Until a few days ago, I hadn’t realised how much I was hanging out for this holiday. I can’t remember the exact moment, or what the trigger was, but I suddenly had a moment where I texted my friend Sue, telling her how much I was looking forward to our forthcoming break.
I have fond memories of visiting these locations, though noting it’s several years since I’ve visited many of them. In the case of Bourke, it’s over twenty years since I last visited the place where I once lived. I’m looking forward to catching up with people I know who used to, or still live there.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a “proper holiday”. Though sometimes I’m happy to take a work-related phone call while I’m on leave, this time around, I’ve been doing lots of preparation ahead of time so I don’t have to. Andrew and Rod – a secret, “Editor’s Choice” will be pre-recorded over the next few weeks. Two more to record!
I have been preparing for this holiday with the kind of research I would normally do for an overseas holiday. Friends and colleagues have shared their tips on social media, and I’ve been reading TripAdvisor etc with enthusiasm. Sue and I have pretty much agreed on a schedule which we’re sharing on TripIt which balances our need for a break, as well as some terrific exploration.
“I’ll probably blog a fair bit”, I told friends over lunch on Sunday. “I always find travelling a fairly creative time, and I really enjoy taking photographs and writing”, I added.
This is in contrast to my daily life where I still write a lot, but it’s often quite functional, because it’s work-related.
The balance between work and life seems to be going well. I’m getting up early most days, going for a walk, doing some work, and have settled into a good routine of working and then taking a break. Without the “distractions”, I’m finding that I’m getting more done, and my work has been of a higher quality. Still, there are parts of going into an office that I miss.
The other week a few of us re-connected in the office for lunch. We were all so incredibly excited to be wearing a) collared shirts b) high heels c) lipstick. (though not all at the same time!!!). Since it’s been several months since we’ve seen each other, so there was a natural inclination for a welcome hug which we all resisted.
And so much has happened since then, as we complimented each other on each other’s appearance. Oh, and an unexpected pregnancy in the office too. “I wanted to wait until I saw everyone in real life”, our colleague told us, adding that she was due in early January.
To keep a little bit social, I’ve caught up with a few friends in the last couple of weeks, and have made it part of my routine to pop in to my local pub each week to enjoy lunch.
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