What to do When Kids are at School

School has started. Now What?

My kids all started school last week. This the first year they are all in school every day of the week, so between 9 and 2 I have some time on my hands. So why did I cry the first day of school instead of doing a happy dance? I thought about it for a few days, and I think it is because these questions kept popping into my head: Who are you? What are you doing with your life? What to do when kids are at school?

What to do When Kids are at School

I want to preface all of this by acknowledging how incredibly blessed I am to be in this position: to have this time to contemplate such thoughts when there are women in the world who spend their hours working to simply put food on the table. My challenge is a different one entirely. I am still searching for something that is mentally fulfilling that is compatible with my role as a mother as I have defined it.

Book Club

My friends and I started a book club almost ten years ago, and I am happy to say it is still going strong. I love a good novel, and it is made so much more enjoyable discussing it over food with your girlfriends. I still remember reading Elena Ferrante’s Neopolitan Novels and checking the clock to see if I could squeeze in one more chapter before picking up the kids.

These are some of our more recent book club selections, I really enjoyed reading Trevor Noah’s Born A Crime. I LOVE him on the Daily Show, and it gave me perspective on my visit to South Africa. I can’t wait to see the movie!

An American Marriage, Born a Crime, Americanah, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Exercise

For various reasons, I have not been very good about exercising this past year. I have resolved to put an end to that and go to the gym. I am a member of Lifetime, and I love going to their studio classes. Nothing like an old woman doing burpees shaming you into working out harder.

Volunteer

I heard Muhammad Ali’s words, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth’ once and they have remained with me. Houston has so many organizations helping a variety of populations. Find one that speaks to your heart. A few I have volunteered with are The Wow Project, Amaanah Refugee Services, and Houston Food Bank.

Follow your Passion

I’m not sure blogging is my passion, it has only been four months since I started the blog. But it does allow me to fulfill something that is my passion, and that is sharing my thoughts and ideas on fashion. For now, that is fine with me.