I’m writing this post early today, because the kids are going to be at Nana’s house for most of the day and I’m getting a true Day Off. Parents of young kids (or parents who remember the time) know that a day off from work isn’t a true break. As much as I love my children, I’m never off duty when they’re in the house. There’s always someone who wants to be played with, someone who wants a snack, projects that need to be set out and then cleaned up. The house is too small for any kind of long-term escape. It isn’t a true Day Off for me unless I leave the house, or they aren’t here.

I have big plans for my Day Off, the first one I’ve had since I’ve been immunized. I’m still being careful, of course; the fourth wave hasn’t let up in our area, and while most of the adults in our family have been vaccinated, our kids haven’t, and the last thing we need is for the kids to be quarantined when we all go back to work/school next week. It might be inevitable, but we might also be lucky.

So! My Day Off will include:

Shopping at Marshalls/ TJ Maxx (I’m not really a big shopper anymore, but I do like wandering these two stores, and we need some more Easter supplies)

Time at home to read (The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker or the new romance novel on my Kindle) and catch up on my favorite TV (either The Great British Baking Show or This is Us)

Takeout lunch from one of my favorite places, probably with my husband, although we agreed to have semi-separate plans today

A solid 90-120 minutes at the library so I can plan my Q2 (spring) goals and start my new planner

A trip to browse my favorite bookstore and buy some chocolates from the candy store across the street (they have dark chocolate-covered Nutter Butters that are TO DIE FOR)

Home in time to start making a loaf of cinnamon bread before the kids come back.

That’s my plan, and I hope it’ll happen– if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that planning is necessary, but I can’t have high expectations. 2020/2021 has too many roadblocks. But hopefully I’ll get my Day Off!