Taking a "snow day" or two . . . or several~

My daughter arrived home from a week-long business trip to Amsterdam bearing gifts: a snow globe for my collection, magnets for the fridge, a small Delft shoe, chocolates, and for each of us, a pouch of "hot chocolate to die for" from the batch she intends to take to work and give to her colleagues.

So I sat-- feet tucked beneath me, blanket over my lap-- reading a book and savoring a cup of rich hot chocolate straight from the Netherlands at 3 in the afternoon. Not a book for review. A book for pure pleasure, no less. A book for me.

And I wondered . . . did I plan so well in the years leading to retirement, in an effort not to end up twiddling my thumbs, that I forgot the importance of hot chocolate and a book on a cold grey afternoon?

Seems I did.

I have a full schedule. It feels fuller than when I was working, if that's possible. I'm doing what I love, but it has expanded to fill the space of my days, and squeezed out "me time."

Ages ago when my kids were small, I often sat with a blanket, a book and a cup of tea. At a time when the kids needed a constant watchful eye, it was the perfect way to supervise while also relaxing.

But now they're grown and I'm retired and . . . somehow I seldom sit with a blanket and a book any more.

That will change.

Today with a hint of snow in the forecast, I commented to David that his college is in a snow belt, and he could expect to have classes canceled for snow this winter.

And then I said with a touch of sadness, "I'll never have another snow day."

"Mom," he said, "Everyday is a snow day for you, now"

When I worked, I got vacations; they were scheduled-- a time for a change of pace. I'd be wise to schedule vacations into retirement, as well.

And to schedule in some snow days, too!

***From now until after the New Year: first vacation from the blog in nearly two years. I'll return refreshed in January. Enjoy the holidays, and best wishes to you all.
~~~~~
“Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.” ~Douglas Pagels