Today marked the end of my two weeks of annual leave. Does it feel like it’s been a full fortnight? I’m giving a very diplomatic yes and no. Yes, because it genuinely feels like I’ve been away from work for a while. But also no, because—as always—I could happily take another week. There were so many things I hoped or planned to do, and some of them are still sitting on the “not yet” list.
Do I feel refreshed and ready for whatever challenges and stresses work decides to throw at me next? It’s certainly been good not to think about work for a bit, and good to rest. But am I ready to dive back in? I think I’ll only know the answer once I’ve been back for a week or two.
There is good news, though. I’ve managed to catch up on a few out‑of‑work tasks that have been waiting far too long, and I’ve had time to see friends I don’t usually get the chance to meet up with. That alone has made the break worthwhile.
Last week’s dry, warm weather meant I could get stuck into some gardening and finally empty the laundry basket. This week, however, has been more of a washout, and the laundry basket is full again. The weekend forecast looks more promising, so hopefully I’ll get another chance to tackle it before Monday arrives.
Our Salvation Army Band practices restarted after the summer break, and with an event at Bellshill Salvation Army on Saturday, I went along to practice even though I was still officially on leave. In a way, that made it feel like my normal routine had already crept back in—another reminder that the holiday is drawing to a close.
Now it’s time to enjoy the weekend—the last two days before I return to work and face the inevitable pile of emails and messages waiting for me. I’m doing my best not to think about any of that until Monday morning.
The Distinct Dot 