It is August 24 and I have not taken a summer vacation yet, what's wrong with me?
I did not take any other break in 2009 and no real break in 2008 either I have to confess.
I looked with envy at those sporting a tan and moving at a nonchalant pace on Sunday while doing my errands.
OK, the tan might be fake but the pace was not.
It is especially ironic for me to acknowledge my constant buzzing (activity) when I offered No Vacation Nation as a Topic for a Panel at South by Southwest 2010.
So why have I not taken a vacation yet.
First in my current occupations (concierge/ waiter), there is no paid vacation to speak of.
Second, I did not stash money in the vacation savings plan to make up for the lack of paid vacation money.
Third, I could have made different spending choices to give me the wiggle room necessary.
Fourth, recognizing my shortcomings, it is not too late to start now and make it happen in the future.
What can be called a vacation first?
I would say no less than a week, two is better, first 7 days to unwind and second part to really rest.
What not to do?
Like myself wait until both your body and your brain ache for a break.
We can always work more, longer but we cannot make up for time spent with loved ones as the people at Take Back Your Time remind us (illustration below copyright Amber Venaas).
Oh, by the way, unusual as it might sound for me, I took baby steps in my struggle with free time.
I am going away to Vermont this coming week end.
I might learn to move at a cow's pace.
An out of balance Monday Work Etiquette # 104