December

I said to my husband Sunday that I was sad to have my four day weekend come to a close. He said that I only work three more days, then I get another four off.

Yes. It is true. For the entire month of December, I have every Thursday and Friday off. I also have Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's off. I have these days off because they are holidays and I needed to use all of my vacation and sick days before the end of the year. If I didn't use them, I would lose them. Before Thanksgiving, I had 11 vacations days to use and 2.5 sick days.

This is the second year that I have used most of my vacation days in December. I don't plan it that way. It just happens. I photograph sports at a newspaper and the seasons are long. It is difficult to leave during the season. I take some time off during the summer and usually in September around my wedding anniversary.

What I love about the many days off in December is that I can take a break from the weekly grind of sports. I watch sports on TV practically everyday. But that is not the same as working at a game. So much more is involved in photographing a game.

I will be enjoying the rest of my time off. By the time December is over, I will be ready and looking forward to photograph games again.