Several months ago I described a number of things I wanted to do during my work sabbatical, which will be coming to an end sometime soon. I've spent that time in a variety of activities, including doing some contract consulting work. But a significant portion of the time has been spent just remembering to enjoy life a little, and getting some much-needed rest. For anyone who knows they need some R&R and happens to have an opportunity to take advantage of, I recommend it highly.

So, what's my report card look like for the past several months?

I made a list back in September of things I wanted or needed to do, and here's a little detail about how each of those has worked out:

Stuff I need (or want) to get done
Get some real rest (succeeded) Finish the bonus room floor and trim at home (thanks to a great friend, the trim and floor are done) Finish the shed at home (umm, no progress here yet - still on the list) Add a deck to the side of the house (did some designs, but have not pulled the trigger) Travel somewhere in a 18-wheeler with my friend Broc (I did that, and it was fun - to California and back) Dust off the cameras and get back into the photography swing (have done some of this but not quite as much as I thought) Sell my street motorcycle (2004 CBR600RR - still for sale as of this post - email me  if interested!) Finish reading this darned Koontz novel that I started 9 months ago, heh **(done - it was "Intensity" and it was a fun read) ** - Read another book or two - one for enjoyment, one for furthering myself (done - read quite a few, actually)

Things I need (or want) to learn
Learn a programming language, at least at a starter level - I an thinking C# - any ideas? (Ummm, no real progress here) - I need to study up for a couple certification exams that the whole we-got-bought-busyness process pushed off my schedule, and then reschedule the exams (I've done the studying part...)

Things/places I need (or want) to do/go
Visit family in Colorado (done!) Visit family in California (done!) Visit New Mexico (where I used to live) (still pending) - Visit a few friends and colleagues in Seattle (done!)

I've also done a whole slew of other things since September. I've traveled to Spain and London, went to see the Patriots beat the Chargers during a weekend trip to Boston, went skiing a bunch of times, recorded a bunch of podcast shows, and a lot more. All in all, it's been a good experience.

Now it's almost time to get back at it, work-wise. I'm in the process of weighing options and deciding what's next. I'm actively involved in a couple ventures that are challenging me and those might be what I decide to do full-time, but have not made decisions yet. Time will tell.

At any rate, I can say with hindsight that I am glad I allocated some meaningful time for myself. I was quite fortunate to be able to do that. Here's to shifting gears!