I took Thursday and Friday this week as PTO days since I still had some to use before the end of the year. It was my second long weekend in a row with Thanksgiving being last weekend and it has been really nice.
Last week I was able to have four and a half days of time off with Dan, which is not something that happens all too often! Yes, we went deer hunting, but we were also able to unwind a little bit, sleep in, and watch a couple of movies. Between both of our jobs and the farm, we are always on the go. It was some much needed slow down time, and by the time Sunday night came around, I was a little sad that we had to get back to the hustle and bustle. I could have used a few more days like those ones!
It wasn’t so bad coming back from a long weekend to a short work week. I originally took off Thursday and Friday this week to go deer hunting. I figured if we hadn’t gotten a deer by then, we’d have a few week days to try our luck before the season was over. However, we already got my deer, and Dan and his brother usually like to take a coyote hunting trip in December sometime, so they decided to take this weekend to do that.
So, it wasn’t going to be another lazy weekend with Dan, but I made plans to take advantage of my time off.
My mom doesn’t work on Thursday afternoons, so we decided to go see a movie. Dan loves going to the movies, but he wasn’t overly excited about going to the new Wicked movie, but luckily my mom was! We went to the early showing – it was REALLY good! – and then I picked up a pizza afterward and went to their house for supper. While I see my mom at least once every week, I don’t get to spend a lot of time with just her, so it was nice to have a little day date.
My parents had originally planned on taking a long weekend this weekend as well – they’re still taking the time off but are no longer leaving town like they had originally planned. My dad asked if I wanted to get coffee with him Friday morning and we all know I can’t turn down coffee! I beat him there, so I hurried up and bought his drink before he had the chance to argue – now when he says, “I ask for so little… just some coffee!” He can’t say I never deliver!!
We ended up sitting there for over two hours shooting the breeze and drinking coffee. We probably solved all the world’s problems while we were at it – now if people would only listen to us lol! It was fun and I’m glad I got to have a little time with both of my parents on my days off.
I’m also going to the Vikings game with my brother, Hannah, and my mom on Sunday, so I’m looking forward to doing that too! Everyone cross your fingers the Vikings actually show up this weekend – if they win, I’ll consider myself their good luck charm. 😉
Overall, it’s just been really, really nice to have some time off from work and enjoy little moments like these with the people who mean the most to me. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but we all need to slow down every now and again. Take time to recharge our batteries, throw in a few days where it feels like you barely leave the couch, and indulge in a little self-care.
With the holidays right around the corner, I know it can be a stressful time for many, but it can also be an opportunity to take a little time to slow down and recharge your own batteries. We can’t consistently run on empty tanks. I encourage you all to MAKE some time to slow down a little in the coming weeks. It doesn’t have to be days long or even a full day. An hour here and there can make a world of difference. And I promise you’ll be really glad you made the time!
Until next time! 🙂
Megan Nelson