Fat Biscuit

Raspberry Scone Day

School is back on and so is my more tranquil schedule. Unfortunately, Owen doesn't find his going to first grade every day as tranquil as I do, but he is managing. This morning, for instance, after a few minutes of yet again trying to convince me that watching television before school is not only more fun but also fair and just, because other kids get to, he settled down and listened to a Hank Zipzer audiobook. Then he ate two pieces of french toast and drank some orange juice. This counts as a good morning. He wasn't thrilled to be going to school but once he was at the bus stop, he perked up. 

First grade, after all, is a bit more challenging. Owen has a math worksheet to do every day, and soon we'll start getting reading homework as well. Every day, his behaviour chart comes home, which I then have to sign. If he forgets to get his chart signed, he gets demoted to a green day (purple is perfect) the following day. Twice a week, the kids get a visit from the Spanish teacher, who tosses a little Espanol their way, and in the next week or so Owen should start back with his speech teacher twice a week. Wednesday after school we drive straight to the recreation center for Owen's private swim lesson. Starting next Monday, Owen will go to an after-school sports class for an hour. In our household, this counts as a busy schedule, though it is NOTHING compared to the crazy weeks some of his peers have. (Note judgmental tone.)

This year I've started to volunteer regularly at Owen's school library in addition to my mini-stint at the regional branch. (Book dork!) The school "media assistant" (as she is formerly known) wants me to be able to sub for her if she needs to miss work. That means learning how to do circulation. More importantly, it means interacting with kids in a friendly yet firm manner. That's harder for me. 

This week also marks my third back at a decent running schedule. I'm motivated by races, so I've registered for the Run Like a Girl 8K in Richmond in mid-October. This is also a great excuse to spend time with K and A in Richmond.

Now I'm off to the farmers' market, where I can buy my favourite raspberry scone and, if I'm feeling virtuous, a vegetable or two . . . 

Now Slightly Tanned

I have so not been getting my $8.95's worth these past few months. What time I spend on the computer is devoted to work, keeping up with e-mail, and the quick Facebook status update. 

I miss those 6-hour school days.

Strangely, the summer break is going by quickly, which is OK with me. I'm not much for strict schedules and jam-packed days (no comment, please, Rachael) but every week being different makes me uncomfortable. But a lot of things make me uncomfortable, like the curtains not being drawn evenly, bread crumbs on the counter, the heat, gusts of wind, Owen leaning back in his chair, . . . anything loud. Can you tell it's getting to me?

O and I have had fun visits to grandparents and many a free movie at the local movie theatre. I even have an ever so subtle tan on my legs to prove that I've taken my son, dutifully, to the pool and water park. 

And this week, we're having a tree removed from our front yard and others trimmed back. That should be entertaining for everyone, including the cat.

Every Saturday morning I get up early to go running with a couple friends. I look forward to it each week. 

four days till ocean city!

Spotting Hummers at the Farmers' Market

We're two weeks into summer break, and I'm already exhausted. It's tiring staying busy and entertained with a 6-year-old boy. That said, I wouldn't trade it for the 9-5 for anything.

It's funny how you can try something once, and it will not work out; then you try it a second time, under different conditions or a new mindset, and suddenly it all falls into place. That's been my recent experience with running. I started running outside a couple of months ago and have been loving it. Don't know if it's the fully healed back sprain, the new, fancy sneaks, or the great outdoors, but it is so much more gratifying than the treadmill ever was. In the last two months, I've run two short races and hope to run another one in the fall. I feel healthier and obsess less about all the squishy parts of my body. 

The last race we did had a 1-mile race for kids with parents, so I cajoled Tay and Owen into participating. We were so proud of Owen for participating in a RACE, or COMPETITION, because these things usually terrify him. He ran the entire mile and wore his race shirt and medal for the next two days straight.

This summer Owen and I are staying busier than usual, thanks to Owen's increased maturity and my decreased anxiety. Here's a list of the typical activities:

• swim lessons (where we spotted a Mitt Romney for President tee shirt)
• farmers' market (where we often spot the aforementioned hummers) 
• library time (I still need to do my weekly volunteer stint)
• free movies  
• Pirates' Cove (Pohick Bay)
• Great Waves Water Park (Cameron Run) 

We've also got visits planned with Nana and Am and Baba, as well as our traditional beach week at Ocean City. We also HAVE to see Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees at Fridays After Five on August 28 in C'ville. Owen will love that.