Now that the kids are back in school…
By Jackie Hennessey
The kids are back to school and I’m still in shock. Would someone please tell me where the summer went? Although it’s been a crazy first week back with new schedules, new school supplies and new sleep patterns, the fall is one of my favorite seasons. It’s all about getting back into a routine. And despite the fact that I’m a little sleep-deprived and we can’t exactly roll out of bed and head to cool waters on a moment’s notice anymore, it’s still a great time to get back on track.
OK, so this might not really happen until AFTER Labor Day (or until the end of next week even) for many families, I see it as the perfect time to look at the year ahead. Although many may not care to admit it, I’ve seen more moms (and dads) out exercising along the streets of Barrington lately with a smile plastered across their face. Some are wiping away their tears because it’s tough to say goodbye to the little ones as they get on the school bus every day. But the fact is, when all of your kids have reached school age, it gives you time to reflect. Time to think. Time to think about what you want to do now. Aside from the mounds of laundry, dishes and miscellaneous errands. (And the fact that by 2 p.m., you’re on duty for the kids again.)
So many moms I know (that quit their jobs to stay home with their kids years ago) tell me they hope to get back to work again. I see a lot of moms sending their youngest off to first grade. And they are already searching for a job with mom-friendly hours. One friend jokes that she enjoys talking about getting that perfect job that ends by 1:45 p.m., but she hasn’t done anything about it. You never know, I tell her. Even in this tough economy, you just never know. The good news is there are a lot of companies out there that can’t afford to hire people full-time, so the hours you are available might make it a win-win situation. You never know what can happen unless you put yourself out there and try. I understand that being a mom is challenging enough and working even part-time isn’t for everyone. But for some moms, it’s a dream they hope to fulfill this fall. And I wish you the best!
I invite you to share your “back to school” hopes here.
And please don’t forget – your dessert recipe or mommy story could be in my next book! I’m extending the deadline for Barrington residents to September 7, 2012. Email me at Jackie@ventingsessions.com today. You could win a copy of my book, How to Spread Sanity on a Cracker! And a big thank you to those who have already sent in stories and recipes!
Visit Jackie Hennessey's blog at www.ventingsessions.com for more details.
John Baron
12:53 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
Why do women want to share their mommy stories with you so that you can make money off of writing a book? hmmm Women should start their own blog, who knows, maybe it will catch on? Maybe they will write their own book. Now that's food for thought...
SB
5:23 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
Somebody needs a nap! Or a life. Not every mom even has the desire to write a book or a blog. It's simply fun to share. I've given Jackie's book as a gift to many of my mom friends and it has brought belly-laughs and warm smiles to my otherwise exhausted, multi-tasking gal-pals. That being said - maybe it's a MOM THING and crabby old dudes will never understand. PEACE, LOVE & CHEESE DIP
Jane Couto
2:07 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
Great post, Jackie! I don't have kids yet, but even I look forward to this time of year for the chance to get back into a routine. Enjoying long days and being carefree in the summer is AWESOME... but it is nice to get back to schedules and cozy sweaters!
As far as John's comment... I have read countless books that are collaborative efforts. What's wrong with people sharing recipes and stories with an author? Maybe some people don't *want* to start their own blogs. Maybe some people are perfectly happy to see a recipe or story they've shared in print when otherwise it wouldn't happen. It's not about making money off of other people. It's about sharing.
Kristin Wheeler
4:18 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
Nice post Jackie! Can't believe it's Back-to-School time already!!! I'm sad my littlest one is off to kindergarten! Can't wait to read your next book! Loved your first one! Very entertaining and the recipes were awesome!!!
Kameron
7:27 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
I have my own Blog but no desire to write a book. Personally, I think it would be fun to have a story of mine published in a book!
I work full time and my oldest just started Kindergarten this week. While I would have loved more time at home when they were babies, I have always wanted to have my career. I think using your skills is rewarding and think part time opportunities for moms is an excellent idea!
Sarah
8:21 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
I'm the mom of a 5 month old, so this is a long way off! That said, I do look forward to a day when I can get all my work accomplished in one sitting!
As far as John goes? I think he needs a hug. Clearly he has quite a chip on his shoulder for one reason or another. Personally, I'd LOVE to share a recipe, or a story and have it published in a book! I think most women would (Hence the large number of compilations out there, be they short stories or cook books)
Carla
9:31 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
Such a thoughtful post! My FB feed has been jam packed with back to school pics and it's been wonderful to see. And it's so generous of you to open up your book to readers for a chance to be featured in your book. While it definitely is a great way for women to connect and find a common thread in their experience as mothers, I'm sure you'll get some great bloggers who will participate and be immensely grateful for the traffic you'll send their way. And really, it's the perfect way for someone to check off "get my writing published" off their bucket list =)
Heather M
11:47 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012
I love the fresh start of back to school! My 2 girls are a few years away from starting school at 3 and 6 months, but it still is a great time to plan and look ahead after a relaxing summer. I just started writing a blog, and I'm enjoying it but have no desire to write a book! I am however looking forward to submitting a recipe to Jackie for her next book...as Carla said, it will increase traffic to my blog, which I think is a win for me without all the work of a book! How did a back to school post turn into a bash on Jackie's book anyway?
Allison
4:23 pm on Wednesday, September 5, 2012
wait, are we in Stepford? sharing recipes and mommy stories, you should all go and get a life : )