I think that sometimes people underestimate how much better life would be if they just listened to themselves once in a while.  I typically know what I need.  I don’t always give it to myself, but I usually know.  And after the last few crazy weeks, and my childlike meltdown earlier this week, it was time to give in.

I didn’t get my snow day this week… highly disappointing.  But I gave myself a half-snow day.  I came home, and instead of sitting in front of my books for the next 12 hours like I should have, I took to my kitchen.  While my husband made us a quick lunch, I started browning a roast and added some white wine, thyme, bay leaves, onion and tomato… and I put my highly adored dutch oven in to cook for the afternoon.  It’s been weeks since I had time for a home cooked meal, much less one that fills the house with an amazing scent all afternoon as it slowly becomes tender and delicious.

Then, I curled up in bed with my husband for a nap.  I can’t remember the last time I took a nap.  And a nap without an alarm set? So long ago.  It was one of the most amazing naps I’ve ever had.  Definitely in my top three of all time.

I didn’t crack a textbook. I didn’t answer an e-mail.  I just had a lovely dinner and then slid into a bubble bath with a good book and relaxed.

Then this morning I got up, and took control of my day.  I don’t learn in class, I learn by sitting down with my books.  Which is why mandatory attendance policies make me crazy… Really? I have to come, get nothing out of the discussion where other people ask questions I can’t imagine having, and end up playing on pinterest all day instead of knocking things off of my ten page to-do list? Nope. Not today.  Today, I kissed my husband goodbye as he headed off to where I should have been going, and then I got started.

I got the apartment picked up. I got laundry done. I got all of the bills paid, and the pile of paperwork toppling off the counter filed away.  I finished my bar application. I wrote a paper. I started research on a new project.

And I ate Starburst Jelly Beans. The best Easter candy there is.  Addictive.  I had tried to bury them away, because they are so addicting… then I gave in.  Sometimes, you just need something sweet and amazing.

And my sanity returns.