Well Begun Is Half Done

Or at least 1/180th done ...

I'm not superstitious but I do think the impression on the first day of school has a big effect on the school year. OK, maybe I am superstitious. But if the first day sucks and no one wants to go the second day, you're in trouble. Don't even think about those January mornings when it's cold and dark.

But if the first day is good, like the opening sentence of a book, you're curious. Compelled. Maybe a little invigorated to tackle this new experience.

Luckily, our first day was good. We hit the streets running and at the end of the day I was pleased we made all our connections, no lunches were left behind, there were no tears (from the kids anyway) and no early morning calls from the principal or the nurse. There were rave reviews of teachers and classmates and curriculum.

How long did this bliss last?

About 24 hours.

Not even the second day of school and I hit the snooze twice. Sam fell asleep in the car on the way to school. I forgot two sets of papers. Jake forgot homework. A lunch box was lost. I think the first tears came Tuesday morning. And then Wednesday evening. Oh yes, Thursday morning too.

But as the Bible and Bridget Jones said, I will not be defeated.

Tomorrow is another day - and a Friday no less - and when I get up I'm going to heed the words of poet Mary Oliver who said: "Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields. Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindndess."

After hitting the snooze twice ...