I’ve never — in my 12-year career — taken two full weeks off work.

[Maternity leave absolutely does not count — that is the furthest thing from a “break!”]

Well, tomorrow is my first day back at work since December 19 … I’ve  had 15 glorious days off work, away from the office, away from the monotony that is the working world.

The break was heavenly. It was just what I needed to recharge. Aside from being sick at times, it was an awesome blend of quality time with Luis (lunch dates, a trip to the movies, shopping together); with with the kids (a trip to Chicago to Shedd Aquarium, meals out, rollerskating, art, play dates) and time for just me (shopping, the gym, girls night out, etc.). There was cleaning and organization, but there was also lots of cozy mornings in jammies and pancakes and days where the only thing we “had” to do was put together toys and enjoy each other’s company.

And now tomorrow it all becomes a blur as we go back to work … school … the routine. The hustle/bustle/go-go-go we all loathe and say we’ll change but really never do (because some of us — ahem — secretly love routines, even though we say we hate it).

Of course, there is really no option; we all have to return to reality … but judging from friends’ Twitter and Facebook posts, it’s obvious this one break in particular was extra-long and extra-good for so many of us … and now it’s over. BOOM. Done.

In a way, it feels like the night before the first day of school. In the same way that I loved school and seeing my friends and getting into a new routine, I really dig my job and missed my friends … yet like the night before the first day of school, I find myself filled with dread and anxiety for what’s to come. Except this time, it’s not the unexpected I’m dreading … it’s the expected! (I know what’s coming down the pipe, more or less, and so I’ve really appreciated this time off and away).

Three things are keeping me going:

1) My mom is visiting the weekend of Jan. 16 – and we’re closed that Monday for MLK Day!
2) We’re planning our annual Jamaica trip for this spring and
3) I’ve made a re-commitment to the gym so I feel like I am in a good place at least fitness-wise (and now that all the holiday foods and treats are behind me, I need to be eating better … that’s my downfall — no resistance muscle!!!

How about you? Are you ready to get back to reality or are you dreading it like so many people seem to be?