Welcome, fall

In a normal year, I get depressed in mid-August because summer is almost over. I used to like the fall, until I started to hate winter. And then it was just a matter of association...

But for some reason, this year I am really welcoming fall. It might be because this summer was the hottest summer in NYC's history. And when I ponder that fact, I remember unpleasant mornings in our non-airconditioned downstairs, wrangling children who were grumpy about the heat, as sweat dripped down my brow. I remember losing my temper more than once and feeling just awful about the frequency of my frustration boiling over.

I guess this summer was sort of hard for us. We lost our beloved daycare provider and M's preschool closed, so June was lost in a sea of transitions and struggles (despite the big highs of landing on the register and passing my Spanish test). My husband started a new position at work, which meant I now am responsible for the kids during mornings and evenings. We had some wonderful moments, like visits with family and trips to the beach, but there was not nearly enough water play as I had envisioned in May. And of course, my dream of a fall A100 class was not realized, twice.

I have obsessed about the FS for so long that it's kind of relaxing to take a break. I'm just not thinking about it as much as I used to (thank goodness, although that will probably backfire when I take the FSOT again in October).

This fall, the medical practice I manage is bringing in a new physician who is charismatic and energetic. For the first time in months (years?), I am busy and engaged again. I just hired a new receptionist who will *hopefully* bring some harmony to our office, after months of backstabbing and complaining among my staff. I am so excited about these changes.