Watching Airplanes

At the beginning of December I had 300 sick hours and 300 vacation hours.  I don't even think they like us to accumulate more then 270 vacation hours but no one sent me an e mail about it yet like they did the last time I hit the limit. I am a hoarder of a lot of things including paid time off.  I'm not sure what was more upsetting for me.  Burning through 80 hours or the surgery itself.  I'm ridiculous like that.  So ridiculous that I was really close to going back to work after 2 weeks even though I wasn't sure I was ready.  As if I'll ever truly be ready, but that's besides the point.
On Friday we had a nice little day date almost as good as our very first one six years ago.  It was 80 degrees outside.  We got sandwiches and full fat potato chips from Capriotti's and took them over to Balboa Park.  It's near the airport and there's this one spot we like for picnics where the airplanes roar overhead and seem almost close enough to touch. I'm not sure what was better.  The bright sun beating beating down on my face or the wine we brought from home that we drank out of solo cups.  I felt the way I imagine a pig in the sunshine feels.  The mud, the sun, the lack of responsibilities beyond eating the next meal.  Except instead of mud we had a nice blanket to lay on and instead of slop or whatever it is that pigs eat we had juicy Italian subs that are the best I've ever had. Sorry Subway.  I love you and your low cal sandwiches but Capriotti's wins the taste test every time.


Afterwards, we walked over to Extraordinary Desserts and sat outside eating this decadent tiramisu something or other cake with lots of frosting.  I'm still not sure if I believe him, but MJ says everything on the plate is edible including the flowers.  He ate one so I did too and it just tasted like grass.

And then on Saturday we went to Red Lobster.  We might be restaurant snobs and I may not eat seafood but it was lobster fest.  MJ loves their lobster, we both love Cheddar Bay Biscuits and I had a gift card that I won in a giveaway.

Eight cheddar bay biscuits (between the two of us, I'll let you guess which one of us ate the most) and 4,000 grams of sodium (in my meal alone-wow!!!) later we went home where I inadvertently got hooked on Scandal.  How does this happen? It begins innocently enough. I'm relaxing on the couch with MJ when he casually starts watching a new series on Netflix. Bam, I'm hooked even though I'm determined not to take on any new shows. It's not the first time it happened. Probably won't be the last. 

When I was laying on that blanket in the sun with MJ's head in my lap and his arms wrapped around my legs I realized that taking the extra time off was totally worth it.  I'm lucky to have that much time available to use.  My health needed that extra week and I'm so glad I didn't miss out on that beautiful day with my husband.

Taking a 3rd week off meant 32 more sick hours gone but that's okay because moments are meant to be had not hoarded. 

20 comments

  1. Day dates like you described are the best!

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  2. I'm so jealous of all the time you have saved up!!! :-) I'm glad you took some of it and enjoyed time with your love.

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  3. Insanely jealous of your paid time off you've saved up! Glad you got to enjoy some of it :)

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  4. 300 vacay hours!? Girl - send me some!
    xo, Al
    www.sparklesandstilettos.com

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  5. I love the way you ended this post ... it is SO true!
    Looks like such a great day date too. I want your weather like now but we're getting another snowstorm Wednesday and Thursday.

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  6. The simple things in life make the biggest difference. What a beautiful day you guys had.

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  7. I know EXACTLY what you mean about the extra time together being worth it, because this time that Will and I are spending together is making me the happiest girl in the world! Glad y'all are having fun.

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  8. Glad you a wonderful time with your hubby! You are so right. Moments are meant to be enjoyed!

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  9. Okay, that cake looks scrumptious. LOL! You are late with Scandal. Thursdays, when it is on, is serious business around these parts. The Guy is involved as well. Everything must be done before it comes on and I take no calls while it is on. Then it takes me an hour or more to settle down and go to sleep. I love that show and it is probably the only show I watch regularly like my life depends on it. I wish I had that much leave time...truth be told I probably never accumulate more that two weeks of leave. LOL!

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  10. 300 hours!!! Wow!! Glad you got to enjoy some of your time!

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  11. So glad you got a day with your husband! Sick hours are good but they are meant to be used! Y'all's date sounds absolutely perfect. You've got me wanting to try that sub place, it sounds so delicious and sub sandwiches are one of my favorite things. That cake!! I showed Garrett the picture because it looks so good. : )

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  12. Day dates are the BEST!
    300 hours?
    I will gladly accept donations if you are wanting to hand those bad boys out. I always blow through mine on vacations right when I get them.
    opps!

    I am so jealous of your Red Lobster visit, my husband hates it and will never go with me:(

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  13. Scandal. Yes x a MILLION. We just binge watched the entire series and I've been counting down the hours until tomorrow night.

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  14. This is such a sweet post! I love your outlook; it's inspiring. Glass half full, right? The idea of a picnic always gets me excited (though we rarely ever go on one)...and y'all's looks perfect. I've actually been to Balboa Park! It's a great spot.

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  15. I love simple date nights like the one you guys had. A picnic is just so romantic, too. Moments like that are definitely meant to be had! So glad you took an extra week off :)

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  16. Good grief, lady! 300 vacation hours? That's nuts! I wish they let you spread the love around and give them away :) haha.

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  17. I never really got to take any vacation / sick days when I wasn't a consultant. So indirectly I guess I too hoarded them? But it ended up being a nice payout when I left - vacation-wise anyway.

    I used to LOVE Subway. I don't eat sandwiches anymore...try to avoid bread I guess? Not sure what my problem is.

    Great pictures!

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  18. I am the same way with sick time! I've heard such good things about Extraordinary Desserts, and definitely plan to go to the SD location soon!!!

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  19. p.s.
    I know you follow me on Bloglovin', so I just wanted to update you that my url changed (and like a dummy), I forgot to post it BEFORE I moved my blog to a new URL- so when I sent out the update no one already following me could see it... ugh.

    So FYI, I'm now permanently at www.haveashley.com, and I have a link posted in the most recent post if you'd like to refollow through Bloglovin'. New layout and content is pending, but I wanted to be sure my friends actually see it (so embarrassing!)

    Thanks for your support and understanding with the hiccups in the change!

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