Hey guys, it’s Move Me Monday.
September is here and with it the start of school. For those of us who work in the education system, have children in school, or are students ourselves, this marks a new season in our lives. Stores are crowded with back-to-school shoppers gearing up on pencils, pens, notebooks, and backpacks. It’s almost as bad as Black Friday. (Seriously, if you’re not back-to-school shopping yourself, you might want to stay home for a couple weeks. Shop at your own peril.)
This time can also be difficult for those who have enjoyed the freedom the summer months provide. For others, like writer moms, this time is a long-awaited gift, the beginning of free time to write. Either way, it’s a transition, and jumping in head first requires motivation. What’s that awful sound? Oh, right, the alarm clock.
While I appreciate the lax expectations of summer, I love my routines. Knowing where you have to go and when makes planning what to do with those extra hours easier. Time to sit and stare at the wall? Nope. You’d better get that 1k out in the next two hours or wait three more days before you can try again. That’s motivating. Of course, you also run the risk of being too dead tired to form coherent words on a page. Can I get win/win…anywhere?
This semester I am thrilled to move from student to employee of the education system. The part I’m most excited about? NO HOMEWORK. Oh, that is an amazing feeling. I get to enjoy all the pluses of a college classroom–the knowledge, the teaching, the brand new subjects–without the stress of getting a grade. It will be beautiful.
But it’s still a transition. No longer the student, I must now act with the confidence and ability of a professional. Excuse me while I step into a closet to whimper like a puppy. Fake it till you make it.
What are your plans for the fall? How do you gear-up for it? Do you embrace this season with enthusiasm or dread? Are you a super back-to-school shopper? I love hearing from you!
You can also find me on Mistress Suzie’s blog today with a flash fiction episode of my kitty’s adventures.
Angela Wallace, Author 
I was just commenting to a colleague the other day how funny this time of year is. As a med student, we don’t get a summer, so it’s not back-to-school for us, but for many of our friends, and even patients, it is. I will say I love the autumn season, though!
Hi Taryn! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂 Sounds like you could say med school is a black hole that sucks up students and doesn’t spit them back out for…how much longer will you be there? Yes, I love autumn too. Lots of pretty, rich, dark colors. And sweaters. I love my sweaters. 😀
How exciting for you! Congratulations on the job, and be sure to tell us how it goes. I’m glad you get to keep that piece of university life.
Thanks Naomi. 🙂 Tomorrow’s my first day!
Angela
I hope your first day is going well. What grade are you teaching? For me, this has been a big adjustment because Grace is in kindergarten. I was looking forward to the writing time, but the silence in the house can be overwhelming.
Hey Stacy. Yeah, that is a big adjustment. Once you get used to it, though, I’m sure it will become a very cherished time as well. 🙂
My first class went great! I’m not teaching, though; I’m interpreting in college classes.
Congrats on the new job – that’s wonderful! For me, fall is about a little more downtime. The summer is about packing in as much activity and fun as we can so I am looking forward to slowing down a bit.
Thanks Natalie! Enjoy the slower paced season! Until Christmas comes around, right? 😉