Hanging on for Dear Life

I'm inspired by Kir's post today at Just Be Enough, where I also contribute regularly.  

She talks about hanging onto the last few days of summer and how she keeps summer in her heart all year long.  

And this week, with both of my kids back in school, I find myself looking at the gorgeous blue skies here in Columbus, Ohio (forecast says Isaac remnants won't reach us until Sunday or Monday - my heart goes out to those being pounded right now) and I feel sad.

I don't want summer to end this year.  

Despite what I said about goodbyes on Monday, there have been some years where it's just time for summer to go.  The kids are fighting and bored, I've gained weight (well, that's happened this year too - sigh), I have so much volunteerism to do, and the routine is just so necessary. 

Not so much this year.  Even despite some ugly moments (all of life, even the best times can have ugly moments, I'm finding), my wish is that we could have just one more week of summer.

I don't want to think about schoolwork, personal growth, weight loss, no longer eating french fries, obligations, after school activities, getting up before 7am, or being responsible.

And maybe (Shhhhhhh, don't tell ANYONE), I'm going ahead and taking this week to NOT think about those things.  

Maybe I'm putting all of the looming responsibilities on the backburner for a few extra days.

Maybe I've even gone to the pool by myself a few times this week to sit in the quiet, read my book(s), and just BE.  

I don't think school should start until after Labor Day.  Who's in school mode before then?

Not this girl.  

Thank goodness no homework's coming home this week.  Or my little playing hooky plan would be a little harder to implement.

And while I'm playing hooky, big things are happening behind the scenes at Literal Mom (it might be another reason I've played hooky this week).  I can't wait to tell you all about them.  

Comments

[Sandra]

You went and sat by the pool by yourself with a book? Oh I am so envious! Good for you Missy! Just think, this time next week, this week will be but a memory, so keep enjoying that time to yourself.

[Lisa]

I absolutely think we need to take time to do nothing. Sitting by the pool with a book sounds heavenly, especially as we are at the end of a miserable cold winter, its pouring rain and very cold here.
Bye the end of our summer holidays I am usually craving the routine, but right now, I envy your relaxation xxx

[Sue]

Oh, good for you. Our pool closes this weekend. I think you have inspired me to go tomorrow.

Also - Cannot WAIT to see what kind of changes you'll be rolling out here! Yay!

[Robbie]

We don't start school until after Labor Day though I'm told it has more to do with the timing of the county fair than anything else. I loathe homework battles.

[Jess]

Yay! Play hooky!!! Life is short give yourself a few days. When you're ready/ have to get Bach into you'll feel better.

[The Mommy Therapy]

This was a year when it was definitely time for school to start around here. The kids are bored and at each other's throats over every Lego exchange or electronic device.

But...with the start of school this week, I do feel a little sad about the extra need for me to be hyper organized and worst of all, up too early! :)

Hope this week is a relaxing transition for you!

[Katie E]

That sounds like a perfect way to handle the transition. I love and hate the beginning of the school year, for so many reasons. But sometimes I wish we did wait until after Labor Day to start school - it just seems more like summer's over then.

Can't wait to hear about changes you're making :)

[Shell]

I was very sad for this summer to end! My boys have already had homework this week- including a project. Ugh.

I want lazy beach days back!

[Crystal @ Fairy Phases]

Sometimes you need that time to just be yourself and not have to worry for a few minutes. Take time to enjoy it!

[Marie]

I'm so glad you are relishing in the last days of summer. We are here, too, and heading to the lake for one more relaxed weekend of fishing, boating and swimming. School starts Tuesday. I have five more days to feel ready. At this rate, that may never happen until I'm forced to be ready.

Enjoy!

[Betsy/Zen Mama]

I think you should take a break! As fun as summer is, we still have to do the work of a mother. And I'm with you ... school should end with Memorial Day and start after Labor Day. Enjoy your time off!!

[Ilene, The Fierce Diva Guide to Life]

I could not wait for summer to end...until this week. A lot of bickering over here and malaise with tbe kiddos. I don't really want it to end though. What I want is a do over! Big things behind the scenes? I can't wait to see what they are!

[Jody Brettkelly]

My kids have started back at three different times. But you're right - i used to prepare for summer like a campaign with thousands of camps. This year not too many, it was so much easier.

[Jester Queen]

Ooh! Can't wait to see what's on the horizon. We've been back in school for a couple of weeks, and Caroline immediately stopped with the daily meltdowns. So as much as I, as a child, never wanted summer to end, I have to say that my kids and I are grateful for it around here.

[adrienne]

Ooooh! A cliff hanger!

Your week of hookey sounds wonderful. I'm jealous.

[Carolyn]

Oh, play hooky and enjoy it!

[Mary @ A Teachable Mom]

And I can't wait to hear ... You are an inspiration! I never thought about playing hooky and extending my summer regardless of the school schedule. Genius! I think I'll take myself to the beach next week once school starts. Even though my girls start after Labor Day, this hooky business is too good to miss! Love it!

[Susi]

Gosh, I feel exactly the same way only I can't seem to play hookey. This week's been a little crazy and the kids are already bringing homework with them. But we did have an extra day off because of Isaac!

[Paula @ Simply Sandwich]

You go girl! I hope you enjoy your week off! :) Our school started a week earlier so summer was short over here. Just needed a little more too!

[julie gardner]

Now I'm dying to know what's happening here...

[hilljean]

I have always wondered why they start school before the big holiday weekend. It's like they get everyone psyched up (on a Wednesday, of all days) for the "First Day of School." And then there's this big old four day weekend right after. So you get about three days of school and then nothing. And then BOOM! You're smack dab in the middle of a crazy school year. Pointless. Let there just be one more week of summer. Huh.

Stopping by from SITS!

[Rebecca Rider]

Summer definitely went by too quickly! I am looking forward to winter though - because it will be our first holiday season with our son. :)

[Mercy]

Well, I'm a few months ahead of you on this, and so far I have counted down the days until the start of school. I felt that need for time to myself, and sometimes I just chill once they leave (though I can't time out completely with a toddler still at home).

[Melissa]

You went to the pool all by yourself? I'm drooling with jealousy. Hope your first "real week" of school goes well. Hopefully you can have some more YOU time while they're at school.

[Erica {let why lead}]

Sometimes a little hooky goes a long way!