September.

Say it with me folks:  "September".

How did it happen?

Yesterday I returned to the office after a glorious 8 weeks off.  Weeks filled with camping, sightseeing, hiking, visiting family, driving, eating ice cream, sports camp, Grandma's for a week, new orthodontic hardware, pierced ears, a dead laptop, a new computer :), butterflies, skateboarding, a new pet, a wedding, dancing, swimming, shopping, scootering, redecorating, golfing, watching re-runs of Corner Gas, biking, visiting Grandma and Grandpa, eating out, and a new banjo.

On the train into work I watched a flock of Canada geese flying in V-formation overhead.  I'm definitely not a bird person (keep in mind that I was contained inside a train away from the danger of being dive-bombed or pooped upon so for today I felt safe) but it was actually pretty amazing to stare up and watch them fly.   Watching them each working so hard to keep themselves moving and at the same time moving together as a well-choreographed team.

As much as I cannot stand analogies (sorry, honey) I found myself comparing their September activities to ours.  September always feels like New Year's to me - only better.  A time to return to schedules and routines, yes, but also a time to try something new.  Open yourself up to new challenges.  While I'm busy flapping my wings to move forward, everyone else is too.  And somehow, amidst all that flapping, we manage to come together as a family.  Activities for each of us to enjoy with time to cheer on and support each other too.

As we say goodbye to the heat and all the fun that summer has offered, I think I'm ready to move on.  Ready to say hello to the excitement of class lists, school supplies and indoor shoes.  To piano lessons, hockey, hip hop, hockey, Zumba, guitar lessons, and yoga.

Enjoy your New Year.