On long weekends

In the haze of busy work weeks, most of which spill into the brainspace we hope to keep for more important things than work, I tend to forget what outside feels like.

I forget what the world outside my office feels like. When I talk to my fellow yuppies during our scheduled sitdowns after work, every 3 weeks or so, I forget that not every organization operates with as much or as little bureaucracy as does mine. I make a point not to use acronyms or industry talk when I get into my own stories, but to be frank I'm the only one who pays that consideration. Whether we admit it or not, people love having a job that other people don't understand, that is the definition of importance. Right? Myself included, I only make the effort to be universally descriptive because I have dreams of being the world's court jester.

I forget what life is like outside of the business world. Meeting up with my friends who are doctors, lawyers, students, teachers, nurses, and other fields that are less directly corporate, I forget that not only am I a small fish in a large pond, but that there are many rivers to cross between my pond and theirs. And what's more, I'm going to have to master the waves of this pond if I hope one day to make it to the ocean. I'm happy that my pond is large enough to teach me the ropes. Some of my friends tell me they could never handle my waves, which is my latest reason to smile.

Most importantly, I forget what life is like outside. You know, where things grow and bugs exist and there are all sorts of quiet sounds that only get loud when you pay close attention. Outside is normally despair. Actually, I'll be less dramatic. Outside is normally obligation: What must be done in order to get to my car, the restaurant, the office, the beach, my game, her house, home. I hardly appreciate the warmth of the sun on the 401! When oh how the glory of the sun is magnified by the warm reflective asphalt, and my warm absorbant black car interior. I must say I spend many hours a week actually rebuking the majesty of the holy sun. But today, sitting on my deck and reading a book of my choice in my backyard I decided to protect my face from the sun, after giving it some time, with the bookface. A sudden crisp cool came over my skin and I felt a certain relaxation you can't experience indoors.

To everyone who can relate to my rat race, I have only one thing to share from my experience from this long weekend. Relaxation isn't when your mind can turn off, it is when your mind can turn on. I'm happy to say I wrote this entire note outside on my deck. Special thanks to my Blackberry as well.