Back to Work, Finding Rhythm

I had the summer off. Yup, work-free. Well, work-free is not exactly the correct terminology, since being a mama to 2 young kids is inherently a lot of work. But, I did have the summer off from working at my job as an environmental science instructor at a community college. And it was marvelous to have a break.
I obviously don't bring the kids to work with me while I teach. But, I also don't have childcare for the time that I need to respond to emails, write tests and class plans, grade assignments, and prep for lectures. So, the non-teaching part of my job often gets done in 5 minute increments throughout the day, or at night after the kids are in bed. And, it sort of gets in the way of life at times- there is always something I should be doing. And, it can be hard to find a balance between work and home...I feel like I could (should?) be doing more for my classes; I should be a better teacher, read more on the topics I teach, revamp assignments, and on and on and on. But, I need to remind myself that even though I am a teacher, I am a lot of other things too... and my number one job is mom. So, I am mostly a mom and I squeeze the teaching into the spaces that I can find throughout my days. And, it has worked, but it can be a little stressful... so a summer break was wonderfully needed.
Yesterday, I went back to work to start a new semester. Throughout much of August, I was actually dreading going back (and even sort of wishing I could quit). But as my break has drawn to a close, I started to look forward to going back to life outside the home. Re-finding my rhythm as a working and stay-at-home mom, depending on the day. I am looking forward to spending time with new students, learning from them, and (if all goes well) inspiring them. In all honesty, I love what I do and I feel so lucky that I have a job where I can help people learn to live more sustainably.
Our lives have sort of been in turmoil here lately, sorts of which I am not yet ready to blog. So, going back to work seems like something stable that may help to anchor me through these rough waters I am navigating.
So here is to a new start. A new semester. A new class. And to finding my rhythm after a long (and much needed) break.