When I sat down to write this post, it was to say I’m sorry.
Sorry that I have been MIA for the last week.
Sorry that I missed many of my usual posts during the week.
Sorry that I fell off the face of the earth for a while.
I missed many of my regular posts during the week because I didn’t have enough scheduled to automatically post like I normally do.
I feel out of touch with all of you.
But I also have realized that this week was exactly what I needed.
As many of you already know, Last Wednesday we boarded a plane and left the cold of Wisconsin behind, headed for sunny Florida to visit friends. The day we flew out, by the time we landed, everyone back home was digging out from the first snowstorm of the year… to the tune of 8+ inches of snow.
Without even trying, I ended up taking a break from a lot of social media, only posting a handful of pictures, usually a day or so after they were taken. We spent the days exploring, discovering and experiencing so many new things.
My husband put his feet in the ocean for the first time EVER.
We were able to watch a SpaceX rocket launch at Port Canaveral – from the beach near the Cape Canaveral pier. A completely different experience from watching it on TV!
We tried new foods! Fried Gator anyone?
Although we never actually visited INSIDE the parks at Disney, we had the opportunity to meet several characters at Brunch, visits several of the resorts to check out holiday decorations and do a little shopping.
Now, as I sit here outside, enjoying my temporary office overlooking the pond and watching John work to capture pictures of the wildlife around the pond, I realized this week was exactly what we needed. 
Sometimes, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is exactly what we all need to regroup, recharge and refocus. The body and soul craves it.
According to several recent surveys, the average U.S. employee only takes half of their allotted vacation time *and often feels guilty about doing it). Not surprising, they are also suffering from being overworked, overwhelmed and over stressed.
Even among those who actually DO go on vacation, three out of five admitted to doing some work while they are away from work. About 25% were also contacted by a coworker while they were on vacation, and 20 percent were even contacted by their supervisor about a work-related issue. No wonder why we feel like we can’t (or shouldn’t) take time off from work
It’s time we say “enough is enough” and learn to put our needs first. Taking time off is good for your mental and physical health, and you can come back more productive and effective. It’s a win-win. When you spend that time with family and friends, it is that much better!
Yes, I did spend some time working during the week, but time spent at the computer was minimal. The majority of the work will wait until I get back home. Some of you may say that this post can be called work, but in my mind, it’s more of a self reflection post and a reminder to you that the work CAN wait. Get out and enjoy time away from the office.
You body and soul will thank you for it!
Now I’m going to enjoy the warm weather for the day before heading home to the 2nd snowstorm of the year and a potential 10-12+ inches of snow, to be followed by below zero temps….
And book a return trip to Florida for January 2018!
Better thought? The house across the pond is for sale…