Closing out the Home-liday

Hello readers!!! As I wrap up my stay-cation and get ready to head back out into the hustle and bustle, I felt I should write some things down and share. First things first, there are some out there who don’t know what a “stay-cation” is. (I have been asked several times)

A stay-cation is defined as a deliberate stay at home during your ETO, leave, or vacation days…whatever your HR dept refers to them as. Now I know you’re wondering “Well Jamie…why would you want to do that??????” Good question readers! Well for those of you just tuning in, I travel for a living. When I say travel, I don’t mean business conferences once every quarter. I’m talking gone 35-40 weeks out of a 52 week year. I spend more time in airports and hotels than my own home. I get greeted by front desk Marriott staff with “Thanking you for living with us!” My almost 5 year old Expedition has barely broken 25,000 miles. So when the chance comes to take a break, I don’t want to see a plane, train, or automobile within 200 feet of me. People put the pictures of their feet as they sit on a beach with a fruity beverage with a caption of “This feels awesome!!”. You know what feels better? My butt (pants optional) on MY couch with my feet on MY rug playing video games on MY TV listening to the dishwasher run.

I didn’t realize how disconnected I was from my home until I was home for a while. I only see my friends in passing or thru the interwebs these days. Having actual conversations was a breath of fresh air. I attended a SA Tech Bloc event to promote the growth of San Antonio’s technical ecosystem. Not only did I see a lot of familiar faces and talk to a lot of good friends, I felt like I actually live here for the first time in a long time. It was extremely serendipitous that the event aligned with my home-liday (see what I did there…copyright pending), for I also am in the midst of a huge decision. It has been 5 years or so since I struck out on my own to start my consulting endeavors. I initially was afraid that there wouldn’t be enough work for me out there. It is always scary steppig into the breach, but I have done it a lot in my life…what can I say; I like stepping off of the diving platform. However, the exact opposite has happened. In my attempt to stay out in front of the fear, I have bitten off more than I can chew. And now a new fear emerges: expanding past the solo act to a duet, trio, quartet, maybe even an Earth, Wind, and Fire sized band.

I have never really had a problem with putting my life on the line for a dream. From metaphorically as a kid to literally as a Marine, I knew what I had to give and gladly did so. But this seems different…I have no desire to do HR things. You know…pay people,health insurance, and the like. Being responsible for team members lives on a battlefield? No problem!! Making sure somebody’s baby has a proper co-pay? Nightlight and blankie time!! Here’s where the conversations come in. I had several conversations with people that I respect so much that put a lot of things in perspective. You know who you are and I only hope that I can bring clarity and awesomeness to you in return some day. Which brings me to my last point…

As invigorating as the face to face conversations were, it re-enforced how important my digital life is to me. You hear a lot of people complain about Facebook, Twitter, etc…I don’t because that is some of the only connections I hve on the road. I like seeing that you sprained your ankle but you will be ok…I adore watching your kids grow thru pictures…What you had for lunch??? Sweet! Did you like that place? Maybe I should try it. So keep it coming, guys! It helps me not feel lost when I do see you again. I may not “like” it, but I see it and it matters. Well, enough of that sap!! I gotta finish packing my carry-on (WHICH IS REGULATION SIZE, DOUCHE WITH THE 3 HUGE SUITCASES!!!) for my 6 AM flight tomorrow. See you out there! Util next time…