Time Flies

So BB1 has begun her official educational journey. Kindergarten has officially begun. No more assessments days or Holidays to hinder the learning process (at least until Thanksgiving), just five days a weeks for 3 hours, Monday through Friday, of learning and growing and reaching for new things and having new experiences.

One major development is that she is going to be taking the bus. This all came about at her insistence, not mine. In fact, I really had to be talked into this one as I was never a bus riding kid and really have no point of reference on which to rely upon.

So she will be taking the bus to school, but I will be picking her up. That was our compromise. Plus the fact that in riding the bus to school, she will only be with other kindergartners (she's in the afternoon session) and with me picking her up, she will avoid coming home with all the older kids and the drama and potential situations I am hoping to avoid at this point in her life.

I guess I have heard too many horror stories of things happening to kids on the bus and experiences others have had to deal with in terms of behavior issues, that I don't even want BB1 having to deal with it at this point in her life. I know they will come, but I want her to be older and better prepared and able to handle them, then I think she is now. I guess I am just trying to keep her as safe and innocent for as long as I can.

In many way's I can't believe that she is old enough to be going to school. One minute she was my little baby, snuggling up to me and falling asleep in my arms. If the next 5 years vanish as fast as the past 5 - and they will - it causes me to take pause and really try and plan for them, at least as much as I can.

Where will I focus my attention and where do I want to spend my time? What will I try to accomplish and what won't I accomplish? What new things will my girls discover and what new adventures lie in store along with what new lessons will we all take part in? What books will I read? What hobbies will I hone? What friends and family will I devote time and attention to? What stresses will I decide to make less burdensome? Will I be in good health and if not what will I change now, today, to make that possible? Will my reputation for honesty among my family and friends be stronger, or weaker?

Most importantly, what am I doing to ensure that I will be loved and respected by my children? Will I be deeper in love and in friendship with my husband? If not, why not? What am I willing to change or balance so that my relationships with others will be even better than they are now?

I suppose my point is that today I am embracing the fact that some things - like time - are completely out of my control. I accept that there are thing that I cannot change or even influence. But there are many things that I can control, change and improve. I realize there are many things I may never accomplish in this life, but I am going to try my hardest to make sure that I spend my time working on the things that matter the most.

It all comes down to time and how to use it. Life isn't about money or materialism; it's about living deeply and becoming what we "value". Now is the time to take a moment and define our values more clearly to ensure we are on the right course. Take a moment to clarify and just remember - time flies!!