Back to Work

Today was the last official day of my 8 month sabbatical and a fine day it was.

It started with an early run through Humboldt Park, followed by a trip to another nearby park to play with Miguel.

For lunch, Miguel and I headed to Revolution Brewing. I couldn't resist ordering a Working Man's Mild to commemorate my return to the workingclass. While sipping the session ale, I pondered the old Oscar Wilde quote: "Work is the scourge of the drinking classes."

Josh happened upon us and joined us for lunch. We discussed plans for Labor Day weekend and the scent of work seemed to permeate the air.

After a relaxing afternoon, Charly (Gin's mom) watched Miguel while Gin and I pedaled off to a yoga class. We returned home to a lovely meal and a delicious chocolate cake made by Charly. Gin, Miguel and I blew out eight candles, one for each month of our sabbatical.

In some ways, the exotic part of the sabbatical seemed to end 10 weeks ago when we returned to the US (see my final post from South America and Gin's reflections on returning to Chicago for some observations).

Since returning to the States, we've spent time with friends and family-- bike rides, renting cottages, dancing naked in the streets, etc. It's been great to reconnect with our loved ones while moving through life at a less hurried pace. I think I'll return to my job refreshed for the important work that lies ahead.

As the Rev. Sam Barker said at our wedding, the greatest gift we can give one another is the gift of our time. Eight months is a fine gift and I hope there's much more to give.