My $4,000 staycation ...

... has just ended.

I've been home for a month. Almost exactly. My last driving day was December 20 and my first day back on the job was January 22. In between there were two major holidays and time with family and friends, although it turned that Winter Break went by way too fast. We enjoyed spending relaxing days at home, reading, playing games, and pursuing hobbies. A very nice time. 

And then we both got sick and our holiday extended longer than we expected in the form of a self-imposed quarantine. If it wasn't for the getting sick part, it would have been great. Between the coughs and sniffles, we still managed to do a lot of relaxing and generally enjoying each other's company. We had stocked up on food and hobby supplies so we didn't really need to go anywhere or do anything. We just settled in and got very comfortable in our own little bubble.

I don't know that we saved $4,000 by staying home but I can tell you we did save a lot of money by not going anywhere. We were getting alerts from our credit card company saying, "Are you guys all right? Do you need to buy something?"

We couldn't plan time like that - a whole month's vacation - until maybe May. Wouldn't that be great? Maybe I'll just stay at home again in May. Just take it easy.

The ridiculous part of this is I'm retired. I could take it easy any day. The problem is, I don't which isn't a bad thing. It's good that I'm keeping busy. But, for the last month, I've been reminded of how nice it is to just slow down and enjoy my own company. And, isn't it great that I can spend a month just hanging out with Hubby and want to do it again?

And the savings is pretty grand too. Which is to say we live a pretty good life the rest of the time.

I'm feeling grateful. Lucky to be alive and have the life I have. I'm grateful for my family and friends and the time we spend together. I'm grateful to have the freedom to spend my time alone, too, if that's what I want to do. I'm grateful for the beautiful space and place I live in and that I'm fortunate enough to afford living here.

I'm grateful for my "job," too, which is driving the Littles around from place to place so their parents can work. It keeps me busy and it keeps me connected to people that matter to me so I'm okay with that.