Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Back At 'Em!


The holidays are such a lovely time—the decorations, the cookies, the caroling, the cookies, the sleeping in (finally my kids are learning how to sleep past 6!), the cookies, wearing pajamas all day long and not bothering to shower… But honestly, by the time New Year’s drags its weary butt across my path, I’m ready for the holidays to be over. I love spending time with my family, but I was overjoyed when my son went back to school yesterday.

That wild, out of control feeling that you get on the first day of vacation thrills old and young alike. It’s the feeling of freedom from the grind of daily regimens, from people telling you what to do all day long, from, well, structure. I love a bit of spontaneity, but I’ve discovered that I can only stand so much chaos.

I dropped the kids off at school yesterday—usually one of the more mundane tasks in the line up—and as I drove away the word Routine eased itself into a smile on my face. Routine is like a deep breath, even in the most stressful times you can always count on it. It’s reliable, it’s expected, and it’s calming. It graces every aspect of my life—as a mother, an athlete, and especially as writer. Knowing that at a certain time each day I will be sitting down to work on my WIP or brainstorming something new sets my mind free.

So, goodbye vacation, I enjoyed our little fling, but now it’s time to get back to my steady Routine.

1 comment:

Kelly Polark said...

I agree! I loved the sleeping in a bit, but the chaos can get to be a little much! I've gotten so much done in the last two days! (and HAVE to get these decorations down, I have been procrastinating on that!)