Stop and Smell the Roses

I realize that it has been a while since my last blog. Trust me this is not by choice. On these chilly autumn days, there is nothing I would rather do than sit in my chair, covered in my ultra-plush blanket, and watch the leaves fall as I sip spicy flavored coffees and write. But alas, a little thing called responsibility always rears its ugly head! Yup, despite my recent conviction to spend more time on my personal artistic endeavors, I still fall prey to the beast that is Work.

I am not complaining, though. I love my work. I thank my lucky stars everyday that I have a career that I enjoy. And I refuse to call it a "job." Since I think of a job as labor you have to do, begrudgingly, everyday in order to make money. I am lucky enough to not currently fall in this category. I work in the field that I adore, one I pursued an education for. I work with wonderful people, and the daily excitement of running a television station never disappoints.

Recently our office has been amped up, as we accomplish some big projects. When it comes to to this, I also am so grateful for the ability to be the decision maker. Ok, I know you think I am just saying that I like to be the boss, because by nature I have a bossy personality. While I am not denying this latter fact, I promise you that my affinity for being a manager is so much more. I love that my ideas, my "big-picture" goals if you will, are the driving force for the future of the station. And seeing them continually coming to fruition is mind blowing. Making such contributions gives me a distinct sense of accomplishment. Creation, in any form, is my high.

So my usual eight hour work days have been slowly trickling into ten and twelve hours. And somehow I find myself working on things at home on the weekends. But in the end it is all worth it. I know that once this busy period culminates, not only will the fruits of my labor make it all worth while, but so will the period of rest waiting for me on the other side.

That's right, I have already planned how I will reward myself! When work calms down it will nicely coincide with my husband's birthday. And what better way to celebrate than to get away, out of the city, for a weekend! We will head North, just Ken and myself, with our beloved dogs, and spend a long weekend at a lake house. I will be able to rest, relax, enjoy the company of my husband, and focus on my recently forsaken interests. I can already tell you what our daily schedule will consist of: Sleeping in, cooking a big breakfast, hiking with our dogs, kayaking, taking some photographs, writing a bit, making a campfire, and enjoying late night conversations with each other. Now this is a twelve hour day I could get used to! Really taking time to just enjoy each other, enjoy nature, enjoy life!

I know there are a lot of you who can relate. For many of us work always seems to dominate. As I grow older, I realize that sometimes one can try so hard to succeed in life, that they never actually live it. Sayings like, "It's all in the details" and "Make time to stop and smell the roses," were coined for a reason you know! Little pearls of truthful wisdom I would say! That is why I would like to remind everyone to take time out and appreciate what is really important to you. Reward yourselves and don't apologize for it! Experience and enjoy the little things in life that matter to you. The things you don't have time for during the hectic work week. Focus on your details people, find your roses. Don't let life pass you by.