As we are winding down our summer vacation, I thought that I would share a few thoughts from or post vacation. These will be in no order and may only be simple thoughts.

• This was the first time in my professional career, that I was ever able to take off more than 5 business days at a time.
• There were a lot of laughs and some tears (future blog post).
• We had a great time going to several different beaches in North Carolina.
• I was able to take my son’s where I went to college at UNCW
• We were able to go by Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Shop & if you don’t know about them, you are missing out. Great coffee and an even better cause!
• Ran into a high school friend.
• Saw family.
• Forgot how much I miss living in North Carolina
• 1 word BBQ! If you love BBQ and haven’t been to Sam’s Jones BBQ, shame on you.
• Relaxation – something that I have been desperately needing.

So those are just a few thoughts from the trip. There will be more added I am sure, but it was good to get away. And something that has become a tradition with us, is that before we got home, we already planned out not 1, but 3 possible trips.

1 – back to North Carolina

2 – a quiet getaway for my wife and I, unsure of the destination of that one.

3 – depending on a few things financially, DISNEY, again!

For me, this post vacation recap is more for my own memories. The boys will remember the ocean and playing with their cousins and the water park for sure. For me, it was a time to step away from life and refocus. Think about what I want to do long term with my career. Where do we want to live? What do I want to do and how can I better help others?

A lot of thoughts and discussions were had these last several days. And I truly grateful that I took a longer vacation. Sure, I’ll be further behind at work. But, what is more important? Being behind or spending time with my wife and kids?