School is starting up in just about a week. It seems like this summer has gone by so fast, and now I will have all my children in school.

My oldest will be starting his first year at Kevin Hurley Middle School . We are both very excited about that! My middle child will be going into second grade and my preschooler will get bussed to Swansea for the full day South Coast Collaborative Program .

Being a stay at home mom and about to have those eight hours of alone time, I am overwhelmed in a whole new way. People ask me, "What will you do while your kids are in school all day?" My responses have gone from "I will write every day" to "Working out," "Housework," "Have coffee with my friends," "I'd really like to volunteer somewhere," and most recently—"I really want to go back to school myself."

Not sure what I will do yet, but I just want to be sure I use the time wisely, yet have some fun and get something important done as well. I voluntarily became the PTO's Secretary at Aitken School , and volunteering is something that I do really like to do. Also, It is not going to take up my whole day because I won't allow it. I have other fish to fry, people to see and talk shows to watch (I stopped watching soap operas long ago).

There will be a balance that I will be sure of. I already have my first coffee talk with friends scheduled for next Friday. I like to meet new people too. I'd like to start up a small group of parents (fathers and/or moms) that would meet once a week to powwow, talk and drink more coffee. Any takers? 

So, if you are a stay at home parent that suddenly has an empty nest for eight hours, how will you spend it?