as we wrap up the summer... (random thoughts)

so many thoughts are going through my mind this week.  so many that i am having a hard time getting stuff accomplished.  it's as if i am on autopilot and just getting things done that are appointed/scheduled, and everything outside of that is in utter chaos.

the house is a simple unorganized mess.  every square inch is out of order.  a neighbor stopping by wouldn't notice, as it looks reasonably tidy, but there are stacks of papers waiting for my attention.  camera cards waiting to be taken for developing.  a pantry that looks as if a bomb went off in it...you get the picture.

then there's justin's most important stuff down in the guest room while he recovers there, but not really put away.  laundry is folded waiting to be put away (my excuse for this is feeling guilty staying upstairs too long when justin is stuck downstairs and could need something at any moment).

i've been doing the necessary but that leaves the rest of the should do's undone.  it's starting to get to me!

on a positive note, the kids have some new duds for returning to school.  and, they are washed and ready to wear.  i have the basic school supplies ready for the kids on monday and only had to purchase pencils!  although, they get the real lists on the first day of school so we will likely need another shopping trip.

another positive is that i am certain we made some wonderful family memories this summer, busy as it was.  this was one to top the list...we saw a lot, got to go many places, got to see lots of family and were well entertained.

then there's the really good news!!! justin had his post op appointment this morning.  the doctor reported everything looked perfect and that he could go to walking as his comfort level allowed.  as we left the office, justin wasn't sure he was ready to walk without crutches (he had some soreness this morning), but, within a few minutes of being home, he discovered that he didn't have pain with putting weight on the leg and has been pretty much crutch free since then.  he hasn't attempted the stairs yet, but he's doing well on the first floor of the house.

so...we have four days till school starts.  a few more things on the must do list, however, that list is getting shorter.  i am looking forward to returning to more of a routine even though that will include a lot more driving around.  school soccer tryouts will begin on the second day of school and now that kendall is playing classic with her new club, it means 3 nights of practice per week.  justin has plans to get involved in a couple of extracurricular activities at the high school.

i leaned something about myself today that i long suspected.  that is:  i am an introvert!  it is  kindof comforting to see an article that describes me so well, especially with respect to my needing time by myself to recharge and enjoying being alone in my home.  so next week, i am off work, the kids will be in school and keith will be out of town.  i am going to be by myself.  i am going to turn down lunch dates, coffee dates, wine dates. i am going to resist the urge to catch up on appointments such as a pedicure that is needed. i plan not to chat on the phone (so don't be offended if i don't answer calls). after 12 weeks of "flying by the seat of my pants", i am going to give myself permission to charge my battery.  and i can't wait!