Got an e-mail this morning from an HR type warning me that I had accrued so much vacation time that if I didn't start using it, I was going to lose some in October.

That reflects the general fact that I don't take a huge amount of vacation time, but also the specific situation that for the last three years I've really taken far fewer weekend road trips than I used to. Just one con since I started the new job (Dragon*Con, since I'd already paid for the ticket, I think, and had enough points for a free room, if I recall correctly) and far fewer hockey road trips than I used to take.

Part of that is adopting a dog a year and a half ago. I can't just up and drive to New England or Albany or wherever for a couple of hockey games. And part of it has been not being in a position to spend the money.

The good news is that I already have several vacation days planned over the next several weeks, including a road trip to Toronto for an alumni event, and the lady who e-mailed this morning confirmed that, after I use those, I'm safe.