Well, that’s 2/3rds of the way though the sabbatical. Even with 2 months to go, it’s starting to feel like the end is near. And that feels a bit like stress (which I haven’t felt for some time…). I’ve yet to sit down for some quiet thinking about what I have, or haven’t, learned so far from this time off. I keep kicking that introspection down the road whenever it surfaces on the to do list.
I feel like there’s still so much more to do, but a few things are conspiring against me, not the least of which is the latest round of restrictions due to COVID. For starters, my fitness regime has taken a hit with the cancellation of hockey and tennis. These were the anchors of my day around which I’d plan the rest of my activities (squeezed in between school drop off and pick up). And travel restrictions continue to put a hitch in my grand vision of circumnavigating the globe by hot air balloon. But I’m working on coming up with a somewhat scaled down travel adventure. We’ll see.
With the older kids having a few days off school this past week, I was eager for some new mini-adventures. On Thursday we donned our best cowboy attire from the Stampede and headed out to the Rocky Mountain foothills for some horseback trail riding. This was a big step for us as we don’t come from a long line of cattle ranchers. In fact, I’ve not been on a horse in the past 40 years. Fortunately, the horses were professionals who could do the tour on autopilot. I still really want to try steer wrestling though. I think I’d be good. At least I look good in the hat. (Instagram @sabbaticaldadjon)
Was eager for another adventure on Friday, but the kids each took it upon themselves to make plans with their own friends. This left me feeling a bit forlorn, but I guess this sabbatical isn’t only about me.
I did get out downhill skiing for the first time this year with my oldest son on Saturday. Half day at Lake Louise then lunch at the Chateau. Might as well do it in style or I’m not going to survive what is likely to be the longest ski season ever…
This is good writing you’re doing, JB, and also the intensive self-time and family-time are valuable. Bravo! Con amore, la tua fata madrina