August arrived like a gust of wind—fast, full, and unforgettable.

For many, it’s a month of transitions. For me, it was a masterclass in preparation: for school, for family, for growth, and for grace. It reminded me that preparation isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about creating space for what matters most.

Wrapping Up a Season of Teaching

The month began with the final stretch of summer classes. My love and I were both immersed in teaching, navigating the usual whirlwind of grading, planning, and tying up loose ends. There were too many grades to finalize, too many factors to consider, and not enough hours in the day. But somehow, we made it through.

We closed the school year 2024–2025 not with burnout, but with joy. Our “Muffin Man” moments with colleagues—those lighthearted, laughter-filled exchanges—were a reminder that even in the busiest seasons, connection is what sustains us.

One Week Off, All In

After the final bell rang, I had one week off before the new school year began. My love and the kids had three weeks, so I made a quiet vow: this week would be for them. No emails. No lesson plans. Just presence.

And it worked. We spent most of our days at the gym, sweating, laughing, and reconnecting. For the first time, the teens joined us in badminton matches. Watching them play—seeing their joy, their competitiveness, their growth—was one of the best feelings I’ve had all year.

I also tried something new: the hot and cold plunge. It was a moment of courage, discomfort, and renewal. That contrast—the burn and the chill—felt symbolic of August itself. A month of extremes, but also of balance.

Nourishment and Normalcy

Most nights, we ordered food online. It’s become a bit of a tradition in our household—a way to reward ourselves for the hard work we do each day. It’s not about indulgence. It’s about honoring effort. About saying, “You did well today. Let’s celebrate.”

These small rituals matter. They ground us. They remind us that preparation isn’t just about big plans—it’s also about creating rhythms that restore.

Gifts of Love and Labor

August was also a month of giving—especially to our children. We decided to surprise them with early birthday presents. Franco received a drum set, and Theonee got a personalized bunk bed. But the real gift wasn’t the items—it was the love and labor behind them.

My husband, ever the visionary, built a platform in Franco’s room to help with soundproofing. I watched him research, measure, and construct something I didn’t even know was possible. It was one of the most unique things I’ve ever seen—and a testament to his brilliance and heart.

Then came the bunk bed. He spent days sourcing materials, navigating language barriers, and hauling heavy wood up to our third-floor apartment. It wasn’t easy. There were hiccups. But by the time school started, the bed was 90% complete—and 100% filled with love.

These projects weren’t just about furniture. They were about creating space for our children to grow, dream, and feel seen. That’s preparation at its most powerful.

Decluttering and Donating

In the midst of all this, we also took time to declutter our home. As we sorted through items, we realized how much we had that could bless others. So I reached out to Ms. Myra, the founder of St. Jude School, and offered to donate everything to their rummage sale fundraiser.

She graciously accepted, and we delivered the items with joy. It felt good to give. To turn excess into opportunity. To practice preparation not just for ourselves, but for our community.

Leadership and Clarity

Then came the leadership orientation at work. A week of meetings, planning, and collaboration. It was intense—but also incredibly clarifying. I felt grounded in my role, inspired by my colleagues, and ready to lead with purpose.

I’m grateful for the safe space my team provides. A space where I can share my passion for coaching and mentoring. A space where preparation isn’t just about logistics—it’s about vision.

Supporting Teachers, Building Teams

The following week, we welcomed teachers with orientation and team-building activities. Supporting our Principal during this time was an honor. We were tasked with guiding teachers through school systems, teaching expectations, and collaborative routines.

It was a privilege to assist. I know how challenging a teacher’s day can be. To be able to offer clarity, encouragement, and support felt deeply meaningful. And the best part? Everything went smoothly, peacefully, and effectively.

Preparation made that possible. Not just mine—but the collective preparation of a team committed to excellence.

Back-to-School Shopping and Self-Expression

As the teens prepared for their new school year, we took them shopping at Zando—a place filled with fashion, flair, and family ties (my brother is a designer there!). The kids were ecstatic. We gave them freedom to choose, with gentle reminders about budget.

Franco got a fresh haircut. Theonee, ever the independent spirit, opted to trim her own hair at home using my nursing scissors. It was quirky, bold, and perfectly her.

These moments reminded me that preparation also means letting go. Letting our children express themselves. Letting them make choices. Letting them grow.

Iron-Free and Empowered

One of my personal victories this month? Retiring from ironing. For seven years, ironing school clothes was a source of stress. It drained me. It weighed me down.

This year, I made a change. I availed pickup and drop off laundry services this time by One Dash. I promoted myself to Iron-Free Wife. And you know what? It felt liberating.

Preparation isn’t just about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about doing less. About choosing peace over perfection.

First Day Jitters and Joy

Finally, the first day of the new academic year arrived. All four of us had places to be—early start times, traffic congestion, and the pressure to be punctual. My anxiety was real. I worried about timing, logistics, and the unknowns.

But we made it. Despite the hiccups, we each had a beautiful first day. The teens adjusted to their new schedule. My love and I settled into our routines. And I felt a quiet sense of pride.

Preparation paved the way. Not just the physical kind—but the emotional, relational, and spiritual kind. The kind that says, “You’ve got this. You’re ready.”

Commitments and Achievements: Rising with Purpose

And just as preparation shaped our first day, it continued to unfold in powerful ways—especially through Theonee’s journey.

As August drew to a close, she stepped into a new challenge: volleyball tryouts. With quiet determination, she showed up early, stayed late, and gave her all—not just in skill, but in spirit. Her humility and teamwork stood out, not only to her coaches but to her peers. It wasn’t just about making the team; it was about becoming someone others could trust, follow, and be inspired by.

Her dedication paid off. She was selected not only as a team member but as captain—a role that reflected her leadership, resilience, and grace. And just when we thought the month couldn’t hold more surprises, she was voted class president. These honors weren’t handed to her; they were earned through consistency, kindness, and the steady support of family and friends who believed in her every step of the way.

Meanwhile, Franco was finding his own rhythm—literally. After receiving his birthday drum set, he began exploring music with a passion that filled our home with energy and joy. What started as casual practice quickly evolved into something bigger: an invitation to join a school band as their drummer.

Watching him rehearse, research, and grow into this new role has been a joy. His confidence blossomed—not just in his playing, but in his ability to contribute to something larger than himself. The soundproof platform my love built became more than a technical solution—it became a launchpad for Franco’s creativity. “What am I gonna do without you my love?”

What August Taught Me

August taught me that preparation is powerful—but not because it guarantees perfection. It’s powerful because it creates space. Space for joy. Space for growth. Space for grace.

It’s in the badminton matches with teens who are growing up too fast. It’s in the drumbeats echoing from a soundproofed room built with love. It’s in the bunk bed that took weeks to build but will hold years of dreams. It’s in every spikes and serves.

It’s in the decluttered items that now serve others. In the teacher orientations that spark clarity. In the haircuts, the shopping trips, the skipped ironing, and the shared meals.

Preparation is not just a task. It’s a mindset. A way of living with intention, compassion, and courage.

Looking Ahead

As we step into the new school year, I carry August’s lessons with me. I carry the laughter, the labor, the leadership, and the love. I carry the reminder that preparation isn’t about control—it’s about care.

So here’s to the planners, the dreamers, the builders, and the believers. To every teacher prepping lessons, every parent packing lunches, every leader setting the tone.