My Life Would Suck Without...

Winter Weather Advisory

Back in Texas if the streets were icy, school was closed. If "snow" was anywhere mentioned in the forecast, things shut down. If the temperature dropped below 30, it was time to stay in and drink hot chocolate.

But oh, how the midwest views things differently. I suppose I'm in the dead of winter. So far, I've spent 3 hours traveling 20 miles, had to dig my car out from under 10 inches of snow and braved -10 degree temperatures. Winter has been a brutal mistress. I will no longer complain about the 3 week Austin winters but you really haven't lived until your car has slid out of your control into the stationary vehicle in front of you.

I find it interesting that I'm that guy from Texas that is so ill-prepared for cold weather. Everyone complains about the cold and the snow, but when I do it becomes, "Oh that's right you're from Texas!".

But the snow will still fall and the temperatures will still plummet and all of this will be miserable -- for a time. The misery of winter reminds me that in a few months time the snow will thaw, the mercury will steadily rise, and the world will continue to spin.

Vacation Wrap-up

While riffling through the 20 or so pictures I took during break I wondered, what is the purpose of vacation? Ostensibly, it's to provide a much needed break from -- whatever. Work, kids, responsibility, life, who knows what. But since when did vacation become an emotionally and physically taxing journey from one geographic location to another?

Disclaimer: I don't want to sound like I'm complaining about having time off. I absolutely adore it.

My vacation began with two days of doing nothing here in Chicago. The city was in a deep freeze and due to a schedule snafu I ended up being here holed up in my house trying to barricade myself from the (literal) sub-zero temperatures.

Which brings us to the actual vacation. Wikipedia defines it as a leave of absence from regular occupation for rest or recreation. I think often times it serves as a break from typical routine. It has the somewhat catch-22 effect of making you appreciate your day-to-day life while still making you desire the life you have in your off-time. Example: I could spend my days lounging about with my friends, eating a great restaurants and living in leisure, but golly, I can't wait to get back home to Chicago!

Over the break I had the opportunity to strengthen friendships that had been somewhat dormant. I also had a unique experience that left me both exhilarated and saddened. At risk of being too vague, I will simply leave it at that. Suffice to say this leave of absence has not left me quite centered. I still feel emotionally and mentally a bit disquieted, especially as I sit here in my house, once again all but abandoned, left only with my wandering thoughts.

As my bags lay at the door, still packed, jammed with a whirlwind of memories and gifts in need of exchanging, I still look forward to that tiny slice of rest and recreation.