In the weeks before my semester ended and Christmas vacation began, I made big plans!  I am not talking about Christmas plans; I am talking about all of the stuff I was going to accomplish over break–design a new class, write up new assignments for my existing courses, get a big jump on spring class planning, etc.  Then, I got sick.  Then, I got snowed in.  Then, I got snowed in again.

So, the first few days of my break, I spent on the couch with a blanket, drinking 7-up and reading novels.  I got to feeling better, but it’s been a long haul, and so as it turns out, the most strenuous things I have done so far on my break are bake and do dishes.  And, you know what?  Not only is the world not coming to a screeching halt because I am puttering, rather than accomplishing, but I don’t think it’s going to put me behind next semester.  My new mantra is: be on holiday when you’re on holiday.  Work when you’re at work.

So, besides baking and reading, I have done some rearranging and organizing to make room for Christmas gifts.  I changed the comforter on our bed.  I started wearing my new jammies.  I learned to use my coffee grinder and have been enjoying coffee in green and red mug.  I used a new bath bomb.  Took time to watch all of The Sound of Music.  I made homemade pasta with my husband, admired his sledding pictures, and made a homemade sugar scrub.

I am getting much, much better at relaxing, and in the back of my mind, I know that it is just what I needed.