No, I’m not dying.  But I’ll be graduated before Memorial Day comes around.  It changes things.

Got plans for the rest of 2010 (besides stuffing your face, that’s a given)?  If you’re looking for ideas, the Labor Day Week post on making the most of your school holidays is worth checking out.  Checking out your school’s library, getting a massage, and spending time with family are all still great ideas.  Try and check off a few before 2011 hits in full force.

Even so, aside from all the traveling, aforementioned face stuffing, and family visiting, I’ve done a few things differently with my winter holiday this year.

For one, I studied. Not just for my upcoming test, but reviewing things that gave me trouble in past quarters (muscles and the central nervous system, mostly).  It’s time to freshen up on these things so I’m not starting from nothing when the comprehensive reviews start in a few short months.

I also read a lot.  Blogs and books.  While most weren’t specifically about massage, many were about business, communication, planning, and various aspects of wellness.  (Okay, I also read The Princess Bride again.  I’ve been working my bottom off, and I think I deserved it.)  I’m getting in gear to be my own best version of an all-around competent massage therapist, not just someone who managed to pull off a license.

I talked to a lot of people, but I also listened to a lot of people. My aunt has been an enthusiastic client of the same massage therapist for the last 20 years, and I learned why.  I learned about my sister’s nagging femoral nerve pain when she sits on a bar stool for too long.  I learned about my mother’s experiences working in geriatric healthcare.  I learned about a number of people’s attitudes towards various branches of medicine.  And I learned about a number of people’s attitudes towards me, and my future work.  I got advice from people I respect and admire.  Good stuff!

I planned. I schemed.  I panicked!  I shut myself up with those adorable little clementines that are everywhere this time of year, and went back to planning again.  I did some research.  I made up lists of things to research in the near future.  I engaged in some pretty radical divergent thinking, which is always a fantastic time.

I’m going to do some more of this kind of work this week.  I’m also going to see a movie, bake some muffins, and wear a fabulous orange and red Indian outfit to a fancy New Year’s Eve party where almost everyone else will be in black.  Because even when the future’s about to smack you in the face, you still need to take a moment for the present.

And in this present moment?  It’s time for more chocolate, a quick run through my to-do list, and a brisk walk in the snow with my spouse.

How about you?

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