For me, summer is not magical anymore. Ironically, I noticed this while watching our kids and friends' kids, with grouped effort and at great energy expense, joyfully make huge waves in their swimming pool. It took me back in time for a few moments...
I can say that during my childhood and even up into my early 20s, my body, mind, and soul appeared to be on that wonderful rhythm which followed the school calendar and late May through late August was 'Magical-Super-Fun-Summer-Time'. In my mind's eye, every day was perfect, filled with sun and warmth and leisure and fun. Make no mistake, I'm glad I at least have those memories and apparently have suppressed any rainy, complaint-filled days of boredom and discomfort there may have been.
Now, a full 20 years off of the school calendar, my body and soul have quite obviously taken leave of that very enjoyable and reliable cycle, my mind disconnected with everything altogether. Our kids have gone back to school as well this week and there was a lithe bit of fun during the first day of school. The few standout snapshots of this day for me were mainly three-fold and goes something like this:
The Prologue - Walking to the schoolyard, anticipation in the air, helping the kids find their teachers, kids and adult friends of ours who are teachers lamenting the start of another year (at which those of us schlubs who work year-round snickered).
Act 1. - A small group of parents (myself included) cheering and clapping for the lines of kids following their teachers into the school on the first day. I saw and meant this as encouragement to the kids and the teachers to help alleviate some of their anxiety for what lies ahead. Good on us.
The Epilogue - Draggy parents with empty coffee mugs slowly dispersing from the playground and back into the more rigid confines of the workaday world.
I enjoyed my childhood or at least I remember enjoying it. I enjoyed school and I enjoyed summer break. I'm happy our kids are experiencing it, but as for me, the first day of school just serves to remind me how much I miss it. I'm also a Leo so me and summer do go hand-in-hand.
At times like these, I feel disconnected from myself and i don't like it. Maybe I should have been a teacher after all...
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Find your center.
Summer is winding down (although some may argue it never got started around here) and with it comes that time each year when we contract into our family and set about planning more structured time management. It's not easy because summer is (and should be, by my way of thinking) typified by free and easy times with significantly less regimentation. My lawn is a great example of that.
Now is the time for all good parents to begin the task of setting up the kids for one of the most exciting and anxiety-producing days of the year - (in doomlike voice) The First Day of School.
Thankfully many things have already begun without my knowledge or planning which is terrific for someone who rarely thinks anything major in our household cannot happen without my terrific influence and knowledge. Sad, but true. I am coming around though thanks to the great other in the house who sets about getting things done and not merely talking about them.
To achieve that centered feeling without creating a hysterical panic about the new schedule does require a bit of discipline and no procrastination. Little bits each day rather than a mass of chaos on the final days. This method is not in my nature apparently, but as I said, I am coming around... slowly. Today is Monday, and I am vowing to begin working toward a more regimented and consistent schedule both for myself and the kids.
Which means I must stop wasting my time blogging for now. Thanks for checking in and I'll see you down the road, more centered, more focused.
What? Why are you laughing at me like that?... (harumpf)
Now is the time for all good parents to begin the task of setting up the kids for one of the most exciting and anxiety-producing days of the year - (in doomlike voice) The First Day of School.
Thankfully many things have already begun without my knowledge or planning which is terrific for someone who rarely thinks anything major in our household cannot happen without my terrific influence and knowledge. Sad, but true. I am coming around though thanks to the great other in the house who sets about getting things done and not merely talking about them.
To achieve that centered feeling without creating a hysterical panic about the new schedule does require a bit of discipline and no procrastination. Little bits each day rather than a mass of chaos on the final days. This method is not in my nature apparently, but as I said, I am coming around... slowly. Today is Monday, and I am vowing to begin working toward a more regimented and consistent schedule both for myself and the kids.
Which means I must stop wasting my time blogging for now. Thanks for checking in and I'll see you down the road, more centered, more focused.
What? Why are you laughing at me like that?... (harumpf)
Friday, July 17, 2009
Quickie '3-hitter' list...
Quickie '3-hitter' list of things I like about my summer so far:
1. Not hot. 72, light breeze, and sun is perfect for me.
2. Vacation was great and the kids also seem to be having a good summer break - trying new activities and learning new things. (Thanks Lynners!)
3. Coaching the winning 2nd and 3rd grade girls' team in GYSO (soccer) league this summer. The kids went nuts when they won with a dramatic extra time goal in the final and repelled two shots to tie. I was thrilled. My wife said she's never seen me jump so high. I have to disagree, but the point being that I didn't even realize I had jumped. Nothing like a last-minute game-winning goal to spark a little pandemonium in the crowd.
That's all for now. Less lag between posts in the future... I Promise!!
DZ
1. Not hot. 72, light breeze, and sun is perfect for me.
2. Vacation was great and the kids also seem to be having a good summer break - trying new activities and learning new things. (Thanks Lynners!)
3. Coaching the winning 2nd and 3rd grade girls' team in GYSO (soccer) league this summer. The kids went nuts when they won with a dramatic extra time goal in the final and repelled two shots to tie. I was thrilled. My wife said she's never seen me jump so high. I have to disagree, but the point being that I didn't even realize I had jumped. Nothing like a last-minute game-winning goal to spark a little pandemonium in the crowd.
That's all for now. Less lag between posts in the future... I Promise!!
DZ
Monday, July 7, 2008
Small town, nuthin' ta do? Part 1
This recently passed holiday weekend was quite fun. For me, anyway. Can't speak for the rest of me clan.
Our little town has quite a group of 'to-dos' during the Fourth, and this year, since the actual holiday was on Friday, the celebrating in earnest started Thursday night and ran right up to Sunday evening. While the music rocks at Rothbury, the family fun rolls all weekend long in Goshen.
Thursday - Many neighbors and friends gathered for a impromptu fireworks session which is typically held in the middle of our in-town, residential street, much to the chagrin of local thru traffikers. Highlight: One unwitting traffic 'co-ordinator' had the pleasure of directing one of the local boys in blue around our little celebration. The gracious officer was attending to another neighbor, not responding to our ruckus and smiled as he politely followed our signaler's direction. Our signaler, however, was chagrinned to find that, at the range of approximately 30', the white Chevy Impala approaching was actually a squad car. Fortunately for me, my 5 year-old son, despite the fun being had, was wise enough to know that he was tired and ready to go home around 10:00pm. I gratefully joined him in heading for bed.
Friday - As scheduled, Myro and I played golf with another player and this day's fun began at 6:20am with the tee balls flying. Is those who know me can attest, me up and out the door by 6:00am without a house fire or some other emergency is surprising in the extreme. Golfing early in the morning has distinct advantages which far outweigh the negatives:
1. There is nearly no one on the course (I can't emphasize the greatness of this one alone).
2. Seeing the sun come up and setting fresh tracks in the dew-laden grass is truly special for me. Hearing mowers and seeing the rooster-tails of dew from my putts reminds me of my wonderful, youthful mornings of junior golf.
3. We're done before the throngs arrive and the heat gets oppressive.
Also on Friday was a client meeting (yes, for work) which came after a quick shower and change into my work attire. This client is a friend so exceptions (though rare) can be made when necessary. Friday's PM found me with the kids and naps around 4:00pm were the result of active mornings by all. Following naps, we headed downtown for First Fridays (a local event celebrating our downtown and community). Walking, shopping, eating, and seeing friends were on the agenda there. After a 'best pizza in town' as judged by me, we made our way home to find the pajamas and beds. Truly a gratifying day.
Saturday and Sunday to come...
Our little town has quite a group of 'to-dos' during the Fourth, and this year, since the actual holiday was on Friday, the celebrating in earnest started Thursday night and ran right up to Sunday evening. While the music rocks at Rothbury, the family fun rolls all weekend long in Goshen.
Thursday - Many neighbors and friends gathered for a impromptu fireworks session which is typically held in the middle of our in-town, residential street, much to the chagrin of local thru traffikers. Highlight: One unwitting traffic 'co-ordinator' had the pleasure of directing one of the local boys in blue around our little celebration. The gracious officer was attending to another neighbor, not responding to our ruckus and smiled as he politely followed our signaler's direction. Our signaler, however, was chagrinned to find that, at the range of approximately 30', the white Chevy Impala approaching was actually a squad car. Fortunately for me, my 5 year-old son, despite the fun being had, was wise enough to know that he was tired and ready to go home around 10:00pm. I gratefully joined him in heading for bed.
Friday - As scheduled, Myro and I played golf with another player and this day's fun began at 6:20am with the tee balls flying. Is those who know me can attest, me up and out the door by 6:00am without a house fire or some other emergency is surprising in the extreme. Golfing early in the morning has distinct advantages which far outweigh the negatives:
1. There is nearly no one on the course (I can't emphasize the greatness of this one alone).
2. Seeing the sun come up and setting fresh tracks in the dew-laden grass is truly special for me. Hearing mowers and seeing the rooster-tails of dew from my putts reminds me of my wonderful, youthful mornings of junior golf.
3. We're done before the throngs arrive and the heat gets oppressive.
Also on Friday was a client meeting (yes, for work) which came after a quick shower and change into my work attire. This client is a friend so exceptions (though rare) can be made when necessary. Friday's PM found me with the kids and naps around 4:00pm were the result of active mornings by all. Following naps, we headed downtown for First Fridays (a local event celebrating our downtown and community). Walking, shopping, eating, and seeing friends were on the agenda there. After a 'best pizza in town' as judged by me, we made our way home to find the pajamas and beds. Truly a gratifying day.
Saturday and Sunday to come...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)