the words, “get your family/work boundaries established early.”

I turned to what seemed to be the most logical place available, our local school district employment board.  I sent a few applications for things, went for an interview 2 weeks ago and received final word today.  I am now officially a cafeteria/playground assistant at one of the local elementary schools.  I will work a few hours a day but will have off when my girls do, go in after they are well on the way to school and will be home in plenty of time to get them from the bus.  Sounds perfect!

I have not worked outside of my home for 9 years now….I am still amazed as I think about that.  I will admit that I am a bit nervous and excited about the next chapter in our lives. It is a long way from CEO of IBM, (what I always told my mother I wanted to be when I was young) but for a first grader who can’t open that darn water bottle….pretty important :-).

Thank you to all who provided thoughts and advice.  I appreciated it all!

Infinity and a hike through the falls

disney-infinityVideo games are not a super huge deal in our household.  We have had a Nintendo WII for several years which is used occasionally.  The girls prefer to play on my phone or iPad if given the chance.  When my youngest asked several weeks ago if we could get the Disney Infinity game I spent some time searching it on the internet.  It looked like a rather interesting game so I placed a pre-order to get the best deal.  The game arrived on Friday and I have to admit that the entire family is fully addicted.  We each have favorite characters already and it is the first thing the girls want to do when they wake up.  It has been very helpful in getting things done around the house.  The rule is no play until the chores are complete!

IMG_4789The weather over the weekend was just beautiful here.  I felt guilty that we all sat in the house on Saturday playing video games.  By Sunday Frank and I agreed that we needed to make up for that decision so the family took a road trip to Bushkill Falls.  It was a perfect day for a hike.  The girls loved it as did we.  It was a wonderful, peaceful family day out.  IMG_4739We arrived early and beat the crowds.  For most of our time out on the trails we were alone occasionally running into a couple here or there. We hiked the longest trail and had a wonderful day.  It was one of those days where everything slows down and helps you to remember what is really important in life.

IMG_4814After the falls we stopped at the store-bought some steaks, went home tossed them on the grill and had a great dinner.  After diner, well like I said, we are all a bit addicted so back to the Infinity we went.

I would say it was about as good a day as a family can get!

 

Shock to the system

It is about 8am in the morning and I sit alone.  My husband is off to work and my girls are still in bed.  In two short weeks school will be back in session and two little girls I know are going to have one huge surprise.  The summer has been very busy with camps and fun and even our first soccer scrimmage game last night. It has also seen many late nights and later and later mornings.

We have not yet received bus passes for the year.  Being in such a large district we rotate every few years between “late” and “early” schools.  The difference is only about 30-60 minutes in pick up and drop off.  Last year the bus picked up at 8:30.  From everything I have seen it will be the same this year.  Before the bus we of course get dressed and ready, consume some breakfast and practice music.  This week I have set a time for bed to start the process of getting them ready.  I should go wake them up for the same reason but honestly I am enjoying the silence.

This is a big year!  Both girls on the same bus heading to the same school.  Madison is so excited to start first grade and Megan admitted the other day she is looking forward to the start of the year.  I guess to make that first day as smooth as possible I should go wake them up.

This could get ugly :-).