So how does it feel to be on sabbatical? --An Update

In June, I blogged about how it feels to be on sabbatical. I had only been on sabbatical for a few days at that point, so I promised an update at a later date. This is it. 

I still relish all the things about sabbatical that I mentioned in the previous post; they have still not grown old and usual for me. So, no I have not started to miss work, I do not fear or have any guilt that I may be using my time unwisely, and I have not become bored. 

I am far from bored. In fact, I am surprised at how quickly the time has passed and how busy I have been thus far. How is it already July? By this time, I would have expected Brandon and I to have binge watched an entire TV show or have become beach bums or at least had some more relaxed days. But, we've actually been busy. Very busy. 

Why have we been so busy? Looking back, I've realized that we've stayed busy even on sabbatical because of all the friends we have. Awesome friends. We've been to three weddings (two out of three required road trips), attended an out-of-town birthday party, went up North with friends for a weekend, hosted friends for some weekends, and have scheduled countless lunch and dinner dates over the past few weeks. Being on sabbatical makes ALL these activities and relationships possible. That's invaluable and a big part of what this sabbatical is about. 

And, I've realized that I've been able to do the other things I want too. In just one day, I hiked in Saugatuck Dunes, had lunch with a friend, worked on my banjo skills, prepped dinner for the next night, and went rock climbing that evening. And, I probably wondered where the day had gone. But, looking back, that's five major events! When I was working I would have had to choose just one of those activities! 

So, even if it's busy, it's a good busy, and it's on our terms...it's stuff we want to do. Would I have really wanted to binge watch a TV show or become a beach bum? No. That's not really my personality. I have a hard time sitting down (just ask Brandon). But, I do want balance in my life. 

Currently, for me, I think this sabbatical is going to be about finding balance that I can hopefully carry with me after this sabbatical is over. I don't know what's next for me and Brandon, but I hope to find a balance between work and play, activity and relaxation, and alone time and relationship-building time. 

So, those are my thoughts about a month and a half into sabbatical. I'll update again with more thoughts when they come!