One of the best things about working for local government is the holiday pay. And because I’m still in training, I not only get holiday pay, but I am guaranteed to have the holidays off.

Which takes me to what I’m thankful for this year:

I’m thankful to head back home.

I’ve never lived more than 120 miles from Escondido, where I grew up. It’s always been easy to drive or train down from Los Angeles for a quick weekend. While I attended UCLA I typically went home a couple of times each quarter.

But since I started the new job in August, things have been a lot busier on my end. Many of my weekends have been spent doing chores, errands, traveling for weddings, etc. And those that have been free, I’ve cherished to relax for as much of them as I could. Which doesn’t include a 230-mile round trip.

Which leads me to a strange realization: it’s been over three months since I’ve been back to Escondido. And that’s the longest I’ve ever been from home.

I’m thankful to have Thursday and Friday off this week, and to get a chance to see family and friends this weekend. I’ve let things get in the way of getting home, but I’m sure glad to get the chance to take some time and see some folks this weekend.

I hope that wherever you are, you have a good holiday this week!