New Beginnings

We waited for it. It came. Now it's gone. Yes, I am talking about New Year's Day. As many of us took some much anticipated time off over the holidays we looked forward to New Year's with both excitement and dismay. The new year is a time of renewal, of setting things right but it is also a time to get back to work. After nearly two weeks of vacation time settling back into routine is anything but easy. Alas, here we are, another year in the world of daycare.

Every year, like millions of others, I make resolutions pertaining to different areas of my life. For the most part I stick with them if only in spirit. Some resolutions are easier than others. A few resolutions are kicked to the curb with the first garbage pick up of the year; others are still around mulling about my head this time next year.

I have made one daycare resolution this year. It is an all encompassing resolution. I feared that breaking it down might cause me to come to the realization of what it is I am actually asking myself to do. That in and of itself would be reason enough for me to not even get started in the first place. My resolution is to be positive. It sounds pretty simple. If you know anything about me you will also understand that I am a realist. I do not sugar coat things. Positivity is pretty hard to muster up when you are faced with some of the challenges of daycare we all find ourselves in the thick of each and every day. I am curious to see how much positivity fortitude I can muster when The Princess freaks out at the door at pick up simply because her easily manipulated robot parents have arrived. Perhaps I can find some positivity when I am changing Johnny who has pooped up his backside for the third time in a week. I could be positive and thankful he didn't eat beans the night before. I guess we'll see.

I am thinking of creating one of those giant thermometers that are so popular at school fundraisers to chart my positivity progress. In January the mercury level would be so high we could all wear capris and flip flops. By February we would all be in jeans and T-shirts, and no doubt, by April when parents have arrived late for the tenth time and the three year olds are still not potty trained the mercury will have dipped down to parka wearing sub-zero numbers.

Ah, who am I kidding? That cardboard cut out thermometer will make me want to scream. It would be a constant reminder that I am, once again, not the Norman Rockwell, rosy cheeked stereotype of caregivers everywhere. Forget it. I'm just gonna try. And really, can anyone fault me for trying?

So, here we go. Day one and still positive. I'll let you know if it all goes to hell tomorrow.

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca