It’s that time of year again. In a few short days, the kidlets will be heading back to school. DD#1 starts the ninth grade. Yes, a high school freshman is in my house. DD#2 is in sixth grade, still at the elementary school. Next year they’ll both be at the Jr/Sr High School.

I had been looking forward to at least a couple of weeks of alone time before the substitution calls started coming in, but alas. Before July was over I had a request from one of the elementary school office ladies asking if I’d sub for her the first three days. She was headed out of state to help her daughter settle in at college. Sure, three days. No problemo. I had a couple of blog tour posts to keep tabs on for those days, but that was doable.

Then a secretary at the Jr/Sr HS caught up with me. Could I sub for a one-on-one aide in early September so *that* staff member could take her daughter to college. Deja vu all over again. Sure, says I, scanning my calendar and seeing what I needed to juggle.

Today the phone rang and the caller ID read the elementary school. I figured it was the other office lady reminding me to come in next Wednesday. Yes, that, but also, did I realize I was supposed to show up the Monday and Tuesday before school started?

Um…no.

Those dates are now marked on my work calendar, along with several others she asked if I could take. The sub list is scant this year. My September is essentially booked, work-wise, and school hasn’t even started.

Ah well. A busy work schedule keeps my bank account (and therefore my husband) happy. It keeps me from raiding the fridge while I’m supposed to be taking advantage of the time and writing the WiP. And limiting my time actually helps me focus on writing. So, when I get those evening or weekend hours to myself I can make the most of them. In theory.

How’s your Fall shaping up?