Here's to a Vacation Day!

I read an article today in the Twin Cities Star Tribune about how Americans don’t take all of their vacation days either because of a lack of time or a lack of money – or both, I am sure. This isn’t exactly news – I think most of us have heard this before, and it’s not uncommon to also hear talk of how much (or little, I guess) vacation time Americans receive (an average of 12/days a year) compared to some other countries around the world.

This year, I decided it was going to be my goal – my New Year’s resolution, if you will –  to take more of my vacation days. I received my end-of-year recap of hours worked and vacation days used a few weeks ago and it was clear that I definitely had not taken all my vacation days. In fact, I ended up losing a few of them because I can only have so many vacation hours carry over into the new year. And I will admit, this is more typical than not for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. Not at all. It was obviously my choice to take the vacation days I did last year – and conversely, not take vacation days when I could have. I also know for me, it’s a little too easy to get wrapped up in my never-ending to-do list. I like the challenge of work. I love my job (as you can tell from some of previous blog posts). And with four poultry-related farm organizations I work for, there is never a dull moment in the office – or really any “down” time to speak of. Generally, I think I really do thrive in that kind of environment.

But this year, I am determined to take some extra days off here and there – whether it’s simply to decompress, catch up on some work around the house, or enjoy time with Teacher Man and our 3rd grader. My first day off in 2013 was last Friday – the day before our 3rd grader turned 9 years old. And it was definitely a vacation day well spent – I was able to take my son directly to school in the morning (no early drop-off at his before school care program) and pick him, along with 2 of his classmates, after school for his “friends birthday party.” In between, I picked up groceries for his party, worked out, decorated our family room with some Angry Birds posters and balloons, and I even created a pretty stellar treasure hunt that ultimately kept four boys occupied and having for fun for nearly 30 minutes. I can’t tell you how truly nice – yes, simply nice –  it was to have that day to just be “mom” and enjoy my son and his friends having a great time at the birthday party. (You can see a few pictures below!)

I’m taking a day off in February, too, even though work is extra crazy busy and I’ll be missing one of my board of directors meetings. Is there internal guilt about that? Sure thing. But – it’s also President’s Day so that means my son and Teacher Man will be home (no school that day) so I know it will be worth it. After that, I’ve got a few days off during spring break later in March to hang with my boys, as well.

I will see how the rest of the year goes; I definitely think I’m off to a good start. I know there will be weeks and probably months where it’s impossible for me to take a day off – and that’s okay. Hopefully, though, I can find a little  balance – and a pajama day with my 9-year-old! – once in awhile.

For me, it helps to pre-plan in advance and just get these vacation days on my calendar. How do you handle your vacation days?