Ward Ward Weblog

Leaving the house.

I remember a commercial a couple of years ago.  It was for Office Depot, I think.  A dad was dancing up and down the aisles collecting school supplies to “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”.  I’ve always disliked that commercial.  Most moms I know look forward to the first day of school.  They begin counting down the days the minute school gets out.  I look forward to summer, I love everything about summer.  I dread the first day of school.  It means the end of staying up late and sleeping in.  It’s the end of not having a schedule.  It’s the beginning of homework, yelling at my kid to get it done and the end of eating dinner at 8:00 because we spent the day at the pool and stayed until it closed. 

Perhaps it’s because these moms and I have different perspectives.  To them, it IS the most wonderful time of the year.  They get rid of their kids and can relax.  Get their house in order.  Believe me, I understand.  I, also, only have one child- not a house filled with kids and their friends all the time.  With one child, it tends to be quiet in the house.  Even when she has friends over, it’s pretty quiet.  I get to sit and read or do what I need to do in the house. 

If I didn’t have to work I wouldn’t but, I work to send my child to the school of our choice.  We live in a community that has wonderful schools.  We’ve heard great things about them but, we want her to have more.  We want her to get a Catholic education.  But, I digress.  Back to the first day of school.  To me it’s the beginning of work.  Not only do I have to get my child to school, I have to get myself ready and be at work.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I love my job.   I work with an incredible office staff, wonderful teachers and a fabulous principal that loves our school.  And I love them all very much.  The thing I like most about it is that I’m there with my girl.  We’re on the same schedule- I work when she’s at school.  If I have to work, then that’s the schedule I want.  Please, don’t think I’m complaining, I just wasn’t ready for summer to end.  Another week would have been perfect!!

So, here we are- the first day of school.  Elizabeth has started 5th grade.  I’m not sad about it, I loved 5th grade.  That was my favorite grade.  It was my last year in Miami, I went to Westminster Christian School and Mrs. Unkle was my teacher.  My best friends were Wendy, Barbie and Jenny.  I split my chin open on the see-saw and had to get stitches.  It was the year before I was interested it boys (some girls were interested but, I still considered them my friends).  I remember 5th grade fondly and hope Elizabeth does, too.  Both 5th grade teachers are new this year (new to the school, not new to teaching) and Elizabeth has already fallen in love with them.  She helped them set their rooms up and didn’t help me.  Someone has raised a brown-noser!!!  I hope and pray they have a good year.  I will be in the health room enjoying my job and helping all the kids who come to visit me.  It’s going to be a fabulous year.  Don’t worry, I won’t be counting down the days until summer yet, that would mean another year is gone and I’m NOT looking forward to that.  So, here’s to another great year at OLS!!!  By the time I get BUSY in the health room, I won’t have time to think about summer!!!

Here’s a picture of Elizabeth and her two friends from her class.  She’s glad they’re with her this year!!!

Cecilia, Maddie and Lizzie