September 2010

The second day that the kids were all at school, I had two hours completely alone. It was quiet, but strange, unfamilliar and to be completely honest, a bit lonely. I was in limbo. I was tapering from running, so I couldn't get very much exercise. I was about to start a course in a few days and I knew that I would be volunteering at the kids school, but that wouldn't beginning for a few weeks. So, I started to look for more to do to fill the time. Now, I might have just a little too much on my plate.
I offered to get more involved with the local basketball association, a volunteer position that will likely take an hour of work every day. I would like to volunteer at the school at least once a week in the classroom. I have offered to help with the parents council with the food program as well as fundraising. I need to maintain a certain level of fitness so that I can complete the half marathon that I am signed up to do in October. Lastly, I am taking an on-line course that I have been told requires at least 10 hours of work weekly. So, my lovely/lonely two hours to myself will not likely be for personal maintenance. I don't need to get my hair done that often anyways, medical or dental appointments. I took the kids to these before, no reason why they can't come now. Or grocery shopping. I loath doing this with the kids, but I I can manage to get it done with just two little people in the afternoons, when we aren't at swimming lessons or doing errands...
The thing is, I would rather be actively engaged in something, or a few things, than sitting idle. So, yes I will be busy and I will have a lot on my plate for a couple of months, but at least I will feel like I am accomplishing something. Finally, I will be able to do something other than just take care of the boys. I look forward to getting rid of my babybrain and forcing myself to think, read, reflect, and contribute outside of my own home. I look forward to being more a balanced mommy; physically active, mentally stimulated, involved in the community, happy.
If I keep this up, I may not want to return to teaching after all.