I scheduled two weeks at my ranch this summer for my vacation.  The first week my brothers and sisters and their families were there and we had a fun family reunion.  Horses and quads were ridden hard and almost non-stop.  Guns were brought out for target practicing and a strong showing of manliness – this was tempered by my niece who was every bit as good at shooting as my nephews.  Fishing in the river was trumped by swimming and by cannonball jumps into fishing holes.  The evenings were impromptu talent shows with guitars forming the band and everyone else singing along.
     The second week was mine to enjoy for myself along with my own family.  This was a week of fishing without the cannonball jumps, of horses and quads waiting for someone to ride them, and of guns remaining quiet.  I took this time to imagine, create, and write.  I stole some time with my guitar after realizing that if I wanted to sound as good as my son and my nephew I’d need to put more practice in.  I got up to watch the sun rise and stayed up past its setting.  I got more sleep the second week than I have at any point during the year.
     This vacation was not all fun and fishing.  Fences were mended, grounds were tended to, and other chores were done.  For me a vacation is more than sitting idly doing nothing to pass the time.  To me a vacation is a chance to leave my regular demands and feel productive by doing something different.
     This change in my life invigorates me.  It makes me more productive when I return to my normal routine.  It gives me a new perspective.  It puts things into perspective.
     I recall the words of Lee Iacocca, “Over the years, many executives have said to me with pride: ‘Boy, I worked so hard last year that I didn’t take any vacation.’  I always felt like responding, ‘You dummy.  You mean to tell me you take responsibility for an $80 million project and you can’t plan two weeks out of the year to have some fun?'”
     I agree with Lee Iacocca. Everyone should take two weeks to get away from the regular demands of their lives and experience the renewal that a vacation can provide.