Time Off

There is so much to do and so little time to get it all done. I struggle with time off and knowing what to do with it. Last year at this time I took a radical sabbatical to the Spa for 4 days. It was heaven. I was going to try to recreate that experience without the price this year but failed miserably. Between appointments, kids on spring break, and husband's with their own agenda I haven't even picked up a book. Don't get me wrong I have had a good time with the kids but there is something to be said for ME time. I used to feel guilty for wanting it but now I find it necessary to cleanse the soul and be fully engaged with family and work. For whatever reason everything seems to be a priority from cleaning the windows to dentist appointments when I have time off. I think the trick is to go someplace where there are no expectations and you can't be sucked back into the day to day things that slow you down.
Where I work, the amount of time you lose because you didn't take it is worn like a badge of honor. I was genuinely excited when I heard I would be getting another week of vacation a year before my 15th anniversary and am counting down the days until October 4th, but most people said, " Oh just more time that I can't take off." Do we just think that no one can do their job without us or is there somethings else at work here? Is there a lack of fulfillment in our non work lives? At one point in my life I would have identified with that, but now more than ever I am cherishing my time with family and pursuing life experiences that round me out as a person. We are 4 dimensional people after all- Feelings being the 4th dimension.
Wait! Connor is napping, Brendan is playing with friends, and Dad and Trevor are at baseball practice. I must go to the lounge chair with a book fast! See ya...