Well deserved vacation! I've been through a tough period, and it is not over quite yet. I can reasonably foresee things will not be easier until next summer. Despite being demanding, and at times a frustrating, I like my job very much, and it has been a mean of release in my standard week. It might be because of this that I cumulated quite a number of PTO days! Apparently I can't save more than a few for the next year, so I'm going to take a somewhat long time off for the winter holidays. We are not travelling this winter, and I couldn't be more grateful. Deep down I still like the idea of traveling: I can picture myself having a quiet and delicious meal with a huge beer in between flights. But that time is over. Travelling with family is plain stressful. On the top of it, I'm increasingly intollerant towards people, and what I really crave for some time to spend alone, in silence, without the pressure of the external world, or some idiotic religion-infused conspirancy theory. I hope I'll be able to read and spend some time on my projects. Ironically, given how hard it is for me to find some time for myself, I'm a bit stressed by the idea of not using it wisely.