We're off...to the beach!

In 12 hours I will officially be on sabbatical. Can I get a heck yeah? Alright...

The last month has been a bit crazy - I've had the general feeling of wanting to either (a) run. Run fast and far and furiously. Or (b) drink and drink and drink...and drink. I didn't do either which is good since it would probably take my whole sabbatical to recover from both options. Instead, I just ran around in a general state of tension but it is going, going, almost gone.

Here's the gist:

(1) Had to prepare to be out off of work for 4 weeks. Don't think I've been that on task since nesting with B.

(2) Put an offer on a house.

(3) Got hopes up about said house.

(4) Didn't get house.

(5) Went to dr. for a pain in my side that had been nagging me for about a month.

(6) Dr. said "hmm".

(7) I said "Dr. S. - let me tell you what patients don't want to hear when you have an ultrasound probe up their mo...

(8) Dr. S. thought it was an etopic pregnancy.

(9) Peed in a cup.

(10) Test inconclusive.

(11) Gave blood to make sure I was not pregnant....and to test for cancer.

(12) Not pregnant. Not cancer.

(13) Went back for 3rd ultrasound last week - cyst? bi-lobal ovary? Hmmm...

(14) Don't know but hopefully Duke Obgyn will. We'll find out when I get back. But I'M NOT WORRIED. We've ruled out the bad so...

(15) Talk with boss. Things are changing...more on that later.

(16) B's nanny's dad passed away after a long illness. Very sad for Jackie.

(17) Would have celebrated Jamie's 9th birthday on the 14th. 9 years. 9 years...

(18) Somehow I did it. Brantley, Matt and I got to the beach yesterday and we are settled into our home for the next 3 weeks. Cheers to that!

In just 24 hours I feel like a different person. Matt has been traveling so much this past month and this disconnect was beginning to get to me. We needed the past 24 hours like Lola needs her tennis balls.

So, our biggest plan for the next 3 weeks is to not have a plan! I'm real excited about that but a little nervous at the same time. I am a person that operates on plans and schedules. The Known is my friend. I'm comfortable with her. The only known I know right now is that I am really geeked to be able to soak up every minute of Brantley. She is growing up so fast and I feel like I'm just holding on to every piece of her I can because tomorrow that piece is going to be something different - bigger, smarter, funnier. Just different.

I am really, really thankful for this sabbatical. It could not have come at a better time. God hit the nail on the head with this one. Not only am I am thankful for this time off, this 4 week paid time off!, I'm really thankful that I work for company that values their employees. I know a lot of companies tout the work/home balance but SP literally puts their money where their mouth is. More companies should do this - can you imagine how happy all the worker bees would be?

Pictures from our first day coming soon...