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Hello Goddesses and readers! I’m thrilled to be visiting today and thanks to Madeline for inviting me and to Sheridan for making this so easy!
It’s August and it’s a busy time in the Brisbin household. Of course, for many. . many. . many. . many years it meant back-to-school time and we would be caught up in the ‘ohmigosh-he’s-grown-out-of-everything’ panic and the ‘but-I-didn’t-read-my-summer-reading-book(s)’ mayhem. And filled with the ‘who’s-my-teacher-this-year’ anticipation and the ‘where-is-the-school-supply-list’ fear. Ah, yes, the good old days! I’m sure many of you are experiencing this syndrome right now?
But Augusts have always been good for me — in fun ways.
During the summer between my senior year of high school and the beginning of the horrible period of my life called ‘dental hygiene school’, I spent a wonderful, glorious month visiting my mother’s friends in California. Nowadays, traveling across the country is no big deal, but back in the Dark Ages – and during the period not long after the California-is-Hippie-HQ days, that was quite a bold move. They had a daughter just a bit older than me and we spent a month sight-seeing all over the state. . .driving south for my first trip to Disneyland, riding cable cars and learning to drive a stick-shift car on the hills of San Francisco, even camping near Yosemite. I blame — attribute — that time with the beginning of my fascination with both Disney AND astronomy. Watching the Perseids far from the lights of cities by a lake was an awesome thing (did I mention that there was a gorgeous brother, too?)
Then, many years later, August was the beginning of another trip for me — my solo trip to Scotland in 2009. I left late in the month and spent more than 3 weeks driving all over Scotland, from Glasgow to the Orkneys, from Aberdeen to Skye. . . and it was wonderful! So much inspiration but, unfortunately not many men-in-kilts!
So, this year? Is August living up to my expectations built on previous stellar Augusts?
Well, not so much! LOL! I’ll tell you why in 5-6 words — it’s deadline-manic-binge-of-writing-WITHOUT-air-conditioning! Just as I was settling in for a long month of writing (since the book is due. . . let’s say VERY SOON), the AC died! I am lucky because the weather has been somewhat cooler than expected — high 80s rather than mid 90s — but it’s hot! Just when I was about to give up, the repair/replace guys scheduled their work so I have to be here. . . and for two more days, too! So, I’m doing everything I can, in between machinery being torn out and dragged in, holes being cut into the wall next to my office and the heat. I think I have more fans going than is legal in NJ?!
As I’m biding my time until quiet – and COOL – is restored here in the Brisbin house and my life, tell me about you and your Augusts. Good? Bad? Just another month? Back-to-school mania or a quiet end to summer? A time to catch up R&R (reading and relaxation) or time to get ready for September? Fun or frantic?
Post a comment and I’ll pick 2 posters to receive a copy of the book that started my HIGHLANDER series – TAMING THE HIGHLANDER (digital or print, winner’s choice) along with a digital copy of the short story kicking off my next generation HIGHLANDERS!
56 Comments on “August – The Most Wonderful Time of the Year???”
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Well I can’t remember if August has been a bad or good month for me involving elementary school due to that back then the school provided the supplies and stuff other than backpacks. I guess the economy got bad enough to make parents buy the supplies for their kids to use in elementary school due to seeing stuff like it in retail stores. Anyway August so far this year is turning out to be productive for me for I cleaned out my closet and found various pants I haven’t been wearing that still fit me along with filling out two bags of stuff for the goodwill. I’m currently taking a science class at a local college and is kinda stressed out about their store not providing me with a book for the class despite claiming there is one for it. Just hope I get the book before class starts.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 6:03 am.
Hi Terri and welcome to TGB and Mt Oly. Since I live in Australia, August means winter and about another month of rugging up in warm clothes and piling the blankets on the bed. This is proving interesting since my cat is a bit of a bed hog and my partner New Guy is a wee bit too tall to fit on my double bed so that means fun times at night with the blankets. Thankfully we will be getting a queen sized bed soon so then there won’t be any problems with the blankets and there will also be room in the bed for not only my cat, my partner, any future pets we will get and I.
August also means getting stuck into my uni assignments (one of which was kinda due on Friday just gone but it was not a good time for me to do anything other than watch tv and read) since I am a full time uni student. Often this writing of assignments includes much swearing and cursing of the assignment since there is usually one that is a pain in my butt to do. Weirdly enough it is this pain in the butt assignment that gives me some of the better grades – go figure!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 6:12 am.
Hi Terri!! Thanks for coming to Mt. Oly. No need for AC here on the mount. The temps are always just fine.
My kids are nearly grown. I do have one going back to college next week, whose suddenly decided he needs jeans, a dr. apt. etc, etc and my rewrites are due Monday! Monday and Tuesday will be a whirlwind.
But I am excited because my godson is getting married this weekend and I’m really looking forward to that.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:27 am.
August has been treating me just fine so far
I was on 2 week vacation by the seaside with whole days spent swimming and book reading. Now I’m back to work so will see how the month will end 
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:29 am.
Fran — Sounds delicious! What did you read?
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:31 pm.
It was
I read Nalini Singh’s entire Psy/Changeling series on my iPad – it was great!
Posted on August 22, 2012 at 5:55 am.
Welcome to Mt. Oly Terri…it is always fun to have visitors! I can feel your pain as we had to replace our air conditioning in the middle of June. A very HOT few days.
I work and live in a small college town. August means students moving back in. The good news is that the students are back and we all have our jobs; the bad news is the students are back and our little town is overrun. Overrun with Ugg boots, Sperry Topsiders and too short shorts on girls with the same painfully thin bodies. The boys are in pastel polo shirts with the collars flipped up and wearing their own Sperrys. They are all so desperate to fit into the culture here that it makes my maternal side angry.
Personally August means a cool down in temperatures that allow us to eat dinner out on our screened-in porch. It is very relaxing after a long day at work.
Enjoy the view on the mount!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:51 am.
Hi Terri and welcome!
We are in full back to school mode in our house. I have been shopping with my 8 year old, who has become a very picky girl since last we shopped. Only 2 more weeks and the routine returns to normal… yay!
My hubby always takes holidays at the end of August, and we take our girls on a few more day trips before school starts. This year we are going to a friends cottage for a few days, and we always take a day, and go to the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition). It is kind of like having a state fair. There’s rides, games and lots of food. It is a fun and exhusting day. The CNE always signals the wind up of summer for us.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:09 am.
Welcome to Mt. Oly, Terri! We are a pretty fun bunch around here.
Augusts are usually good for me since it’s my birthday month. And, this year, I got to celebrate it with my sweet granddaughter–and HER birthday is Thursday.
We had her party a couple of days ago and had a lot of fun. The hub and kids cooked me dinner last night for mine, and we sat on the floor and played with some of her new little baby dolls, wagons, etc. Best birthday ever! 
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:37 am.
Julie –
Well Happy Birthday to you and your granddaughter — how old. . is she?
Terri
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:31 pm.
Welcome, Terri!
I personally am in the quiet, relaxing, bring August to an end mode. I am currently having fun visiting my favorite city, Savannah, and dreading going back to NC. But isn’t that the way all vacations are?
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:40 am.
Hi Terri and welcome to Mt. Oly! August is definitely a crazy month for us. Seems like we have a tradition forming that every year we drive back to Philadelphia from Florida for a week during August to visit with my sister’s family and my parents. Its been 3 years running now so that a tradition makes right??? I got to play with my 2 adorable little nephews on this trip so it was SO worth it. Sorry to hear about your A/C. It was ridiculous humid when I was at my parents house 2 weeks ago so I can only imagine what it is like at your house right now. Hope they get it fixed ASAP!
We have been in full back to school mode since we got back. The munchkin started 3rd grade yesterday. Thankfully, our school’s PTO (parent teacher organization) has a program that during the previous school year, they send home a form about school supplies. You send them a check for $45 and your supplies are waiting for your student in the classroom on the first day. All you are responsible for is backpack etc. I didn’t do it during Kindergarten and learned my lesson. PTO gets a cut of the money too so that is always a bonus.
Someday, I would LOVE to finally get the traveler in me going so I can visit all the places I want to go. Unfortunately, I don’t even have a passport so there is no hope of me doing it any time soon
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:51 am.
JenG -
I’ve shared the info about the PTO doing the buying and all the parents in my office think it’s a great idea and we wished they’d done that when we had kids in school!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:33 pm.
JenG – only someone who has been in Philly during August can truly appreciate our humidity here! That system of shopping feels almost sane!
Kelly P – I forgot about August being a completely different season ‘down under’….!
Ah yes — all the joys of back to school for students and parents…!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 9:17 am.
HAHA! I used to do “band camp” during the month of August in the greater Philadelphia area so I am quite familiar
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 9:42 am.
This August is weird. It is usually humid. And hot. But with the drought, and no snow last winter, the ground is so dry that it is acting like a desert climate here. The nights are very cool, and the days are hot, but don’t feel so hot because the air is dry. I’m loving it.
Augusts around here have become the stepping stone into fall mania. I think the kids are more excited about going back to school than I am. They’re looking forward to seeing their friends again, and well, I’m dreading “the schedule”. I’ll really miss our days of staying up late and sleeping in, and then just going wherever the day takes us.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:11 am.
Amanda -
I think there is a break-point in August when the kids shift and they are ready to go back. For mine, it was after 8 weeks out of school – they would hit the ‘there’s nothing to do’ wall and I knew it was time!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:34 pm.
Terri Brisbin! I’m sad for August to end. I love August. I got married in August. It’s a wonderful month. But now I’m getting ready to take my daughter back to college and I’m sad. September nears.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:24 am.
Hi Sherri!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:14 am.
Awwww Sherri! So August IS the most wonderful time of the year for you — except for the daughter off to college thing?
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:35 pm.
I love the pictures, Terri, especially the one of you and “1974 Mickey!” (Zoiks, but that mouse has changed!)
I’ve been following along with your sweating-through-a-deadline struggles and sending you the very best wishes for a quick and painless resolution. Maybe a liberal sprinkling of *pixie*dust* from your Fairy Godmother wand will do the trick!
My summer has been spent writing and editing and researching. So… not all that much different (except my A/C has been a trooper, thank goodness.)
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:54 am.
Welcome to Mt Oly, Terri! Because my dh has a movie coming out next month and is extremely busy finishing all the last minute details, I took our 2 kids to Montana for sightseeing and visiting my family for a week. I think the highlight of the trip was going to one of the sapphire mines in western Montana, where we found 153 carats of sapphires. Only about 20 carats were worth getting cut, but that included a 5.92 blue sapphire with perfect clarity and a very rare .5 carat purple sapphire.
Now, that we’re home, it’s back to school chaos – 2 dr appts, dentist appt, Brownie meeting, middle school registration for my 6th grader, and finding out the teacher for my 3rd grader. Last night, we finished all the registration paperwork for both of them last night. Add that I have to get an allergy shot today, plus hit the grocery store. It’s going to be a crazy week.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:56 am.
Hi, Terri!
My Augusts are always filled with “the summer is almost over and I have to go back to school” anxiety. It does not change much from when you are ten either.Other than that I am writing a proposal and telling myself that I will clean the house really really well finally—only I haven’t yet. Oh, and I am still dealing with a puppy. Bless his heart.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:15 am.
Hey, Terri, what about your Disney fix this year? No?
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:28 am.
Madeline —
Gosh we enjoyed Disneyland and CA Adventure! Matt and Carrie talked about you — and the visit to WDW with you after that RWA! Good times!
It was a good little fix – and the kids are already talking about 2013 plans!!!!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:41 pm.
August is pretty much just another month for me. My kids are grown so I don’t have to deal with back to school although I try to help out my daughter with a little covert shopping for the grandson. My son gets married next month but since I’m the grooms mom I don’t have to stress about too much.
I’m just waiting for October when it starts to cool down.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 12:10 pm.
Pamiam –
Let me share the words of wisdom given to me as the MOG — ahem — ‘show up, shut up and wear beige’!! LOL! I think it is easier being the MOG than the MOB but it’s really hard to do that ‘shut up’ part sometimes.
I can’t wait for the October cool-down either!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:43 pm.
I’ve already dealt with being the MOB and this is so much easier. And…………I am wearing brown since it fits their colors
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:11 pm.
Lots of school prep angst all over the place, huh?!
Madeline – yes it’s true- I did visit Disneyland for the first time in 27 years (I was at RWA in Anaheim) and WoW! It’s changed!
I think I’m lucky with only the last one in college – he does his own shopping and is commuting so not nearly the prep needed for away school!
Terri
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 12:47 pm.
Janae – did you say MOVIE? Tell me more!
While I was at RWA in Anaheim I got to meet up with my cousin who is an art designer/set designer/art director – haven’t seen him in years! His upcoming release is The Life of Pi – coming out in November. Cool!
Terri
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 12:50 pm.
I did. He works in animation. Hotel Translvania is the movie that owns his life, right now. I saw it back in May and loved it! It comes out September 28th.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:01 pm.
Janae – I think I’ve seen a trailer for it!! Looks cool!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:36 pm.
Hi Terri. Welcome to Mount Olly. August for me is just another month, although it does end with our local county fair, a HUGE event with nationally known bands performing and lots of fair food.
OTOH, it also means that my beloved summer is coming to an end. How depressing is THAT???!!!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 2:43 pm.
ladydawgfan — Awwwwww!
For me, I have soooo many plans for the fall that I can’t wait to get through August!
Well, enjoy the last of the summer days!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:37 pm.
Hello, Ms. Brisbin. It’s nice to hear from you!
I would say August has its ups and downs. Summer term is almost over and I got the last week of this month to relax before fall term starts again.
Family-wise, my mom is doing as well as she could as she goes through her chemo treatment. One of my brother shaved his head to support my mother through her treatment; another has already a shaved head so the three took a picture to commemorate the episode.
I’m hoping to finish reading this book that I’ve neglected for some time due to summer term. But again, I got the rest of the month to finish it. That and clean my neglected bedroom.
Thus, August has been more memorable than past times.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:34 pm.
E.R. == my thoughts and prayers go out to your Mom as she faces this battle. That was great of your brother to shave his head…
So, your choices are 1)read the neglected book or 2)clean the neglected bedroom? Do you want to know which one I think you should do? LOL! (a hint — bedrooms have doors for a lot of reasons!)
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 3:39 pm.
August means the quest to find not too crowded vacations spot that DON’T feature our lovely Jersey sticky humidity – you feel, me Terry?
By the time August comes around, I’m cranky that I didn’t take vacation earlier and I’m burnt toast from work. Yeah, toast.
Enough complaining, I’m on vacation now and oh so content.
Welcome to Mt. Oly, Terry! Hope you enjoy yourself!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 4:52 pm.
Freshechelle –
We’ve been really crazy the last two years going to WDW in Florida in August. Just don’t do it!
Terri
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 5:14 pm.
Ew! You’re brave.
Apologies for the misspelling Teri!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 6:05 pm.
We’ve had the drought and heat all summer, then just a 2 weeks or so of cooler weather… This is a different August for us, my husband retired from teaching.. So now we’ve got to figure out if we really can live together for longer than our pre-retirment normal of the summer months… YIKES!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 5:23 pm.
Hi, Terri, it’s so great to have you here!!!
I don’t know how you’re surviving deadline dementia without an AC. You’d have to shoot me. I’d be splurging for a hotel room somewhere. I’ve got a book due … uh … SOON as well, but at least I have AC!!!
My favorite thing about August is my birthday–which happens to be today!!!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 5:57 pm.
Happy birthday, girl! Hope the day is filled with AC!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 6:06 pm.
It better be! Or I am out of here!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 6:12 pm.
Sabrina –
_./’._¸.¸.•¤**¤•^.,.•¤**¤•^.,.•¤**¤•.,.•¤**¤•^.**
*•. .•**WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! ~*
/.•*•.\¸..•¤**¤•.^,.•¤**¤.^.,.•¤**¤•.,.•¤**¤•^.,*
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:42 pm.
Happy Birthday!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:59 pm.
The AC is fixed!!!!! Yay!!!! Tomorrow begins deadline binge o’ writing!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 7:44 pm.
I am late to the party! So nice to have you here, Terri!
August is usually like any other month except it’s hot and I whine.
I have had some pretty cool things happen in August, though I don’t think that is due to the month – more it was just the right time.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 8:12 pm.
Fun post. August is busy like all the other months.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 9:15 pm.
Well, once again, thanks to the Goddesses for inviting me to visit Mt. Oly — it’s been a fun day! And thanks for sharing your August stories….it’s almost over so hang in there, stay cool and finish the important summer stuff!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 10:48 pm.
Your solo trip to Scotland sounds awesome. Not that I don’t like traveling with my husband because, I do. It would just be really nice to be able to do just what I wanted, spend as much time stopping where ever I wanted, and not having to worry about what someone else wants to do. Then we could go back and do it his way.
This August has been total chaos, more so than usual. We had flooding the beginning of the month. Our house wasn’t affected, but I am a Red Cross Disaster volunteer and we were busy. I am also the chair for our church fall festival and we are now in panic mode because so much needs to be done. This past weeks our group at church, which was already working on a big yard sale the second weekend of Sept., has been tasked with cleaning out a house left to the church and selling the contents at a yard sale Labor Day weekend. I have several doctor appointments and surgery scheduled in 3 weeks. I don’t think there are enough days to get it all done. Luckily we have vacation planned after the church fall festival and will spend 3 weeks in Florida, Puerto Rico, and a Southern Caribbean cruise. We are planning lots of R & R.
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:16 pm.
Librarypat –
Wow — sounds like you’ll be glad to leave August 2012 behind! And good luck with your upcoming surgery….
My solo trip was incredible – I kept to my own schedule, decided what I wanted to do and when, and if I passed something driving that looked interesting, I stopped! I spent lots of time talking to locals (because I had no one else to talk to!) and met some wonderful people. It will be difficult to travel with others there after that experience….
Posted on August 22, 2012 at 11:00 am.
August is a very hectic month and I am always happy when it is over! I’ve got two boys, one Freshman and one 7th grader. So we have had supply shopping and clothing shopping and shoe shopping. My 14 year old is very hard to shop for…he is 6’4 and wears a size 15 shoe. Most stores don’t carry that size and all the rest only carry up to that size. So it is nerve wracking finding his shoes and clothes as well, most shirts don’t fit him length wise and pants are a nightmare.
Then we have sports starting up as well. So its back and forth to practices and trying to figure out when to eat! I am so ready for September!
Posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:22 pm.
Rhiannon –
One word about the shoes — Payless…. take a look online, they do carry large sizes. I have a 6’4″ son too so I learned quickly. If you order online, you can pick them up at a local store, too.
Sports practices! I didn’t even mention those, did I? I think there is still a ‘car’ book in my car — I’d always have a book handy for those minutes…hours…days…I spent waiting in my car (or the stands) for practices to finish…Sometimes I had several going at one time!
Good luck getting them ready!
Posted on August 22, 2012 at 11:03 am.
August is my daughter’s birthday month. So, it’s always a fun month of preparations for us.
Posted on August 22, 2012 at 4:01 am.
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Posted on February 7, 2013 at 3:15 pm.