I had this completely bizarre moment of clarity tonight.

I've been internally pouting because I haven't been up to ski every day that I've been of this week; in fact, I haven't been up at all though Christmas day will change that. I was kicking myself- just a little- because that's supposed to be a major part of my priorities this winter.

Then I realized that I am about to only work clinically 18 weekends a year- and that I'll likely have a few weekdays when I can get up there for part of a day. Now, for those amongst you who have "normal" lives, working 18 weekends a year sounds like a form of medieval torture. I completely understand that.

The last time I worked "only" 18 weekends a year? Honestly, I don't remember. It's been more than a decade, that I can assure you. For those who haven't kept score, I had an 11 week run this fall when I didn't have a single weekend off. I can't say I'll miss having those "opportunities".

So, my bizarre moment of clarity was that I suddenly have more unstructured time than I've had since I was in my 20s. Sure, I still have all of the research to take care of- as well as the work that goes with the new curriculum job. I'll be in a position to do those largely on my time (except for meetings, of course), though, and that's a magnificent concept. When I sit here grappling with trying to get various places for a weekend to visit friends, I realize it's now a realistic possibility to do those things.

It's a little weird. In some ways it's a little overwhleming. I suspect I'll adjust.