Back to School

Well, its that time of year again … back to school.  I know that in other parts of the country, school has already started.  But here in New York City, school started the Wednesday after Labor Day.

When you watch TV this time of year, there is always the picture of the parent, usually the mother, who is overjoyed that the kids are going back to school.  She is smiling, while the kids are sad and depressed.  I am NOT one of those mothers.  While I enjoy the routine that school brings, I actually prefer summer vacation.  I feel like I need the summer break just as much as the kids do. 

School has been in session for only ten days.  Out of those ten school days, three of them were half days.  My son (who goes to public school), has already had three days off for Jewish holidays, and my daughter (who goes to Catholic school), is off tomorrow because the teachers are having a faculty retreat.  Now, in those “ten” school days, I have been to my daughter’s cross country meet (there's another one this Saturday), signed about 20 million forms (I know I’m exaggerating, but it really does feel like I signed that many), have been given a list of school supplies, and had to get the medical forms for basketball completed because they were due this past Monday, even though the new basketball season doesn’t start until next month. Oh, and let’s not forget the multitude of emails that I received about back to school nights and other save the dates.  And, did I mention that my son is a graduating senior this year?  There are  emails from the school counselor about upcoming deadlines and colleges visiting the school.  Not to mention that the early decision/early action deadline is November.  There have been numerous discussions with my son over which schools to apply to, when he should apply to each school, what he should write about in the essays, etc, etc, etc.  On top of that, my daughter told me that she wants me to sign her up for the Saturday SAT classes at her school, and, how can I forget, there are more Sweet Sixteen parties to attend.  Not to mention that she turns Sixteen in November and is still trying to figure out what she wants to do for her birthday.
 
It just never ends!  The rest and relaxation that I had from my vacation is gone.  There hasn’t been a full month of school yet, and I already feel like I need another vacation.
 
If you are thinking about having kids, you better rest up now.  
 
So now you know, and you can … Consider Yourself Warned!