As is true of many companies, my employer provides paid vacation days each year. Employees are allowed to carry over up to 15 days each year. Any days in excess of that amount are forfeited.

So, last weekend, I counted the days I have, the days I will earn through the rest of the year, and the days I plan to take. And I discovered that I need to use or lose more than 12 days – in just over 2 months, when there are already 5 holidays on our office calendar.

So, beginning next week, I'll be working a maximum for 4 days a week, using my extra day to research a book project, do things around the house, and maybe craft and read and cook.

We'll see how it goes. (And next year, I'll plan better.)