Yes, there's the start of the school year - this year seemed even more chaotic than last with all the rain and the girls not being able to go to school for the first week - and that first week (or second in our case) of new classes, new teachers and finding your way through it all but, after that, it seems things slow down a little.
It's always like this for me at the beginning of new year. I feel like I have more time compared to the end of the year where the calendar has writing on it months in advance. The beginning of the year is a little more spontaneous for us. Someone might call to suggest a catchup on the weekend and we usually aren't totally booked (although, that's starting to change already).
We were sitting out by the pool this afternoon while the girls had a swim - don't ask why I didn't go in. I have no reason AND Gumboot Girl has mastered the art of "Da Bomb" as she has coined it - and we were chatting about ... well, just stuff really.
About my renewed motivation to start eating a little healthier, exercising a little more, getting the girls into a routine and it all seems so doable. You know?
I'm not sure how long it will last. We have never been a huge routine family but I think with two girls at school now and the homework that comes with it, gymnastics homework and soon to be piano lessons, there will only be benefits to implementing a routine.
And it feels good to be motivated again. To not have quite as much time to sit at the computer because there are other things that need doing. Like a big overhaul of the house. Again. I started yesterday and I think that's what got me back on track (although the office could do with a quick tidy too).
I feel better for it. Lighter. Happier.
But I can also see how this leaves very little time for socialising. As the girls get older, I'm finding it harder to stay connected with our friends. So I'm glad that, although some of our usual catchups won't make the cut - the diner on a Friday night won't happen nearly as often - we have a few little traditions that will be just as much a part of our routine as all the school/sport/work stuff.*
This year, for me, is about trying to keep that work/life balance very much in tact. About staying in touch with friends and making the effort to catch up. About exercising and staying healthy. About not letting life get too busy. But most of all, it's about family. Remembering what's important.
How has your year been so far?
What are your hopes for 2012?
*Did someone say pizza night? I hope so. ;p
