The perils of returning from vacation are both uncertain and unavoidable. I, being one that makes sure my desk is neat and all the filing is done prior to partaking in a few days off, find it real hard to face the reality of the full inbox of email and the twenty-some faxes that were available for my immediate attention as soon as 9AM Monday roled around. It kind of takes the fun out of going away...knowing your desk will be full when you return..... but there is nothing like a real nice "no phones", "no paperwork", "read a good book" holiday that rekindles the mind and refreshes the soul. That is how I spent the weekend. I read few newspapers, never looked at a computer, made only two phone calls to friends and family and napped. It was perfect.
I caught up with some old friends, cooked and grilled on the campfire, slept later than usual, went to a friend's graduation party and played with my grandchildren. It was a dream come true. Family members came and went, ate and napped, talked and laughed and friends dropped in. Saw a few fireworks, listened to some American classical music, basked in more than a few sun rays and did some gardening....oh and we can't forget the yard sale time either. All in all, it was successful.....peaceful and very, very relaxing. It was perfect.
Upon my return this morning, I immediately refocused and made sure that all that was left not handled during my two day absence was handled. Returning phone calls, answering emails and sending out reports and faxes. It seems that people want you to do more when they know you are not around to say "no".... isn't that always the way. I did prevail however and manage the piles of mail (it is incredible the amount of junk mail you get these days), the unanswered phone calls and the emails. Tackled a couple of problems, sent out a few letters and cleaned out my In-box.
I researched and wrote an article on the impact of the increasing fuel prices and the fall of the stock market will have on the small farmer and your marketplace. It seems we just can't get away from all that jazz. I listened to a young, healthy person complain that they had to walk to the post office..... they seemed capable and I had to bite my tongue..... it seemed like a nice idea to me....that is to walk the two blocks to the post office. I walk it often. I reflected on the news and recent articles that came to my attention and listened to some music while typing. I talked to a couple of clients and made plans for the week...I also made an appointment to get my car tuned up and an oil change. Two of my grandchildren stopped in and I walked the oldest to the YMCA for Kinder Kamp.
So that has been today..... from the perfect 4th of July weekend to the above normal activity of my office.... the pleasantries of visitors and grandchildren, conversations and planning and seeing accomplishments. So I am a bit more busy. So I will have to catch up for a couple of days.... at least I know that it is on the heels of a perfect weekend at the camp One certain thing about this life is that I am allowed to enjoy, take time off and relax. We are also allowed our opinions and our ideas.... we are allowed to speak freely and create without fear. That is the true reason for this past weekend. Every 4th of July we should remember and reflect on that.
Be thankful for the quiet times and family times, be grateful you are working and productive and remember to celebrate our humble beginnings as a country. You may not agree with everything that makes up the whole of America....but you do have to agree it is a great place to live.
