Here’s the honest truth: I have spent all summer waiting for the magical “summer vibes” feeling I’ve gotten used to. Come about mid July, the boys have established a stunning base tan (despite the routine application of SPF 60 on the regular), a more laid back pace and a distinct lack of shirts in their laundry. Of course, if that were to happen, there would be no reasons I need caffeine, so we’ll call it a fair trade.
Really, the boys kind of go feral in the summer. To a degree. And I relax. After the rush and hectic schedule of the hockey season, summer feels like a great big deep breath of fresh air.
This has not been the case this year. I keep saying it, but this summer has been weird. Just all around weird. Part of it was because we needed to spend a significant amount of time dealing the renovation and sale of our rental properties. Part of it was weather related. But that last little bit? Just weird.
So here we are, half way through August and the reality of the school year and hockey season is starting to make itself known. And that is just one of the reasons I need caffeine this week.
Reason 1: Summer Scaries
You know what Sunday scaries are? We’re in the throes of Summer Scaries. The last few days have been focused on dealing with school related things. The list of school supplies has been made. The new backpack and lunch bags are in the house. I called the bus company to deal with a concern around our bus stop. The school website has been examined in the hopes of familiarizing myself with the boys’ teachers for the year (the beauty of a small school, there are few options). In addition to all this, my boys are 100% fed up with having siblings. There is some need for separation.
Reason 2: The Wait for Hockey Season
Our association offers a two week conditioning camp mid August every year. So the emails regarding that have gone out. Additionally, thanks to the change to the Novice program, there are emails coming out about parent meetings to discuss. This only serves to remind me that much like winter, hockey is coming. And the wait feels endless right now.
Reason 3: Vacation Recovery
While it was wonderful to have last week off with my boys, the demands of Mom Camp have got me wanting a nap. Or three. We managed to repaint a boy’s room, assemble a dresser and a desk for said room, clear out 2/3 of the kitchen cabinets and reorganize them. Then we headed out for a few days at the Zoo with my sister and her family. Got home the day before HockeyDad returned from his canoe trip. Filled one last day with a bit more tidying and organizing as well as a visit to the local theatre for the Lion King. I’ve been wanting to see it since it was released and I’m so happy it worked out the way it did. Boy #3 spent the first three minutes of the movie in awe because he had just seen all these animals in real life at our zoo trip. But the go-go-go didn’t stop there. We headed out to the family cottage on Saturday morning for a quick 24 hours of waterside fun.
All that to say, my Monday morning at work was welcome downtime. And we continue on the endless list of reasons I need caffeine.
So, the countdown to our “regular” routine is on. It’s time to start shoring up the caffeine stores. And maybe sneak in another summer adventure or two before we hit the ground running in September.
See you at the rink,
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