Falling Forward

Where did summer go? I have to ask that question, and yet, I must say that this summer felt longer than the past couple of summers. It was a good summer, I think. As much as it is always sad to say good-bye to summer, I am always eager for the arrival of autumn. Fall is my most favourite season of them all!

The kids are back to school, with the first full day being today. Such milestones this year holds for us, and I am not fully certain what to think of them or if I even want to think about them! Sam, our firstborn has started his graduation year, and this is most likely the biggest, most emotionally difficult milestone of them all, for me. Casey has entered high school, and I can hear the minute insecurities in his questions. I know he will be okay, but I also realize how rapidly his own graduation is approaching. Our baby girl has entered middle school and is straddling that invisible line between the worlds of being a child and becoming a teenager. It is a little scary to think of her as a teenage girl, even as she is eagerly jumping at the chance to grab hold of all that entails. Our kids are growing up, and we cannot stop it for anything.

With the kids back in school, I always appreciate the return to regular programming at home. My work schedule settles into something comfortable and manageable, even if frequently a little less than hoped for. However, there is something to be said for only being required to wake up at ungodly hours only once a week! I am eager to get back to a more or less stable routine of work, school, kids' activities/practices, and other regular activities. It will be interesting to see how my running routines will fit into our fall routines, but I think I can make it work. At least my work schedule should allow me more flexibility to fit in runs during the day, especially now that the heat of summer is gone. And even housework should become slightly more manageable and predictable now that summer is over. Or so I always hope! I am making progress on my lengthy "to-do list". I so do love the act of making a list and checking things off!

I am also thrilled with the new found quiet in the house. As much as I enjoy time with my family, I also need a bit of space and quiet for myself. Such things have been in extremely short supply over the past year, but today is a tangible reminder of how lovely silence can be.

We had a good summer, but I am glad it is over. My favourite season is upon us, and I am enjoying the change of weather that ushered in September. It won't be long before my bare feet get too cold to tolerate, but for now I am happy to put on a sweater or snuggle beneath a blanket. Mugs of Earl Grey tea are waiting for me, along with stacks of fresh books from the library. It must also be about time for a rash of jigsaw puzzles.

Yes, I do love Fall!