Today is August 1st. This means I have exactly 24 days until school starts and if I’m being honest even less than that since I still have class prep to do. That’s less than a month – actually closer to 3 weeks. I will admit that I’m looking forward to school starting. I love being with my kids but there is a reason why I work part-time. I’m not an inherently patient person (although some people disagree). After spending seven weeks with my children who require every ounce of patience and creativity that I have to give (16 games of “Go Fish” later) I’m ready for a break. Even if that break means spending 4 hours with 18 year olds who don’t understand why you can’t use words like “suck” in a formal academic paper. I know this may sound selfish or ungrateful. However, I think the most important part of being a good parent is knowing your self and your limitations. Mommy is a tough job and like any other job we all have weaknesses and areas for improvement. I know that I am a more patient and interesting and attentive mother when I get that little bit of time out of the house.

In the next three weeks I will once again put on my teaching togs and return to the classroom and by November I will be complaining about my teenage students. And all of you will be reminding me of how eager I was to be there in the first place.