A little over a week has passed since I began my sabbatical. Monday morning was the first time it felt weird. I woke up with a similar drive to “start my week” and dive into new comms and clear the familiar backlog of notification. For some reason, I’ve been waking up earlier than normal and ready to start my day close to 6am, which is not an appropriate time to mow the lawn so I have looked to indoor activities, like meal prep. Every few days, I’ve been making healthy, high-protein lunches in batches and it’s given my days more structure while giving me more energy than I’m used to from sipping coffee at my desk. I haven’t quite mastered the art of overnight oats yet but I intend to!
I’ve been keeping busy with projects in the garage, which has become my new office during the day. I’ve been holed up there more than outside due to ongoing rain but I’m still happy with the progress I’ve made. The first project I had queued was to stain a convertible chair/step lapper that my father-in-law had gifted us over the winter. Next, I started on the porch swing by following a printed step-by-step plan. The frame is now built and the bench is nearly assembled. I’ve resisted the urge to excitedly speed through to a finished product in favour of patience with more of the details and finishing touches, especially sanding. I had hoped to finish before my trip to Montreal but now I likely won’t until late May, which I can live with if it means an end result that I’m proud of.
Yesterday, I was able to celebrate my wife’s birthday. It felt great to be at home for the day to spend time cooking a nice meal & baking her a cake. Both things I enjoy and don’t often dedicate time for. It’s probably been more than 10 years since I baked a cake that wasn’t from a box, something I did a lot more often with my mom & grandmother while growing up. I won’t be signing up for any baking shows but I’m happy with how it turned out & tasted!
Tomorrow, I fly to Montreal to celebrate my friend’s upcoming wedding & visit with family. I’m also really looking forward to that poutine. Thanks for reading.