Vacations

I have always looked forward to vacations. Time to take a break, to reflect, to recharge your battery as you move on.

The best vacations have been those where there has been quiet time interspred with partying with friends, reminiscing about old times and thinking of times ahead. They say what you do on vacation is representative of what you value in life. Since there is no pressure, no expectation, what you do at this time is what you do if you didnt have to work to earn a living. What have I done in the past few vacations. Travelled, caught up on reading, watched movies, and also written diaries. This blog was born on a vacation- the time between my final exams and date of graduation from Harvard.

Sometimes, I have consciously cut myself from some of the social occasions just to spend more time at home- either at the computer writing or with my wife. I find this 'downtime' reinvigorating. In fact, this is the time I think I 'work' the hardest- think about key decisions for the year- what do I need to concentrating on- in terms of time and effort. I find this a worthwhile exercise and best done either alone or in the company of my wife. Anybody else only clouds the decision making process.

This time around, I have read or rather re-read some of my old books- The Alchemist, Seven Habits, One Minute Manager, The Hungry Spirit, and reconnected back with some of my very old friends. Also watched Memoirs of a Geisha, Forrest Gump and the famous Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra. I cant believe Ive been on vacation only for a week.

I'd love to be on more such vacations. And given the temperate winter so far, I wouldnt mind spending Christmas and New Year in Boston!