A giant reset button...

One of the problems I had in my life many years ago was the fact that I was the type of person who always worked an extra shift if it was offered, and I could isolate myself for days from people around me. (I have three divorces and a lot of busted relationships to show for it.) One of the things that I learned when I lost everything, was that I really had wasted huge chunks of my life doing nothing but serving my own interests. In addition, I had big empty spaces where wonderful memories should have existed.

This past weekend, I went to my new favorite place in the world: The Oregon Coast.

More specifically, I went to Cannon Beach and stayed at the Tolovana Inn. The room was beautiful and Denise and I enjoyed a spectacular 11th Anniversary. As an added bonus, we brought our Border Collie, Aoife. She might have loved it even more than we did. She chased her ball down the beach so many times that eventually, she actually stopped coming back with the ball and simply chased it, caught it, and then promptly laid down in the sand until we came to fetch her.

For those of you not familiar with the Oregon Coast, it is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world. Cannon Beach is famous for Haystack Rock as well as being one of the most dog-friendly places you can ever go. One restaurant has a great little porch where you can sit and enjoy a great meal, and they even come out with a water bowl for your dog. The little pet supply store there has known Aoife since she was a puppy and always greet her with a few treats and a ton of praise and scratches behind the ears. She has never worn a collar that did not come from that shop.

And then there is Mo's. Great clam chowder, oyster shooters and a spectacular view. Toss in the fact that it was less than a hundred steps from the door to our room and you can guess where two out of every three meals was eaten.

I share all of this as a reminder that you only get to ride this roller coaster one time. I know that we all want to be "the best" in our field. I know that we want to succeed. However, if we are all work and no play, then what is the point? The world will not forget you if you take a weekend off. And the people that you love and thank in your dedications and introductions...the husbands, wives, and offspring? They will make you feel more appreciated and loved than even your most ardent fan.

Now, for a note. If you have not yet read Zomblog, it is a paltry 99 cents for the next week. Or...if you have a friend who you have been trying to convert to you world of zombie love...send them over. The worst case scenario, they are out (almost) a buck. (And FYI...an amazing production company is in the process of bringing it to life as an audio book...stay tuned for details.)