-or- odd time for my biggest break
Today was my first day back to school since my winter break. For reasons known only to the school, they decided that this winter break, during fourth year, would be the biggest since I started medical school. It was amazing!
Between first and second year we got three weeks off. We spent half of that time visiting family back in Utah. That is great, but it is not a vacation. The flying, the driving to visit everyone, making sure you make the rounds and don't leave anyone out. And since it was our first time back, I think we really felt the responsibility to please everyone.
Previous Christmas breaks have all been 2 1/2 to 3 weeks. Nice, but often involved traveling as well. But this time we decided to be selfish.
4 full weeks off, and we didn't go anywhere. Oh, we spent a day with friends here and there, but no travel to family. We love them dearly, but after the huge financial drain of interviews, we just didn't feel we could fork over the $1000 to fly out there (even though I am sure family would have offered to help with that), and we really needed some family time.
So I got to rest some from school, made sure my wife had ample mornings to sleep in if she wanted, evenings of not having to put the kids to bed, and time playing with my little ones. Without doubt, it was the best break I have had since med school started.
Of course, going back was a bit tough today, but I will get back into the swing of things soon enough.