Havi at The Fluent Self has a wonderful habit (among many) of checking in with herself every Friday, to reflect on how the week went. I like it. I don’t have a better name for it, so for now I am stealing quietly borrowing hers.

I’m making a slight adjustment to the schedule – and changing this regular post from Friday Chicken (which I frequently miss anyway) to the Weekend Chicken. That way, I am as relaxed as I will be during/after a weekend of rest, and it makes more sense to set goals for the coming week. Sunday evening, for me, seems like a more logical endpoint to the week, and a better place to look forward from – although I reserve the right to post at any point during the weekend.

The Hard Stuff

You know what? I’m not putting anything here. I am just wrapping up a fantastic Thanksgiving vacation, and now is not the time to complain. There are things weighing on my mind, but they are nothing new (and better kept private, for now). Let’s just say that I did a bunch of reflection throughout the week, and revelled in my disconnectedness (see below).

The Good Stuff

Disconnectedness. Beginning at the time I boarded the flight to New Hampshire on Tuesday morning, do you know how many times I checked Twitter? None. Facebook? The same. I did a couple of hours’ worth of work in the form of proofreading and responding to emails, but that’s it. I completely checked out from my regular life for these eight days. I shouldn’t have to tell you how awesome that is.

Nice people, who didn’t care that I just wanted to chill the f**k out. We spent the majority of the break with The Boy’s parents, and we did…not much. I worked on a cross-stitch that is nearly complete, and I read Jane Austen. I watched a little TV, but not too much. Made pie. Ate it. Ate other stuff, too. Sunday night we headed to Boston to stay with friends, and continued the trend of sleeping until we wanted to, and doing whatever we felt like. That included seeing the new Harry Potter movie. Also….

Beer! Went to the Samuel Adams Brewery today, and went on the (free!) tour, including beer. Yum. Go there if you get the chance.

Even the airports couldn’t bring me down. Aside from a couple of wardrobe problems (missing button on coat, broken necklace), moving through the airports has been a breeze. None of the crazy TSA bulls**t people have been whining about on the Internets – at least between LAS, PHI and BOS. Reasonable security lines. The weather agreed with my travel plans. Wheee! I am currently sitting in the airport waiting to come home while I write this, so hopefully I haven’t jinxed anything, but the traveling part of this vacation has been completely painless up to now.

Objectives Quests!

Blegh. Objectives sounds so cold and business-like, but I really do want to add a section for looking forward to next week. I need a list.

So yeah, Christmas carols abound now. It’s not bothering me yet. I will repeat my mantra from last week, and just try to let it all wash over me. Nothing needs to get under my skin. I’m going to take care of myself, starting with sleeping in my own bed, with my own pillow, tonight. I am going to take a deep breath when issues come up at work, and remember that another awesome break is only three weeks away.

I hope you all had a great (gut-busting) Thanksgiving, and welcome to the madhouse that is Christma-Hannu-Kwanzaa! I’ll be sitting in the corner, hot apple cider in hand, watching everyone scurry by. Join me, won’t you?