Planning ahead...

So, the other day I received a notice in the mail about... SUMMER CAMP!

Yep, the calendar still says January; it is freezing cold outside; and someone decided that I should start planning for summer activities. I guess in a way it makes sense, since I am thinking about escaping to somewhere warm... on-the-other-hand I still have CHRISTMAS presents that I have not given out yet!!

Is it me or are marketing/sales people trying to push us to plan ahead. I swear I see signs for back to school sales at the end of June; when kids are still in school (granted, I admit I do start doing a back to school countdown by July 1); and every year, Christmas stuff starts showing up in stores earlier and earlier. I think I see holiday decorations in Costco in August!

I understand the need to plan ahead, but I think this is getting a bit ridiculous.

For me, this constant reminder that I have to keep planning, or doing something, whether it is deciding on which summer camp to send my child, what halloween costume to make, or what Christmas gifts to buy makes me feel very anxious. I have enough trouble thinking about what to make for dinner tonight!

Sometimes I wonder whatever happened to just taking a breath, and living and enjoying the moment (hopefully that moment is quiet and I have a nice cup of coffee, or a glass of wine in my hand)?

So I say screw thinking about summer camp, for now; I can always do it next week...

How far do you start planning ahead for things (I am usually exceedingly happy and proud of myself if I book my kid into a camp a week before it starts...)?

Time

Today officially marks my daughter's first week back to school (she started on Thursday). So, this also marks my first week of having more 'free time'.

I would like to ask what free time? It feels like I am busier than ever.

At first, even I thought that I will have more time to do stuff for me, like write on this blog, but nope. I have been busy cleaning the house, getting the groceries done, prepping for lunch and dinner, and then repeat. Granted, I am now able to do these things faster as I no longer have to entertain a little one, but it still takes time.

It is amazing how fast two hours fly by. I should probably start thinking of getting ready to walk up the hill again to pick her up. And, yes, her school is at the top of a hill and it takes 15 min to walk up it. I found out I can do it in about 5 min if I run, but I NEVER want to do that again.

So, with all my 'free time', my parents have started hinting maybe I should look into a part time job, or just a job, or even go back to school, like I need another degree. But I do have a job, I started to freelance (write) again, which I love, but sometimes (okay all the time) I have trouble writing on a schedule – so the words do not always come during the two hours of alone time that I have.

Anyway, for my parents' sake, if someone out there would like to give me a 'regular' job that allows me to work in two hour blocks – i.e. 9 – 11 (okay, 10:30 because I have to go pick up the child) and then 1 – 3:30 twice a week, feel free to give me a shout.