Ocular Fusion

Like many of you, most of my days are defined by the rhythm of work. I rise, prepare, go forth, do the deed, retreat to my lair and collapse. If you had asked me twenty years ago what my typical day would look like, I think that I would have probably painted a picture with a little more glamour and adventure. Rather than merely do a few ordinary eye exams, maybe I would also slay a dragon or two who might wander into the clinic, make a life-saving diagnosis at least every other day, and perhaps stop an armed robbery in progress at the local convenience store when I stop by to pick up a gallon of milk on the way home. Instead, it's mostly the steady cadence, "which is better, onnne...or...twoooo." So much for an epic career.

This week I will be trying to catch the beat of a different kind of tune--taking a week off from work. I have approximately a gazillion days of leave stored up, so I decided to burn up a few this Thanksgiving week and recharge the old batteries. But the question remains, will I delight in the freedom, the luxury of reading a book, going to a movie, doing a little blogging, and spending time with my family (that is, when I can catch them--you see, they have their own "hard rock" rhythm which I sometimes have trouble keeping up with), or will I sit around pining for "which is better one or two."

I know from the past, that sometimes I just don't know what to do with myself when I'm not at work. Also, since my parents-in-law now live in Huntsville, this will be the first time in our married life that we will not travel some great distance over Thanksgiving. Indeed, the next few days stretch out as unexplored frontier for as far as my eyes can see.

Here is my current list of things to enjoy/do (aside from the default Thanksgiving feast):

1. Go see the Harry Potter movie with my family
   
2. Finish re-reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in preparation for December 9th
3. Go to the gym every day except Thanksgiving Day
   
4. Hang out at Barnes and Noble, drink coffee, check out the new titles and hopefully run into some friends and good conversation.
   
5. Travel a short distance up the road to Tennessee later in the week to visit with dear soulmates from times past (and times present, and hopefully future too).
   
6. ???

I may even just try to sit still and not do anything, and perhaps in that space of silence, connect with my Creator and thank him for the blessings and opportunities of this, my so called "mundane" life.

So, anyone out there have any suggestions on how a recalcitrant and unrepentant Type-A workaholic can find a little peace and contentment during a week off? Better yet, what are you going to do this week to slow down your own pace and perhaps catch the beat of a different tune?