Back at work & your regularly scheduled life

It feels as if I spent the past eleven days on a bit of vacation from life. It was definitely a vacation from work and without a schedule to follow I sort of floundered as I am wont to do. I did have grand ideas of things I could get done with so much time off work but without any actual plans I got nothing done. The only thing I swore I would do - bake - didn't even get done. Yes, a holiday season without baking. A travesty if there ever was one!

I did however take the children skiing more than once. I rented skis for the season, I suited them up and spent a day reading in the lodge with breaks to hand out money, food and hot chocolate. I also bought a snowboard for one of them and last night... Last night I skied for the first time in five years. My planning skills really need work. Not only do I have to adjust to being back at work, I had to figure out how to get to my second floor office without going up the stairs. Also, the screams every time I rise from my chair are upsetting my office mates. I don't think they appreciate it on this first day back to work.

As for holidays and new years and resolutions...

The holidays were good. Much Rock Band 2 was played on the Wii. During said play it was discovered my 12 y/o's voice is changing and now I have to pay him to not sing. A nasty head cold made the rounds but overall it was a healthy holiday. The new year was celebrated by bowling. And we were witness to another holiday miracle...

My 14 y/o was invited to a New Year's party and did not even ASK if he could go. He told his friend he would be bowling with his family. Yes, a 14 y/o boy willingly spent time with his family over the break. He played games with us, bowled, and did not sulk. I'm trying to soak up and enjoy each and every moment before the wind changes direction. I know this will not last but for now I even have photographic PROOF of this miracle. Of course I can't post it because it would require me to actually take the photos off my camera. That has not happened. I'm thinking I need to put more photos on Flickr so maybe I'll start with these.

As for resolutions, I'm not a fan. Some years I make them, most years I don't. I think this is a don't year. They just make me feel bad when I don't accomplish them. 2009 seems to be the year of let's see what happens. Of course, I just realized I mentioned I must work on my planning skills. That without plans I get nothing done... hmmm. Still, right now feels like a take life where it leads you time.

Things I learned over the break:

1. I can not drink 10 cups of coffee in one day unless I want to be up until 3am.


2. I need a plan or I will get nothing done but watch Gilmore Girls.


3. I think I'm in love with Gilmore Girls. I'm on season 6. I don't want it to end.


4. Your arms can be sore from skiing. No, I don't know how that happens. It just does.


5. It is possible for teenage boys to play Rock Band for 7 hours straight with only one break for food.


6. If not playing video games they eat approximately every 23 minutes. (Okay, I already knew this.)


7. Sometimes your kids will want to play a board game with you.


8. A cool uncle present will up the time your teen will want to spend in your company.


9. If you need to laugh until you cry, hang out with a sibling.


10. Mondays are harder than you remember when you have to go back to work after a vacation.