Cornmeal and Ricotta Waffles with Candied Bacon Recipe

It's the last day of 2013, and it's the second week of my paid vacation. That, alone, is a lot to be thankful for. For 20 years, I was self-employed and while I loved the idea of being my own boss, being able to take a vacation was as scarce as snow falling on the Central Coast of California (where we live). I count my blessings that I took a leap of faith, and applied for a job at a school district, in 2006-- and got it!

Not only do I love working with high school students, and a great staff of teachers-- I also have the benefit of paid vacations (and health benefits and a pension).

Craig and I feel very thankful that we take at least one vacation, per year, that involves checking into an airport and flying to places like…