When you run your own business it seems that that business is just like your child. Leave it unattended and it might be all over! Gayle and I have been in business by ourselves for around 15 years. We live in Hawaii so it could be argued that everyday is a vacation. While this might be true, we...I...also work everyday.
Due to the demands of our business, we have for the past five years taken separate vacations so one of us could watch the store. We have a great staff but when things go really wrong we do have to step in.
This past year was different! Gayle and I...OK, Gayle...decided that we were going away for two weeks TOGETHER! I said OK and the proceeded to drag my feet getting my passport. When she figured out that I was freaked out about leaving and saw time ticking away for getting my papers in order, she had a little chat with me (SHE CHEWED MY HEAD OFF!!!) and I got it together.
The only thing I asked was that where ever we went I would have Internet access and be able to use my phone. She agreed and made plans to drive from the West Coast to Banff in the Canadian Rookies. There were no time tables, no place we had to be, if we liked an area or little town we would stay longer and if not, we were gone. This was the plan.
WHAT A TRIP! The fall colors, first snow falls of winter, and no place to be! I was able to do what I had to do when I had to do it by Email, Voice-mail and Internet fax, and we can't wait to go back!
I don't know if I will ever be able to unplug my brain and a vacation, but I LOVE what I do and when I am not doing it, I am able to give my full attention to my best friend, business partner and wife, Gayle.
It was a basic understanding of technology that allowed me/us to combine work and play. Give it a shot!
