I am very thankful that I now report to work at 1:30 pm and finish at 10 pm, giving me ample time to get a normal amount of sleep after several hours of free time where I can focus on the larger writing project.  This is a welcome change from what I did before, which was get up at 7, be at work at 9, teach until 1 or 2, go home, move my car, nap, cook, eat, watch something online while eating, maybe read, write a little something, do any necessary errands which often involved grocery shopping, go back to work at 6, enjoy my time with the students until 10, come home, eat, write something, listen to music, and go to bed, perhaps at 1 or 2 am, and then repeat on 5-6 hours of sleep.  I've met many students who work 12 hour days or only sleep 3 hours per night, and I don't envy them.  I wish them luck in changing their schedules to better suit the need to rejuvenate.  I'm not sure how long this situation will continue, but it's a welcome change.  Now I know what it's like to wake up in the morning and have to go to work without feeling physically and mentally drained and looking forward to the next nap.  The past two mornings I've woken up and thought, "Huh... I'm rested... and I can take my time..."

Even if the schedule hadn't changed, I'd still be thankful for the three day week and being able to see my family for the most meaningful holiday of all.  I hope you enjoy incredible food with incredible people.

Thank you for reading!