Happy Halloween

I was only barely aware that today's the 31st.

I'm not alone.

Once the kids hit middle school, Halloween simply isn't the same.

While in past years, we spent days agonizing over what she should be - and money to make that happen... she still did not have a costume last weekend, when we attended our friends' annual Halloween gathering.

She ended up going to her closet and put together a mish-mosh of green clothing and shamrock paraphernalia, and then made herself a sign that said "Happy St. Patrick's Day."

"What is she?" our perplexed hosts inquired.

"Confused," I said.

I think it's more a case of overload for her than disinterest in the holiday. Between the homework, the gymnastics, the Bat Mitzvah prep -- she's a kid who ends up doing a lot of thinking on her feet. And I can't help but think that's a good skill for her as she comes of age in our crazy, bewildering new world.

I can't shake this feeling of being scattered. I know some of it is this election and how involved I've become in it. But some of it is being over-extended. I have writing obligations (which I enjoy) but I also have a virtual assistant job (which I enjoy less). I engage in much productive avoidance. And I end each day feeling like I haven't gotten anything DONE.

I know I need to do better. But it might not happen until after November 4.