It is almost thanksgiving which means the most American of traditions, traveling by car. Since the rest of Ann’s family is near Philadelphia, we will be traveling up there to visit. We will also drive up to NYC for a day while we are there. McKelvey is interested in seeing the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and I think we will go around Central Park as well. Luckily, we all travel pretty well by car. The dogs take naps, the kids can get pretty far with music and audio books before asking for a movie, and we don’t have to stop for bathroom breaks every half hour (knock on wood).

So it’s exciting to go on a trip, and this year I feel like I have actually had time to enjoy the holidays this fall. Our kids had some awesome costumes, Ann and I actually dressed up and went out too. We didn’t get to fully carve my pumpkin, so everything wasn’t accomplished. But all in all, having a sabbatical has really allowed me to get some work done and connect with my family. I miss most of the people at work, and am looking forward to working with them again. And having the time away from work has really helped me put my previous department head work into perspective. By thinking about my job and teaching theatre with a little distance, I really think I am going to have some new energy and ideas to bring to the table. So I am thankful for that.

You know looking back, I have lucked out immensely. Looking at the awesome family I have, this great job with people a love to work with, having a house in a great town, I can’t help but be thankful.