The Best Of Times

Ok, I admit it. I really, really, really needed a vacation. So much so, that I even used that as a tagline at on an invitation. This was a two-part vacation. First, my friend Jon got married in Shanghai, so I traveled from San Diego to Chicago to Shanghai for the event. I wasn't really prepared for the driving conditions in China. In fact, the taxi ride was one of the most death-defying stunts I have undertaken in my lifetime. Yes, I lead a relatively boring life. Despite the road conditions, it was a wonderful visit to Shanghai. Though it was a bit hot, humid, and smoggy, it was a great trip. Jon had a traditional Chinese wedding, which was deep in ceremony. Though we had a lot of things to prepare, Jon managed to pack in a lot of sightseeing, great meals, and a lot of fun for all of us into a short weekend.

As a graduation present, I took my young friend James along with me for an adventure across the USA. I started this trip on the day that I got back from Shanghai. In my delirious state, I originally thought that keeping up with a teenager would be a bit of a problem for an aging guy like me. I was able to hold my own for the trip, and I think I surprised James a bit with my resilience. For the first time in a couple of years, I felt like I was finally getting some needed time away from the pressures of work. I also think that James probably needed a vacation just as much as I did. We ate at some of the finest restaurants in Dallas and Atlanta, and got a couple of burgers and pie in New Haven. Of course, we had to stop by the Space Needle in Seattle once again to get a souvenir photo as we did a couple of years ago.

What matters most is the fact that I got to spend a couple of weeks with my best friends. Even though I went to all of the corners of the USA and halfway around the world, the destinations were basically the backdrop. It is important to keep up with everyone, and as a road warrior, I'm one of a few people that has the means to literally meet with my friends anytime or anywhere.

It's always hard to get back into the daily grind after a nice long vacation, but it's that time again. In my absence, I've got a job promotion and moved offices. In addition, I've got a lot of stuff to do at home to catch up from my two-week absence. I must admit, with all of this going on, I've got to take vacations more often. I might even become the President of the company if I stay out for a month... See ya.