Dune baby, dune baby, give me a smile -- or, not.
In less than 2 weeks, our summer will be over and -- having directed nearly all of my attentions to raising kids and killer dust bunnies, for the last 15 years -- perhaps you'd be surprised, as I am, to learn that I haven't done a gosh-darned thing to get the kids ready for back-to-school.
Besides, doing nothing....I mean.
My husband, Garth (not his real name) and I have been busy -- although, taking a quick look outside -- you really couldn't tell.
We've slowly been mowing, planting, weeding and transplanting our way through the seemingly endless amount of chores that come with having a big backyard. Not to mention, keeping our house from falling down and crashing into our 100-year-old neighbor's immaculately kept lawn.
Yeah, you heard right -- she's turning 100, next month -- so, where do we get off feeling so tired, all the time?
Well, if you've got kids...then you know.
Although, my neighbor and I disagree on certain things -- she rakes her grass, I mulch -- even I have to admit that parenting styles have changed over the years and there are times when I feel it hasn't gotten any better, either.
So, I've decided to focus on celebrating these last few days of summer by way of an accelerated course of as much non-action, as possible.
Like, throwing a couple of fishing lines into the bay and watching as the current teases my kids into thinking that we're actually going to have fish for dinner.
Being amazed when my 14-year-old agrees to, "Give this fishing thing a try," and actually getting it on film!
Going into the woods, searching for pretties and finding buried treasure -- a twisted shell, an old bottle cap -- and whatever else we can fit into a pint-sized baggie.
Finding out where that secret path leads, just beyond the trees.
Gazing out across the bay and waving to our friends in Manhattan and Brooklyn, I think.
No, perhaps it's NOT the most exciting way to spend the last days of summer vacation.
"Can we go fishing again, tomorrow?"
But, it's better than standing on some very long line in Disney.
"ABSOLUTELY!"
Even my 100-year-old neighbor would have to agree.
"You know, if you cut those weeds when their little, they won't be so much trouble."
I smiled politely, as she handed me our newspaper.
"Yeah, I know...but, they grow so fast, anyway."
You know, the one that accidentally landed on her side of the walk.
"Besides, they WILL be there...tomorrow."
Yep, time flies when you're someone's mom, dad or 100 year-old-neighbor -- don't even get me started on how fast (and big) my kids seem to be growing, too -- besides, I'm just too damned busy ignoring the laundry!
© 2008 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.
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My kids are lucky to be in a school district that provides school supplies, and they always just wear their regular summer clothes for at least the first few weeks, so I haven't done any special school shopping either. Or I'm just lazy and forgetful :)
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Posted by: Elizabeth | 08/23/2008 at 09:06 PM
Right about now, I am so jealous of your close proximity to the shore. There was only one trip down made this year (and it was done without me), since it cost a bajillion dollars to fill up the take (who the hell thought it was a good idea to put an oil man in the White House?).
This is so much of a better way to spend the last days of summer than playing with the weeds or going to Staples for supplies... those things can wait.
Posted by: JayMonster | 08/26/2008 at 10:34 AM