This morning, for the first time ever, I had to get myself ready for work while also getting Emma ready for school. A great part-time opportunity came my way recently, and I started working last week while Emma was on spring vacation. Today she had school, and I got up early so I could have coffee and figure out I was going to manage all my responsibilities this week.

In spite of getting up early, I was still scrambling to finish drying my hair at 8:15, five minutes before we leave for the short walk to the bus stop. Emma seemed glad to take on some things herself this morning. She fixed her snack, filled her water bottle and made sure her folder was in her backpack, all things I usually do, and she did them without being asked. By the time I got home yesterday from my weekend with my mom, the stores were closed so she had to buy lunch today, which saved me a little time.

As we walked to the bus, she talked about wanting to have a more specific routine in the morning, and she feels she needs to write down all the tasks she wants to do before school. I’d been thinking I need to do the same, especially now. I also felt impressed that she’s thinking this way, and wants to be organized. Her routine includes creative sock mixing and matching, but now I don’t need to pair her socks. Score one for less time on laundry!

I wish this had been a trend when I was a kid. It would have saved a lot of time.

I’ve already made my first blunder and I think I’m glad to have it out of the way. My first day coincided with a day when Bob doesn’t teach, so child care was not an issue. But my brain was a bit fried and I agreed to work Thursday too, thinking Bob was on break. But his break was last month so he had to work. Fortunately one of my friends was able to watch her in the morning so it all worked out. Sometimes it’s tough to live in an area where I have no family but I feel really lucky to have a small circle of great friends to count on.

I’m worried that my project might become a casualty with my new schedule. The attic is still my big priority right now. I’d intended to send Bob and Emma off for a weekend so I could make a big dent in the mess, but we ended up spending Easter weekend apart, with me at my mom’s and them at his mom’s, and I missed them a lot. Now I’m not willing to be apart from them again so soon. So instead of emptying the whole attic at once, I’m going to start putting stuff downstairs in the office/library because we seldom use that space, and sort through it there.

My favorite spot to read will serve a different purpose for a couple weeks.

Next weekend the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation, a local charity which raises money to support pediatric cancer research, is holding a donation drive. I want to bring them as much stuff as possible because I like the idea of my things helping a cause close to home. It doesn’t leave me with a lot of time but I’m motivated.

On a happier note, I’m planning the first Simple Year Virtual Book Club meeting for this Friday.

Our First Month’s Pick

I couldn’t find a manageable way to set it up, so I’m going to share my thoughts and questions for us to discuss in the comments section. If anyone would like to send questions or comments for me to include in the post, please email me at tjdunnederrell at gmail dot com. Thanks and have a great week!