I've been working here more than a year, but since a good chunk of that, 10 months or so, was as a contractor and I didn't accrue PTO or vacation time, I didn't take any vacations. NO VACATION FOR MORE THAN A YEAR!!!

I haven't had any time off other than regular US holidays since I started. I've been to Philadelphia and Seattle for work, but nothing really for pleasure except a weekend in DC on the way back from Philly.

That's a lot of time for anyone with no vacation, but for someone like me, it's a fucking eternity. I need to recharge and decompress, go out and see the world again.

So I'm off to Costa Rica with Jennifer for 10 days at the beginning of December. I've never been there. Hadn't really ever thought of going to be honest. But since I'm already going to Ft. Lauderdale the weekend before for a Christmas party, it's only a short hop, less than 3 hours to San Jose.

Everyone I've talked to who's been there has nothing but good things to say. Beaches. Waves. Volcanoes. Cloud Forest. What's not to like? I think the reason I never thought of going is that is such a popular destination for Americans and I prefer to travel off the beaten path a little.

At this point, anywhere that takes me away from work for 10 days would be a blessing.

Next decision: Film? Digital? Both?