The weekend is here at last. A shred of breathing room with no responsibilities - no surgery dog to check on three times a day, no exam on Monday (one on Tuesday, but that's one whole extra day!), no pressing errands to run. It's a wonderful feeling that has become so foreign this semester. I spent last night curled up under a blanket on the couch watching movies and worthless TV shows. I slept in this morning, read for a bit (I'm reading H.G Wells' Time Machine. While not usually one for "the classics", I've been enjoying this one), took another chunk out of the house cleaning that needs to be done and talked to Danny and my sister. It's a beautiful sunny autumn morning (er, afternoon) out there, and I think I'll go for a walk in the woods a bit later to clear my mind.

If I've learned anything in vet school, it's the importance of knowing yourself and your boundaries, achieving balance. Sure, we've all had to push ourselves farther than we ever have before - than we ever thought possible, probably - but even when you're stretching yourself to your limit to do your best, there is always a breaking point. I think of breaking points kind of like electric fencing in livestock pastures. When you go into that pasture, you're aware of where that hot wire is at all times. When you're further away from it, you aren't as concerned because eh, you have plenty of room. But when you're closer to it, you become acutely aware of just how far away you are, keeping one eye over your shoulder to prevent yourself from getting zapped. And this semester, instead of being out in the middle of the pasture, I'm up closer to the edges and I can almost feel my hair standing on end with anticipation.

So when I get a shadow of breathing room - like this weekend - it's like being able to move back to the center of the pasture, well away from the fence line. It's important to take those opportunities when they present themselves; no use in being stoic or you'll burn out.