I always greet this time of year with a combination of relief and apprehension.

In one sense, I’m relieved that school is over. No more dragging three sleepy kids out of bed in the morning, no more rushing around to get them dressed and fed and brushed, no more worrying about homework or bedtime. Those are all “my” jobs around here, and when I don’t have to do them, it’s kind of like a vacation.

On the other hand, they’ll be home. All day. Every day. Complaining that they’re bored. Wanting me to call friends for playdates. Wanting rides to friends’ houses. Wanting me to make them something to eat (and they will all “need” two meals and a couple of snacks at different times of day and be completely unable to AGREE on what to eat).

For the most part, I consider myself fortunate to be able to work primarily at home. I do have to go into the office to teach classes and for various meetings, but most of the time, it’s just me parked in front of my computer in my little office here at the house. (My crowded, messy, disorganized office that makes me want to scream, but that’s another post, lol!) And that’s the day job. The writing is, naturally, something I do at home in my copious (haha) spare time.

The one time of year when working from home seems a lot less beneficial is these summer months. Now, if I worked full-time in my office, I’d have to pay for full-time daycare, too, and that would be darned expensive, so I do appreciate that I don’t have to bear those expenses. But boy, there are sure days when I wonder if it’s really worth it!

This summer brings the additional nostalgia of knowing I’m sending the oldest child off to another school next year. This morning marked his graduation from the 5th grade and the only school he’s ever attended since Kindergarten. Standing up there on the stage, dressed head to toe in clothing purchased in the Macy’s Men’s Department, he looked so grown up, I couldn’t quite believe that was my little boy.

Next year, everything becomes more complicated. The three kids will attend two different schools with different (and competing) schedules. There will be more homework (my youngest had no homework this year, but I know to expect it in first grade). And because my writing career has taken an unexpected but exciting turn in the form of my contract with Kensington Books, my life is bound to be busier than ever. 

Still, it’s hard to complain too much about summer break when you live where I do (paradise, aka San Diego County, California). After I’ve cleared my desk of today’s pressing work, I’ll pick up the kids from school and we’ll head out to the beach for an end-of-the-year party. Hey, what’s not to like?

And speaking of the beach, on Friday, my contemporary romance, The Gospel of Love: According to Luke comes out. Most of the story takes place in Chicago, my former stomping ground when I was grad student back in the ’80s and early ’90s. Aside from the weather, Chicago’s one of my favorite places in the world. But the story ends near the beach in Malibu, California, another of my favorite places. And I’m not dropping this tidbit for no reason. During Friday’s release chat, this information may come in handy to you if you’d like to win a copy of my book. 

YOUR TURN: Do you love or hate summer break (probably only applies to those of us with kidlets)? And do you have a favorite place to go during your summer vacation (or any time at all)? I’d love to hear!