Wow... My two weeks' leave is about over. It feels like it just started the other day, and the deadline to sign back in is fast approaching, 11:59:59PM on the 5th.

Looking back, it's been a good two weeks... Just wish I could have them more often.

Even thought I stayed in town, I got to sit back and relax (while still getting PAID, who'da thunk it???) and recharge my batteries a bit. Very needed, as fast as things are going at my unit. My Air Assault school date got pushed up, and then cancelled altogether, until the unit has more $$$...

I got to see my parents again, they got to see and spend some quality time with their granddaughter (even baby-sat one night so the Mrs. and I could have our "Belated Anniversary Dinner" and night out to ourselves)...

My parents brought up a table and chairs set that they've had since before I was born... Lots of memories in the woodwork there...

I finally got a respectable amount of work done on my casemod project, and my first review done for PCApex. I hope I didn't mangle it too badly, I lost the original batch of work when the computer crashed (big, clumsy hands of mine!)

I was able to enjoy getting up at whatever time I wanted, and re-wind my cable company-provided DVR to watch just about every game of the World Cup. Then Brasil got knocked out by France, WTF???

Bottom line, any sort of break from the daily stresses is something everyone should take full advantage of. You're likely not going to feel like you got anything productive done, and the time is going to fly by. Before you know it, you're back to the grind, and itching for yet another vacation, no matter how short.

The thing to remember is this: we all need some sort of break, from time to time. Do something you've been putting off, or something you enjoy, or something you just haven't ever tried, just for the heck of it. Even better, DO NOTHING AT ALL... I know, you'll maybe go crazy doing nothing, especially if you're the type that goes 100mph in four different directions at once. The important thing is that you need to recharge from time to time. Recreation doesn't just mean child's play, it means re-creating yourself, recharging the life force, your mind, your spirit.

No matter what do decide to do while you're on vacation, no matter where you go, make sure that you put work and stress as far from you as possible, and try to enjoy doing something different, or nothing at all... I guarantee you'll feel much better afterwards...

Until next week, folks, stay safe and have fun!

good to hear you had a mostly restful vacation.

i know that i certainly treasure my breaks from stress.

as for staying safe its the 4th of freaking july, i mean we are all pyros on independence day

count your fingers folks, its gonna be a doozy this year

Gramps.........your just gettin older, that's all.......

Glad to see yah back and lookin forward to readin that review..........

hang on ...........we get vacation? i was never told that

You must not have gotten the memo... Sorry, bud, all the vacation slots are taken...

BACK TO THE MINES WITH YOU!!!

TWO WEEKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yuo sure you'll even REMEMBER HOW to work ???? As for wakin' up any time you want , even when I KNOW I dont have to be up I cant sleep in past around 7:30 am .

Glad to hear you had a good vacation, but its over now so

BACK TO WORK YOU DAWG !!!!! ** whip cracks , REPETEDLY ***

cant wait in about two weeks ill be taking 16 days of leave