Kathrynzj of the RevGals writes:

Headquarters for me is the northeast of the United States. Here school is getting back in session, the tease of autumn is in the air (or the hope for the tease of autumn is in the air) and church life is gearing up to full throttle.

One thing I’ve learned with blogging and social media is that the where I live is not necessarily where you live. And so I want to know what September means to you, in your place of the world and time in your life.
This week’s Friday Five is:
What are 5 things that the beginning of September mean to you?

It’s interesting (as I read over my list) that none of my items have much to do with my vocation, and all are more socially and family focused. Chaplains kinda have the same routine all year – sick people — get better/worse. There’s not a lot of focus on the liturgical calendar (though I did contribute some to the discussion of the fall and Advent series discussions) or on church planning (though that will come this month as well.)

1. College football! Winning or losing, I’m a Buckeyes fan!

2. High school fall whirlwind: This year it’s marching band (band camp for 2 weeks before school started), football games (they lose just about every game, but it’s a community thing), PSATs in October, Homecoming, and Reedy Girl adjusting to the new set of teachers and expectations.

3. Scouring the stores for that ONE item of school supplies that we didn’t get and found out it is needed for class. Tomorrow!

4. Collecting the odd “item” for school projects. You know, keeping a shoebox for a diorama. Getting a fresh supply of poster board. (Here’s hint to you new middle school and high school parents – buy a 10 pack. You will use it!) Also I’m beginning to hoard magazines again, rather than recycle them immediately, since there will be that inevitable collage project. At least we are at the grade level where we don’t have much “parent homework” any more.

5. Back-to-school night. Just had it last night and it’s a little overwhelming, but necessary. FWIW, I like the set of teachers “we” have this semester!

Bonus: What’s one thing you could do without?

That 5:45 wake up time to see Reedy Girl off to the bus at 6:15. Ugh.