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Coming Home

My sabbatical was amazing. I highly recommend taking some extended time off when life permits - which I know is not easy for everyone to do, so I feel very blessed. Whether you stay at home, volunteer in your neighborhood, or travel the world - take time off to rest your body and mind. As a nation, we work too much and too hard for too many hours.

Traveling to nations that have 2,000 years of history seems to give the modern day inhabitants the right frame of mind – life is a marathon, not a sprint, so take time each day to enjoy life and all that you have. Life is not all about work and collecting “things,” but about so much more. After traveling around the world, it became clear to me that many Americans just don’t get it. We are so focused on being the best, brightest, strongest and often the loudest, that life slips by, stress increases and we miss the important things….

All of my research in graduate school and during the last year with my former employer on the subject of “management” tools like employee sabbaticals was truly academic. Until I decided to take two months off and travel, I did not fully realize the value that comes by taking time to rest, think, and absorb the world in a way that is not always possible when life is a blur whirling and whizzing past us.

My research on sabbaticals suggested that even three weeks is not enough time to refresh – more time is required. I agree. It was not until the third week of my sabbatical that my mind began to rest and forget about all of the details of daily life (many of which are really unimportant, like whether I remembered to wash the whites in hot water). I finally had time to absorb the world around me in new ways – allowing myself to see and experience people, buildings, foods, nature and even human commotion and interactions in ways that I had not experienced prior. More importantly, I had time to reflect and think about what comes next in my life.

Like many Americans, I started working when I was 14 (during high school) and have had at least one job ever since. I never took any real “break” from working or school (or, in most cases, from working and school at the same time). After 29 years of working and 5 degrees later, I found myself slipping down a mountain of diminishing returns in all areas of my life – personal and professional – and at an alarming rate. Stress had sparked a number of changes and bad decisions, including failing to exercise enough, eating too much take-out, and gaining weight (shocking, given the other choices).

The last three years have been particularly challenging, including a demanding job, my only brother’s brain cancer diagnosis, my brother-in-law’s diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and my father’s diagnosis with bladder cancer, and my partner’s move to another state for a great job (requiring more than two years of weekly commuting by plane), finishing a doctorate in another city which required even more weekly flights (and was, perhaps, not the best choice in hindsight), and the loss of two old friends who were taken from life suddenly and far too soon (at ages 43 and 38). Many thought I was crazy, having just been offered a great promotion to a job with more money, greater authority and responsibility.

Perhaps out of sheer laziness, I decided to resign from my job, take a lengthy break and focus on what could (not necessarily what “should”) come next in my life. Blessed with a partner of remarkable understanding and strength, and a professional opportunity (that came out of nowhere) to join a start-up company with a progressive boss who went through a rough time the year prior, I embarked on a new venture – an extended break at age 42 (which ratcheted-up to age 43 during the break) to allow me to redefine my life moving forward.

My travels have been many over the past 20 years (again, I am lucky to have traveled the world) and have included nearly all continents and about 30 countries, but never all at once and for an extended time period – away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Having never back-packed through Europe at less mature age, I thought, “Why not try that at this stage of life?”

After weeks of travel, 8 countries, and too many flights, taxis and hotel rooms to count, I pulled out my laptop on the flight home to reflect about what learned on my sabbatical....

Here are those thoughts:

· First, the world is huge and fascinating, and should be experienced with an open mind.

· People are not all that different, just their behaviors differ, and that’s a good thing.

· The French should learn more about air conditioning – and deodorant.

· Prague really may be the prettiest city on Earth, but alas, I have not seen them all (yet).

· A bucket list is required in life. Write it down and start tackling it.

· The Irish really do love their pubs. And, I get why.

· Scottish men really do wear kilts. And, more men should do the same. Lighten up, guys.

· The Flemish love chocolate and beer as much as advertised. Probably more.

· Lance Armstrong is indeed one of the greatest athletes – and survivors - in the world.

· Cancer totally sucks. Life should focus on not getting it, rather than fighting it. Duly noted.

· Health is fundamentally important. Work out and make good food choices. Seriously.

· Meditation is far harder than it looks. Seriously.

· Yoga helps free the mind and nimble the body. And, meditation is still hard.

· People on flights should be more considerate when walking the isles. Baggage hurts.

· People in general should be more considerate of fellow humans.

· Beer is good, but water is better. Again, health is all about the right choices.

· Stress really clouds one’s judgment and inhibits good health. Eliminate it – the best you can.

· Begin your day with a fresh, new perspective.

· Don’t hold onto grudges or bad feelings. They only bring you down.

· Almost any moment can be filled with fun if you reframe your perspective, just slightly.

· Laugh as much as possible – and as often as possible, but not at others’ misfortune.

· The French really do know how to live. And, they have amazing cheese, bread and wine.

· Taking time off can help put life into better focus.

· There is no real reason for war, discord or religious intolerance.

Again, the world is huge and people are really not that different – there is room for all of us

Arizona

I'm now in Arizona with my brother Doug and his wife Gina. Great times for sure!

Day 39

So, the sabbatical is on Day 39 and still going strong....

Am I ready to return to the States? Well, The Fringe has certainly kept my attention, but life calls and my partner and family are deep in my hearts.... Time to return to the States, but not yet time to leave the sabbatical.

I'm off to the Republic of Texas (the small country in the United States) to see my partner for a few days, then to Arizona to see my brother and his wife (and their three terrific dogs, Buddy, Katie and Jessie). So, another couple weeks to the sabbatical to round out two months of travel.

I just wonder if Scotland has taken hold of me. I'm starting to use the words "wee" and "grand" in sentences now. Love it. But, never say, "Let's stop for a wee little cup of tea." That is like saying a double negative in this nation - a true faux pas....

Fortunately, the local Scots have spoken very slowly for us Americans. The accent can be a bit hard to understand when they speak at normal cadence! But, we love them (and their tartan plaids said the preppy from New England) anyway....

Cheers, Scotland and thank you for a truly AMAZING visit. And, thank you to Ambassador Mark MacLeod for putting Scotland's best foot forward for us. A word to the curious traveler - skip London, Paris, Dublin, Nice, Cannes, St. Tropez, Provence, Prague and Monaco. Just come to Edinburgh - it is like butter, but better....

Just imagine....

Just imagine. A place where history meets contemporary art and culture - and purple and pink cows.... Where international artists meet for one entire month to show their talents and entertain strangers (and trust me, the talent is unbelievable).

Imagine a place where bagpipers meet comediens and co-exist happily and where old meets new. That is, my friends, The Fringe. If you love the arts - of all types - then you must visit Edinburgh in August. It is like a panopoly of imagination for the senses. And, for an uber extrovert like myself, it is a place where one can meet people from across the globe from all walks of life - who are most happy to chat for as long as an extrovert wants. The entire experience will make you smile.... And, isn't that what life is really all about?

Just take a look....

New Friends!

Those who know me understand that I talk to everyone - a true extrovert.... We met a new friend in Scotland named Mark MacLeod. Mark was a Bobby Jones Scholar at Emory (which basically means he is really smart) and we linked up through my partner Phil who met Mark a couple years ago. Great guy and wonderful ambassador for Scotland!

The Fringe and Baby Wants Candy

Every year in August, the city of Edinburgh transforms into an international site of all things artistic... Where else could you meet a tuxedo-wearing goldfish (Jenny loved him), two red dress wearing jugglers on ladders (yes, the one on the left is a man), and a variety of other even stranger characters.

From sun-up past sundown each day for a month, Edinburgh is the stage for shows from cabaret to theater to improv - and even burlesque!

We saw the improv show "Baby Wants Candy" and I nearly wet myself several times during the show. Imagine a performance where the audience selects the title of the show (our selection was "Get Lost") and the five improv artists and their four-person band put together an improv musical for 90 minutes - on the spot, with dialogue, dancing and singing. True talent, folks. Really incredible and one of the funniest shows I have ever seen (courtesy of the Second City Improv Group in Chicago, where Tina Fey got her start). And yes, this big 40+ year old baby loved that candy - laughter for 90 minutes (I think I added a few years to my life).....

Castles, coast and more....

Edinburgh really does have it all....

Edinburgh (aka, Edinborough)

Imagine taking the friendliness of Ireland, the architecture of Prague, the glamour of London, the sophistication of Paris and combining them all into one place. Bingo. You would have Edinburgh, Scotland. This city is truly "all that, and a bag of chips...." The people are amazingly friendly and have the quickest wit (a tad sarcastic, which of course I applaud)....

The Scots are still governed by the British, so their queen is "the" queen. They have not sought independence from Britain in the same way Ireland did. So, there is very much a love/hate relationship with the Brits. But, the Scots (as far as I can tell) love America and Americans (despite the Bush years).

If you want warm hearts in a cool country (with really great quality air, by the way), then visit Scotland. Just do it before November since it gets dark at 3pm....

Have I mentioned the pubs?

Irish music, a good friend (Jenny), a new friend named Vincent full of 1,000 funny jokes, and a few Guinness pints....

Priceless.

Pubs, Bikes and Guinness

Visiting the pubs in Dublin certainly helps the local economy, and as believers in that effort, Jenny and I have done our part. But, to take in more local culture, we also took a three hour bike tour of Dublin with a new company (see photo) opened by two brothers about two months ago - Dublin by Bike Tours.

Ronan and Ciaryn (the brothers) were delightful hosts to two Americans today and showed us the sites - from the new amazing arena for football (the European kind) and rugby to the local sites like the parks, canals, public art, and Georgian architecture....

We also visited the Oscar Wilde sculpture in the park - what a hoot he was.... And, we rode to the Irish sea. Pretty cool indeed.

Kilmainham Jail - Dublin

So, today was spent touring in Dublin. The Guinness family did a wonderful service to the country and the world in creating their product. To support the local economy, we have purchased a few of the Guinness products this week.

Jenny and I have tried to integrate into the Dublin community, and the best way to do that is through the local pubs....

But, between pubs, we visited the Dublin jail and took a tour. What an emotional visit - learning about the Irish quest for independence from the British. Struggle after struggle ensued during the 1800's and early 1900's and all were squelched by the British and those responsible for the rebellions were executed at Kilmainham prison. In total, 14 men were executed here through the early 1900's. Very sad. Death by hanging (some on the two-foot rope, which was reserved for the political prisoners) or firing squad. The rebellion of 1916 finally found a stronghold for the Irish and in the mid-1920's they were able to sign a treaty with the British for independence (economic, not complete political independence). It was not until the 1940's that the rest of the world took the Republic of Ireland seriously as a country.

Kilmainham was eventually closed, but the memories of the struggles with the British are still very much alive in Ireland. And, in the "north" there are still six counties under formal British rule (including Belfast) where the Irish still hold UK passports.

Day 30 - More Research

Today marked 30 continuous days of travel abroad on my sabbatical.

Am I bored yet? Nope. Not even close.

Do I want to return to the States? Eventually to see Phil and my brother, but still loving the sabbatical.

Do I know what day it is? Yes. I have had to schedule a few conference calls, so I had to start using my work calendar again.

Am I still on email? Yup, but primarily to keep in touch with good friends and family.

What do I miss? English speaking countries. Although I speak French, it is calming to be in a country where your native language is spoken. This experience has made me think about all of the immigrants living in the United States who live in a nation with a different tongue. It must be very difficult to assimilate and feel comfortable. And, with the Arizona immigration law hot on the news, it brings to light the many issues involved when cultures and languages meet (or clash). Interesting issues to debate, for sure....

Arriving to Ireland

Phil flew back to the States today, but I am remaining in Europe, but slowly moving back to the central time zone, i.e., losing an hour by flying to Ireland.

My classmate Jenny (totally brilliant woman) from our graduate program at the University of Pennsylvania met me here today to spend some time among the Irish. This has to be the friendliest nation on Earth. And, they make Guinness beer here, so to support the local economy, we felt obliged to have a few at O'Donohues Pub. Very nice. Very refreshing. Very Irish.

Looking forward to a few days in Ireland followed by the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh....

Good News

My brother is home, resting and becoming restless (which is a good sign, because it means he is bored and wants to do more). We are chatting every day and he sounds great. Once again, I have to say Cancer Sucks. Although the recent turmoil and brain surgery in his life was not caused by tumor re-growth, his body has been through so much that it certainly did not help the situation.... Doug is getting stronger and continues to fight. Keep it up, bro - keep it up.

Peace

After a couple of sobering days in Normandy, we traveled back to Paris (again, with me driving, which is always an interesting adventure) and I saw this shirt in a store window in Saint Germain de Pris. Interesting, thought-provoking, timely and powerful....

A Powerful Remembrance

We drove the winding road from Bayeux to Omaha Beach to see the site of the D-Day battles and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial (where 9,500 American soldiers were laid to rest). The site and experience was both powerful and sobering. To see the beaches left us speechless. The beaches are vast and the cliffs are high - the American, British and Canadian soldiers who arrived by boat were easy targets for the Germans and by all accounts it is amazing that we won the battles there. The topography leaves you stunned at the sheer bravery of the soldiers who arrived and fought to overcome the enemy. The photos are emotion-provoking, but visiting in person makes one understand better the sacrifice involved for these young, brave men (as there were no women in combat at that time). Having served in the U.S. Army (although never in combat or a combat profession), I was in awe at the stories of these heroes - to whom France and the rest of the free world owe so much. The visitor books at the memorial were somber, as those who signed could also add a few words next to their names. Most just wrote, "Thank you for what you gave" and messages of a similar ilk....

Caen and Bayeux

To the northwest of Paris and Versailles is the French area known as Normandy. This coastal area is best known for the D-Day battles in 1944. We traveled the two hours from Versailles to Normandy to spend a couple of days in the northern country and visit the D-Day beaches and memorials.

We traveled by car to see both Caen and Bayeaux. Now, the only car to rent in Versailles was a standard transmission and Phil does not drive a standard. Thus, I was relegated to the driver's seat, which is rare as I'm not normally allowed to drive (lots of reasons for this, but I shouldn't admit them on a blog).... We arrived safely to two of the friendliest towns in all of France. And, both are very beautiful and were spared the ravages of the war. A peaceful visit to a wonderful coastal area....

Versailles Art

Versailles isn't all about Louis the XIV.... There are some great art galleries in the town, as well.

More Versailles

The place is just too beautiful not to share a few more photos....

Versailles

We traveled from (the complete blur of) Paris to Versailles - a quick 30 minute train ride outside of town.

Louis XIV totally knew how to live it up - an amazing "villa" (also known as a chateaux) on the outskirts of Paris. And, he even built a summer house for Marie Antoinette, which is only about a 20 minute walk from the main estate. So, when Marie got sick of her high-heel wearing husband, she could take a carriage ride for about 10 minutes and be at her own summer estate. How cool is that?

Pooh (see prior blog entry for embarrsing self-disclosure about Pooh) made it safely to Versailles and, once again, embarrassed his two "40-something" owners by appearing in public for a photo op on the front grounds of the palace....

My dear friend from high school (Heather) reminded me today that she has photos of me at Versailles from 9th grade during a trip we both took with a high school group (a school that shall remain nameless, as I did not enjoy those four years very much). That trip, however, was tremendous fun and Heather's message today reminded me of one of the great times I had during high school. I believe I discovered wine then, too. Thanks Allen (aka, my father who likes that we have been on a first-name basis since I was in high school) for sending me to France at such an early age with a laissez-faire French teacher!

Remember - live every day as if it is your last, because one day you will be right.

Kick Butt Golden Gal

Now really, how awesome was Joan of Arc (Jean d'Arc in French). I mean, seriously - a woman who was petite took on a revolution and won - way before Sarah Palin ever stepped foot on a stage to make a complete fool of herself.

Joan - you rock and totally deserve a gold statue in the middle of Paris.

Making the Most of Life

Since moving to Texas (well, actually since starting to commute to Texas 2.5 years ago when Phil took the job at LIVESTRONG to work for Lance Armstrong), I have been fortunate to meet a number of amazing people. One of those people is Helen Knost (and you have to love the fact that Helen requires people to say the "K" in her name, so it is Ka-Nost).... Helen is a THREE time cancer survivor. Can you imagine that - three times she has beaten the disease that sucks. She is an amazing woman and makes every moment count.

To meet Helen is to experience a breath of fresh air - someone who simply makes you feel better and happy just by being in her presence.

Cheers to you, Helen - and happy 40th birthday (spent in France, no less - how awesome is she)? And yes, John - Helen does deserve a diamond that big!!!!

Good Friends and Paris

This experience has been such an eye-opening reminder as to what life is really about - spending time with good friends, family and health.... And Paris, that ain't so bad either. I'm very lucky indeed. Oh, and Kathleen is the really pretty one....

PS - while I was in the streets with my friends (sweating and battling the crowds -in Paris, so I don't expect sympathy), Phil was in the private Grand Stand on the Champs Elysee, so that's why he is not in the photo. So, don't fret - poor Phil was having a rocking time (and arrived home from the Radio Shack Team party at 0400 hrs....).

The Tour - Final Stage

Well, Contidor won it again. Lucky Spaniard. But, Lance and Team Radio Shack took the team title and teamwork is what it is all about - lest Contador remeber that....

On the final day, I hung out with my pal John from Austin (a brilliant tech dude) and we walked the streets of Paris - up to L'Arc de Triomph and around the circle to cross the Champs and ramble about. Yes, we may have ordered a few beers along the way. In honor of Lance, of course, since it is his last Tour de France. John, however, would not let me go to the bathroom until I ordered his beer. The French language makes him a bit nervous.

We enjoyed the "entree" into Paris and then headed for a bistro. As cycling enthusiasts know, the last day of the Tour is really just ceremonial. The race is won on the preceding stages. But, the cyclists enter Paris and then do nine laps around the city in a spectacle that becomes a blur. So, we figured it was best to watch the final couple of laps on TV while enjoying a bottle of French water (aka, vin blanc). Lovely, indeed. Cavendish took the stage win and we were so happy - at least Contador didn't win the Paris stage....

For those who may want to come to the Tour, remember a few key pieces of advice: It is really hot in France and there is not much AC (or deoderant for that matter); dress in comfortable shoes (the French don't - they always wear Prada or high heels); expect huge crowds (refer back to my deoderant message); learn to love fanatics (they are way beyond Gator football fans, which includes me); and, above all, prepared to drink too much wine (it is literally cheaper than buying a 1.5 litre bottle of water).... Oh, and plan a 12-week detox when you return. This country really does like it's wine....