Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Back to reality


We got home late last night. It was a long drive with some nasty thunderstorms and heavy rain as we came down I-95.

I'm back at work today. It seems strange that the vacation is over. I know what people mean by the "geographic cure"--the phrase used to describe the idea that one can escape problems by moving to a new place, instead of changing thoughts and behavior. This wasn't a "cure" but just a change of scenery and pace. It was a great time, and now it's back to the reality of email, reports, memos, and just living life.

It always seems surreal to leave one world where everything is so simple and far removed from the pressures that we live and to drive back into another world where there are definite deadlines and commitments. But no matter where one goes, life is happening. I talked with the watermen who are struggling to make a living with diminishing resources. Their life may seem simple to me, but it's hard and real for them.

I know there's no such thing as a geographic "cure". But just maybe changing external conditions refresh and affect mood. There sure is a lot to recommend a brief break from the usual routine. This vacation was about seeing some places that made me reflect, relax, and re-tune. A change of scenery is an invigorating experience. And it made me appreciate all that I have right here and that "here" isn't such a bad place to be.

28 comments:

  1. Welcome back, so glad you enjoyed your trip away, The simple life is what I miss back on the Rock in Newfoundland, where one has to struggle all the time to make a living, yet, life goes on with smiles, fun, caring, love for what they have and do, where they started and will they will end. taking time out of ones normal routine, does make one appreciate the finer things in life, and appreciate MORE what we do have.. Life could be WORSE!!
    Nice to have to back and thy for sharing with US :}

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  2. Welcome back and you're cyber presence was missed.

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  3. I think the basic concept of vacations is to leave whatever you may behind while you enjoy a week or two without the worries. It is however surreal to come back and find everything just as it was waiting. (Hugs)Indigo

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  4. a brief break is so good to help me take a breather when needed - soon - I will go very soon!

    Glad you are back and well rested.

    Cat

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  5. Welcome back! Glad you made it home safe!

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  6. I always thought of "vacation" as vacating the workplace.

    Geographical cure is staying out of liquor stores and bars

    I realize this sounds complicated, but it has worked for me, as have other things...

    Nice post, wish we had a couple of those storms.

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  7. Sounds like a successful vacation - welcome home...

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  8. I just read back through your blogs about your trip. Brought back so many memories. I was born and raised in and around Washington. I loved the Eastern Shore.

    What a beautiful trip you and your wife had. Your pictures are wonderful. I just know how refreshing it must have been for you.

    There are attempts at geographic cures, but there are also just refreshing interludes in the fast-paced lives that mark most of our lives. I am so glad you had this departure from the routine in which to renew yourself.

    Prayer Girl

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  9. yes it is nice to regroup, as an addict i am always tempted to run and hide though so i can easily twist something as sweet as a vacation into a way to run away. i am always checking my motives. glad you had a great trip and i really loved your piece on the holocaust museum- very cool

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  10. I'm glad you had an enjoyable trip.great photo.

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  11. lovely moon in that photo. nice to see you back :)

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  12. Here! Here!

    Nice to know you are back on schedule.

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  13. Hey Syd,

    You just got home and already commenting all over the blog monitors. I counted eight in my Email. Hope you had time to eat breakfast.

    Your thoughts are ALWAYS carefully read, and fully appreciated, blog and/or comment. Thank you.
    Steve E

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  14. Your post remind me of an article I read about Justice Souter retiring and heading for his home in rural New Hampshire. I envy that simple life.

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  15. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us, Syd! Glad you are home safe and sound.

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  16. Great post.

    I am adding you to my blogroll so I can stay tuned. I have often seen you comment on the blogs I read, and now it's nice to get to know you through you're writing...

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  17. It's almost always on my top list of recommendations, getting away from it all. Welcome back.

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  18. Welcome home, Syd ... you're of course right. Being away from the place we see every day makes us surely appreciate the break but also the homecoming. I don't know where you live, but as long as you can call it 'home', it's never a bad place.

    Thanks for the doggie comment on my blog. I reckon even dog owners are too stressed to talk to eachother. They just get annoyed when my dogs run up to theirs, although both of mine are perfectly sociable and no danger to adults, kids or other dogs. Sad really, that we obviously have common interests, but no time to share. x

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  19. i am a irm believer of the geographic cure. to refresh. sort. filter. whatever. i'm glad to see you back home safe and sound. i've missed you, i have!

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  20. you know what they say...all work and no play....

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  21. I think the best part about a good vacation is that I am grateful to be back home at the end of it.

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  22. Sometimes getting a little distance is a good thing. I'm on my way out to see a friend in TN the week of Memorial Day to try to give myself some space and peace.

    Glad you got some, too.

    D

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  23. Syd,
    Glad you are back safe and sound. Your trip sounded great.

    Thank you for the follow on my blog. You are a dear.

    Have a great week.

    Love,

    SB

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  24. Welcome back and trust me if I could afford a vacation right now I would so completely take on to just give me a fresh perspective on life...not a geographic cure perse, but just a refresher of life...I am so glad that you got this and so glad you are back..you were missed!
    G

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  25. Glad your back. We are planning to take off for a few days in June. I'm so looking foward to it. jeNN

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  26. Your last comment has me venturing on some of your "older" writing (something I don't do often enough) This one rings so true, I have constantly moved my whole life when things were not what I wanted, it took many, many years to figure out that although the places and the people around me change, it is I who creates my environment...you make me want to get away :)

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