Three-day weekends are always a special treat. Whether it’s an extra day off from school, work, or another obligation, I’ll most definitely take it. Additionally, the following week is one whole day shorter, which means a fast-pass to the next weekend. Double score! It seems that all too recently, 24 hours in a day are just not enough. It is not sufficient time to go to classes, get your homework done, go to work, get some exercise in, all while making sure you eat three meals and have adequate sleep. So, when you hear we have an upcoming holiday, your mind is instantly flooded with things and adventures that you could fill up that extra space with. While some of us will travel and leave town, many of us will use this opportunity to catch up on some school work, sleep, or our social life.
I kicked off my three-day weekend with a make-up Valentine’s date. This V-day my boyfriend and I had classes and work throughout the day, so we were unable to go out. However, this make-up date was perfect; no over-booked restaurants, no filled-up parking spots, and we weren’t surrounded by a sea of red and pink. However, traffic was still imminent; everyone was either traveling in or out of town. And depending on whether you’re going with or away from traffic, the congestion could make your head spin.
I usually volunteer with a youth group on the weekends. This week I worked with my middle-school kids making blankets and toiletry bags to hand out at local homeless shelters. I was so exhausted by Sunday evening that I slept most of Monday. And only forced myself out of bed to catch up on some reading. The make-up sleep was definetely rejuvinating.
There’s something about an upcoming holiday, especially if it lands on a Monday or Friday, that sets the scene for festivities. Whether you had to go to work, or tackle other obligations, a long weekend puts people in a “feel good” mood. For most, we had a break from our typical “case of the Mondays,” and had an extra 24-hours to ourselves, to do whatever we wanted. On holidays more people are in better moods and leaving their houses, venturing out in their communities, spending unnecessary money, and boosting our economy. You can’t go wrong with a long weekend- people are out a little later, the music’s a little louder, the food’s a little better, and the laughter is nonstop.