What is relaxing to you?
For several years I have been coming to Las Vegas for work to attend a conference on computer networking.
It's my job, it's what I do.
Because of the current issues with the economy, having work foot the bill for the conference was out. Since I have been in "Sin City" annually I decided to pay for this years trip myself and once again head to the conference.
Now some of you may think that my trip to Las Vegas is just an excuse to party on the company's dime. Those of you who know me are aware that this is not the case. I don't drink, and I have not dropped a dime gambling for probably 20 years now.
This is not to say that I don't enjoy Las Vegas. It's actually fun to see all of the casino's and the crazy people who visit them. There are other things to do here other then lose money and get drunk.
During my previous trips to Las Vegas for work I felt pressure to hit the conference daily and to work hard at learning all I could since that was what I was being sent to do.
This trip was different.
Since I am paying the bill, and taking my vacation time to be here, the load has been lifted and I feel more relaxed. This time I am here for me, not work.
Once I made this realization I decided to do more relaxing, and less work-related things.
Many of my previous vacations always seem to be on some sort of schedule. Be someplace at a certain time, and hurry up and have fun!
Today I cruised the conference floor with a passing glance at the same old thing. I have never failed to scour the showroom floor in previous years to uncover that one new technology that might be what we need. This year, I could care less.
Is that sad? My heart was just not in it. I was not here to work, I was here to relax!
So far I have spent a lot of time in my room. Watching TV and working on my computer. I'm sure this sounds horrible to many of you, but it's what I enjoy doing.
Although I do work on my computer and watch TV at home, I rarely get days of quiet time where work, family, and other external issues don't interrupt.
Now don't get me wrong, I love my family, and enjoy my work, but having some "me" time has been nice for a change.
Tonight a friend I met here a few years ago is flying in and we'll be hitting the town tonight and the conference in the morning. I'm sure I'll be in full geek mode then, but so far it's just been relaxing.
However, this has got me thinking...
If work will not spring for this trip next year, do I still take it? Is this truly where I would like to relax, or would I rather head to someplace like Hawaii or Mexico and do some diving?
This brings me to the point of this message.
If you could go somewhere without any other obligations, leaving work and family behind, where would you go? What would be relaxing to you?
I'd love to read comments from people who really think about this...
