What is it about the start of a new school year that sends me into chaotic constant motion?

There are clothes to sort through and then replace when I find that both my kids obviously had some growth spurt in the middle of the night and woke up the next day 3" taller than the day before.

There are school supplies to buy and then more school supplies to buy.

Since I have a long drive to get my kids to and from school, there is more gas being pumped into my car more frequently.

Certain foods have to be easy and available in the fridge and pantry so that lunches and "car ride home" snacks are always available.

I am constantly looking at my online calender as the kids have multiple school and extra curricular activities scheduled. Jake starts another hockey season. He skates different days for different lengths of time at different ice arenas. Even though his Dad usually picks him up for these commitments, I need to make sure the kids is here to be picked up. Sara's got two homecoming's, football games to attend and a whole lot of social butter-flying to do.

There seems to be a certain urgency in me to call and make plans with girlfriends for lunch now that our kids are all back in school. Why do I feel the need to schedule 3 luncheons all in the month of September? (Because the summer centered around family activities and my children. Because I miss my friends. Because it's time to start seeing them on a regular basis again.)

That notion of having more free time now that the kids are back in school is a crock.

At least for me anyway...