Stuck in the middle
image courtesy of photobucket.com
July is the middle of the year. Specifically, July 2 (in a non-leap year) is the exact middle of the year. And it feels like the middle, doesn’t it?
For me, June seems like a recovery month. Time to take a breath, throw away or file the piles of school papers the kids have accumulated over the past several months, sleep in a bit and be a little lazy. Or a lot lazy. But June didn’t fall into its usual rhythm this year. My son attended summer school for the first time. That, in addition to something called SAC camp (Strength and Conditioning Camp) four afternoons a week has put a wrench in the laziness of summer.
And now I find myself in the waining days of July wondering where my summer went. No beach getaway, no long drives to visit family. Just days on end having to be somewhere at a certain time. Dropping off or picking up. There’s been plenty of laziness in between, but not the kind that makes you feel rested. Just the kind that makes you feel…well, lazy.
August is just around the corner, and while the kids don’t officially go back to school until the 27th, marching band and football practice starts August 1.
I’ve felt like I’ve been in a holding pattern this summer–waiting for one thing to end and another to begin. Filling my time rather than investing it in something bigger, and generally feeling a bit useless. But as I look back on the days where it seems nothing of great importance happened, I remember the two day Psych watching marathon with my daughter. Two days filled with laughter and repeating silly lines from Shaun and Gus. I remember teaching my son how to make grilled cheese sandwiches on the griddle, and how obtaining that knowledge empowered him–even if it was only the power to make himself a hot meal. And a dozen other little things millions of moms or dads never think twice about. And I realize the little things do matter. Or maybe not so much the little things, but the little moments.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, may I present a gratuitous cat video:
This post is part of the One Word at a Time Blog Carnival: July hosted by Peter Pollock. For more summerly posts, please visit him at PeterPollock.com
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The small moments sound lovely and just what the children need. I know it’s always strange though without the beach vacation. I didn’t get that this summer either. Get this though, our kids go back on August 8. It will be one million degrees that day, here in AZ. But a dry one million degrees so I’m supposed to be very grateful.
Audra Krell´s last [type] ..I’m an URN
My summer has been exactly like yours! And we’re on the high school band / varsity cross-country schedule, so yes, it all really begins three weeks before the first day of school. Not to mention the summer class, summer basketball league, and summer theater. But thank the good Lord, on July 2, my son got his driver’s license. As Forrest Gump so aptly put it: “One less thing.”
P.S. My husband adores “Psych.”
Megan Willome´s last [type] ..Not On Vacation #3
I don’t know about gratuitous. The video is priceless! I smiled all the way through it — and that’s about the best thing anyone can do for someone. Share a smile!
Louise G´s last [type] ..Life is an act of creation
Thanks for sharing the video of the cat– so cute! My husband and I shared a smile. You are right; the little moments are a blessing.
We went on a trip to visit family, but it just wasn’t all that restful either. LOTS of driving and running. I would love a real vacation! And that cat video–that level of cuteness just makes you want to gouge your eyes out (or something like that).
Jason Stasyszen´s last [type] ..The Joy and Pain of New
Made me laugh a bit, which is a good thing.
I’m heavily involved in so much this summer… but not my kids or grandkids, just other people. AND with the heat being so over-the-top, etc., July hasn’t been a lot of fun so far. I DID have a couple nice moments during my birthday weekend, but that was pretty much “it”. And, I sure understand your “mom” situation. It ain’t easy. But you sound like a good one… practical and loving.
Joanne Norton´s last [type] ..MOROCCO ALMOST MIRACLE #1
I don’t even have kids and my summer feels nearly the same. Which is funny, because last year I didn’t really have a summer, I just worked two jobs the entire time and hated having no time to be social. Who knows. That video is hilarious.
jake´s last [type] ..Tradition