Extended Vacations: No time for boredom.

In case you didn't already know, I have taken a year off from teaching. I had the means to do it, and I really needed a break. When I made this decision, my friends have been very supportive and seem to truly believe it was the best thing for me to do (and I am very thankful). On the other side, there are those that are seriously worried that I do not have a job. I have also had those asking “what are you doing with all of that time?”

Well, just so you know, I am not a total bum. I have been very busy with many different projects. But for the wonderer's of the world, here is what is going on with me:

•     I have been sleeping--alot--like actually sleeping through the morning. Now, I know I said I wasn't being a bum. And it's true. My hours have changed quite a bit and I think I am learning that I need to keep different hours. I usually get up around 10, have some time to meditate, write, research, and then I start the day. Now this also means that I stay up very late. For example, I am writing this blog at 12:55am. I probably won't go to bed until 2am. But I will still be productive.

•     I have been watching television I never had time for before. Thanks Netflix! Yes, I am going with the bum thing again. But, I now know what all the fuss has been about with such shows as Lost and True Blood and the Pyramid Codes. Alright, maybe that last one was not as popular, but I have learned a great deal.

•     I am becoming a technological genius by learning to blog, create web pages, and using my smart phone for things other than calling people. As a teacher, I used technology in the classroom, but now I am using it in real life. I am hoping this is going to help me find a job when the time comes. I have also got connected to Linkedin, twitter, globe troopers, couch surfers and all sorts of other fun networking!

•     I have been traveling across the state, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and soon, the Pacific Ocean. I have used the time to see parts of the world and am constantly planning trips. I have spent time with my family, friends and people I really care about. I have gotten to know some really special people and have learned so much about myself and the world. I have strengthened relationships and learned to let go of others. I have learned about living. Wanna know about my trip to Greece? http://shelleysbigislandsummer.blogspot.com/

•     I have spent some time with my dogs. We hike a lot which gives me time to get to know myself and the Earth.

•     I have been helping other people with their various projects, etc. I have friends that are moving, friends that need their houses organized, friends that just need a friend around.

•     I have also been working on my own house. I have painted almost every room in the house. I have repaired damaged things, redecorated, and arranged. Perhaps when spring hits, I'll work in the yard.

•     And finally, I have been reading for pleasure. I have completed 10 books that were not required for school or teaching purposes. Do you know how awesome this is? I have been told by many people that teachers are lucky to get so much time off in the summer. I don't think the majority of the population understands that the time we do have off is for recovery. I was usually so tired by the end of the school year, that I really didn't feel like doing anything until August--and then I had to go back to work. So the simple things such as reading a trashy novel are a real treat. 

 

 So there you have it. I haven't been a total bum. I am sure there are other things I could be doing to save the world but I will have to do that a little later. I am learning, creating and living at my own pleasure. My only wish right now is that the rest of the world can feel this free, even if it is only for a short time.