This past weekend marked the start of a new era in the Cheung Household. I'll call it The Grad School Days. For the next two years, my husband will be working full time and attending class on Friday nights and Saturdays. I'll be home, holding down the fort, one hand changing the channel to Sesame Street and the other hand lifting my glass of wine.

Phillip is worried about how to put 100% into work, home and school, and I am going around micromanaging our schedules and free time, trying to make the most out of what we have. We're excited and anxious and intimidated. Mostly we're tired. If one child isn't waking up at 3am and wanting to snuggle, the other is tantrumming about having to go to bed in the first place. I don't think they've received the Pull Together and Cooperate Family Memo.

At my sons’ elementary school, there is a themed art contest underway. Students are given a theme (this year it’s “Beauty Is…”), and can they product any piece of art, literature, music, photography, etc. to fit creatively with the theme.

At dinner the other night, we discussed what their possible entries might be. “So boys,” I asked them, “tell me what you think is beautiful.”

...Despite his questionable contribution to the discussion, the eight-year-old was still eager to participate, wondering if he could submit a photograph to the contest. “Of course,” I told him, handing over my camera and giving instructions. “Take a picture of what you think is beautiful.”

He did. And he said I could share the results.

We are only in our third week of school, yet I have already learned quite a few things being the PTA President. Here are a few.

1. You cannot please everyone. If you try, everyone will end up being frustrated and no one wins.

2. Organization is the key! All of those “I will file these later” papers really do need to be filed as soon as you get them. Who knew?

3. To delegate is to succeed. Jumping out of the “I can do it since no one else will” mindset not only keeps you (ME!) from an early burnout, but lets other people actually volunteer.

Every year, the milestone comes. Yes, I am referring to the first day of school. The mourning of summer’s passing brings us a slight feeling of dread. However, the excitement of new beginnings and starting with a clean slate wins out for those first few days.

This is the first year I did not cry since the year I dropped off my oldest child at preschool so many years ago. Initially, I thought it was because I was so busy, I simply had my mind on the many things I had to accomplish. My brain just would not let me go on the sentimental journey it always takes this time of year.

The other day my daughter, Gabriella, and I were in the store casually minding our own business when we came upon a sight so terrifying it caused me to stop dead in my tracks, causing the person behind me to crash into me. What could cause such a reaction in someone who is (for the most part) able to go with the flow?

Back-to-school supplies, backpacks, and lunchboxes.