17 Days

I cannot believe that I have not even been able to cross off even half of my to-do list.  Where is my week of nothing else to do besides house work and hanging with my family gone?  Its Thursday and I have a few short days left in order to get everything accomplished that I'd wanted. 

I have to say that I've really enjoyed the time that my kids have wanted to spend with me.  I'm not in class when the get home from school.  There's been home cooked meals on the table.  The two youngest have really enjoyed not having to go to the babysitter's, and I enjoyed having my baby come and cuddle on my lap and look for me when he needs comfort. 

I've missed out on all of this for the last six months.  While I know this won't last forever, I am erally missing my family.  I have been looking forward to this trip that I've dreamed of since I was a kid, but now my enjoyment is a bit tainted with regret and guilt for leaving my family behind.  This is a great educational experience, and it is only a very short period of time in the grand scheme of things, but still....(sigh) I miss my family needing me and wanting me.  That's such a simple thing that I've taken for granted.  Well, I'm feeling the pangs of regret and yearning now.