I know its not September yet, but my daughter had her first week of FIRST GRADE this past week! I know I was more nervous than she was! But it seems as if she is settling into the routine of all-day school, although no homework has been assigned yet so I'll be curious to see how that goes.

I spent my 2 days post-vacation/pre-school, cleaning and setting up a nice, organized, well-lit "homework space" for her to use - its my old desk in our basement home office. I cleared out two drawers, cleared off all bills and papers from the top and made room on the built-in bookshelf for her dictionary, atlas, encyclopedia, etc.

Despite her being out of the house all day, I find myself running short on time to complete the various home improvement projects, shopping chores, and workout routines I planned for my "alone time". Clearly I will have to scale back on these plans.

Beginning in September, I plunk some training sessions into my evening schedule. I am signed up to be a "greeter" (not much to learn, just some "house rules", etc.) at Church, which should be fun and pretty easy. The more intensive "training" is actually for the process of becoming an extraordinary minister/eucharistic minister in the Ministry of Care. This means that I'll be taking Holy Communion to the sick/homebound, and to those in nursing homes and hospitals. The Ministry of Care training is organized by the Archdiocese but luckily they are holding the sessions at our Parish this year, likely because we have the facilities to host such an event series.

I'm still happily surprised that I find myself drawn to this ministry. I knew it was for me when over the past few years, I have found great solace in receiving communion at the hospital during my various unfortunate stays there. All of the volunteers from  other parishes that ministered to me were so incredibly warm, caring, and kind. I really do believe those experiences aided my healing process. Since I am comfortable with the elderly, sick, handicapped, (I used to work in a nursing home - one of the best jobs I ever had!) I think I'm a good match for this volunteer opportunity. My only worry is driving around with "Jesus" (consecrated host) in the car! Do I put a seatbelt on the host container?!?!?! Lord knows I won't be hauling the host around in my rockin' van!!!! heheheheh.