In Like A Lamb, Out Like a Lion?

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.

Well, that's the way it usually goes.  March got it backwards this year. 

During the first half of this March we had gentle rains, budding trees and mild temperatures.  Last weekend (still technically Winter, by the way) we went down to the Tidal Basin to see the Cherry Blossoms.  The trees are a beautiful soft pink with every branch extending its fluffy efflorescence.

The second half of our March is more fierce.  Outside on the playground I hear the roaring of sneezes as all the budding plants and flowers have sent the pollen count into overdrive.  The sun's rays are like a lion's mane--thick and strong with temperatures already topping 80 degrees.  Mornings I race down to the basement to scrounge in the storage boxes for my short sleeves and sandals since my closet has turtlenecks and corduroys still hanging in a row.

Even without the unusual March temperatures, Spring is ferocious for me because it kicks off our busy season.  Girls On The Run begins with practices twice a week for me as a coach and Katherine as a participant.  Guitar continues with Jack (my only responsibility here is nagging about practice-whew!) and of course Girl Scouts (really looking forward to our two night camping trip where we get to dig our own latrine...hmm, might have to refer back to I'm Not Complaining But... to remind myself why I volunteered to be a Girl Scout leader).  The biggest time commitment will be baseball.  Jack has practice 2 days a week and games 2 days a week.  I only teach kindergarten but I know that 2 + 2 =4 nights of baseball.

Those are only the extracurricular activities, of course.  In school, both kids have their Standards Of Learning tests in the Spring.  We refer to them as SOL's... in more ways than one!  In addition, I will be transitioning to a full time position to finish the year.  One of my co-workers is expecting her first baby.  I am so excited for her to become a mom!  I will finish out the year in her classroom when she gives birth to her son. 

Spring, 2012...in like a lamb and out like a lion.  The astrological sign of the lion is a Leo-- actually a summer birthday. Leos are said to be are warm of spirit, eager for action and driven by a desire to be loved for what they bring to others. Leos are magnanimous leaders and faithful servants.  I'm not a Leo but if acting like a lion means I will be brave and strong throughout my busy spring, I say bring it on.

Roar!  And Happy Spring!