Today has been a very strange day for me. All day I have been going through the motions but I have been feeling like I am missing something. It is the day after Labor Day or Labour Day if you are Canadian, and that is the day that I usually start back to work. But today I didn’t. For the first time since well, I guess since I was four, I did not start school today. I have always gone back to school in September, as a student and then as a teacher. Last night I actually had a good night sleep. Normally I can’t sleep the night before school because I am excited to meet my students and I have the first day jitters. Not last night, I slept like a log. It was weird.
My girls don’t start school until tomorrow- It’s a NYC thing. So, we spent the day in Central Park meeting kids from A’s third grade class. I felt like I should be somewhere else, doing something else. It was a weird feeling.
For the first time in my life, since I was old enough to work, I don’t have a job. I will get to go with the girls to school tomorrow and walk with them to their classes. I will get to pick them up. This year I will be able to volunteer and be part of the parent’s association. I won’t miss all of the little things because I am in class at the same time that they are. I won’t have to take a personal day to see a Christmas Concert or attend a Kindergarten Breakfast. It is a weird feeling.
Perhaps this will be the hardest challenge for me in this big move to New York City. So often a job defines who we are. I am not sure how I really feel about it, I am sure it won’t even seem real until sometime in October. Right now it just feels weird.
A & R Walking to the Bus Stop on the First Day of School Last Year
Not having a job is a HUGE adjustment, especially since you’ve been doing the same one for years, when I had to stop working because of an injury and eventually completely change my profession, I felt very weird too. But soon, the perks of being able to be with your girls for all the special moments will make the weirdness go away. And you can always go back when you feel you want to, good teachers are hard to come by and any school would be lucky to have you.
You are too sweet darling, thanks for the kind words!!
Wow … I remember that picture … getting all teary just thinking about it. I suspect the scene on the streets of New York will look a little different tomorrow morning.
As for the rest … just think of it like a LONG summer vacation.
And for the record, the only other time you didn’t start school in September (since you were 4) was in 2005, when Regan was born in July.
Look on the bright side, at least this time you don’t have baby at home with you while you’re sitting around eating bon bons all day long 🙂
(just kidding)
Well, judging by the comment above i would say you’ve got your work cut out for you!
Seriously, think of it as a sabbatical. Enjoy all the new things you’re doing, they’re both part of who you are and who you will be. Wife, mother, teacher, you’re all of these and yet not one of these words defines who you are. So have fun! Live, laugh, learn — and when all else fails, DRINK…A LOT!
Xoxo
Pouring a drink as I write this 😉
You do so have a job! If I were nearer I’d smack you in the head!!! You have the hardest job of all: being a mom!!!!
Enjoy your time with the family!
Awww…thanks Tracey, I do forget it sometimes 😉
been there ! Done it – you know i have and it was the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF MY LIFE. Life is short and we take SO MUCH for granted and I truly believe our CHILDREN (and our dogs) define us. So love every aching minute you get to spend with them and helping them develop in the lovely ladies they will become.
PS Luna should make a trip to NYC to train Dopie to poop on the sidewalk.. Luna paid tribute to you guys on the paved road infront of your Shepody house the other day:):):)
LOVE EVERY ACHING MINUTE..
Love you D
Ha! Ron’s comment was classic!! Lol! I remember that feeling my first year off. Honestly, now I can’t believe we managed it all: the schedules, days off, half days, events, sick days, conferences with both of is working!! Now all my kids will be in school for most of the day…so I guess I’ll be at your place eating Bon-bons too. ! ; )
Keep up the good work Supermom!
Careful what you wish for! Haha my mum volunteered at my public school for years and didn’t get out of there for two years after my younger brother graduated! There’s a serious lack of competent dedicated volunteers.l
BUT! Having mum at home while I was at school was probably the best thing ever. You’ll enjoy it for sure and the girls will appreciate it.
Love the blog, I’m blogging myself for school, hope to see you soon!
I only just saw this…. a bit late. Hope you are both well Ron and Sandra. I live in the Hague and Zürich now. Doing nothing. Also no more Canadian snow storms or minus 30C temperatures. Jimmy J.