It's the Most Wonderfullll Time Of the Year

No, not Christmas time, although that really is the most wonderful time of the year in my book. It's coming, soon enough folks. The *other* most wonderful time of the year, at least for parents. Back to school. After weeks of "I'm bored." "What are we going to do today?" "She hit me." and the screaming and fighting and poking and looking at each other cross eyed, respite. I am extra excited this year, because my middle child started pre-k, which means she joins her big brother at the elementary school, for nearly a full day of school, 5 days a week. Last year she only went to preschool, 3 days a week, for 3 hours each day. It cost a pretty penny each month and gave me just enough time 3 days a week to begin to enjoy a bit of peace before going to pick her up. My youngest child is still at home, but she is a completely different child when her sister is not around. She's calm, she's focused, she's sweet and she's quiet on her own. Put her with her sister and she goes from zero to banshee in 2.7 seconds. Finally, a break. Monday was the first day of school for my oldest, but the real trouble maker my middle daughter didn't start until today, as they stagger the young kids in, a few each day. I was quite excited after drop-off this morning.

Yes, I was that mom, jumping for joy in the parking lot. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, more than life itself, they are my entire world. But we all need a break. Time to grocery shop, and actually be able to buy what is on the list, instead of getting halfway through and giving up because the kids just aren't cooperating. Yes, I've chosen to do without milk for a day or so, because my only other option was taking all 3 kids to the store and well, moo juice just isn't worth that. Time to go to the bathroom without someone jiggling the handle, and heaven forbid I forget to lock the door. Time to fold laundry without wondering who is into what, time to shower AND shave, and most importantly, time to work. I am not a stay at home mom, I'm a work from home mom. Luckily my job offers the flexibility to work whenever I want. During the summer, with all of the kids at home, I had to work at night, staying up until 2 am to get things done. Now having to get up at 7 am to get the day started and kids ready for school, I can't stay up that late. With 2 of the 3 kids at school, I can get things done during the day now. But the school year starting isn't all roses. With the start of the school year also comes the start of fall sports. So not only am I juggling teacher meetings and homework, but also soccer practice and gymnastics. 3 out of 5 weeknights are spent on the field or in the gym with the kids. Since I am up earlier, I'm tired earlier. I am normally a night time runner, and during the summer it's much easier for me to run at night. I am not as busy and have more energy to run in the evenings after the kids go to bed, plus I am not up as early as I am during the school year. Now, getting up at 7 am, getting kids ready and off to school, spending the day working and playing with the youngest, getting the older kids from school at separate times, afternoon snacks, homework, laundry, dishes, dinner, gymnastics or soccer practice, well come bed time I really don't feel like going for a run. I will if I have to but it's not high on my list. I also have the option of running during the day with the baby in the stroller but pushing the nearly 30 pound toddler in the 20 pound stroller, regardless of how well it glides, is also not high on my list. But there are no excuses when it comes to getting my running and training in, and it has to be done. So I've improvised a bit. Typically my weekday runs are on Tuesday and Thursday, the days my oldest has soccer practice from 6:30-7:45. Last week during practice I sat with the other moms and stared at my smartphone. Last week I also only managed to run one weeknight. So this week I changed up my plan a bit. Instead of sitting, I decided to run. The soccer complex is huge and has great running trails, so after dropping my son off on his field, I laced up my running shoes, slapped my phone in my armband and did my miles.

I have to say, it made me feel dedicated. It was hot. Ugly hot and humid, but I did it and will do it again tomorrow.