Good morning, I’m currently writing this post in the middle of the desert. It’s been a while since I’ve written anything, I know, but here I am trying to maintain some semblance of consistency.

It’s 9 am and I’m not at work — I took the last 2 weeks of August off to enjoy my summer, a long forgotten luxury that I took for granted as a kid. I remember summers growing up stretching over countless days, months, mind-numbingly boring and devoid of activity, no camp, no summer school, just endless daytime TV with a side of the Maury show. It was also effortlessly laid-back, chasing precious moments with the window AC that my parents tried not to use often, to save on the energy bill.

This last week of August I took a getaway trip, booked a cozy Airbnb in a remote part of town. It’s a thoughtful little spot, a one bedroom with a fully stocked kitchen, patio, and book decor that feel half intentional-half for show. I brought my laptop to write, guitar to sing, with no real itinerary. I’ll probably spend half the time binging dramas, the other half venturing out into the desert burning oil, but it’s nice to know this time is mine.

I have the AC running on 69 — just a bit too cool, a stark contrast to the desert heat outside, that makes it comforting. I used to love (still do) crawling under the covers with the AC on blast; maybe it’s another one of those universal experiences.

There have been some changes at work recently, (no surprise), that I think I’m handling well (the real surprise). Now there is more uncertainty (though I think that was always the case), and things outside of my control. My vacation was timely; I hadn’t intended it to coincide with the changes, but sometimes life works out like that. I’d put it on the books back in May when I was really struggling with my burnout and contemplating a full reset. This time I’ll ride the waves, try not to take anything too seriously, because if there’s any proof that things are temporary, it’s this. The only constant thing is change.

There is a niggling thought in the back of my mind, the dreaded return to work, but it’s quieter, less anxiety-inducing, a bit resigned. Is this growth? Maybe it’s perspective, having come out the other side of a brutal stretch, under-appreciated and over-worked, with the realization it’s not that serious, we’re all just living our lives to the best of our ability. Life goes on, there are precious moments outside of the 9-5 grind — with family, friends, self. I’m still discovering myself, trying new things, revisiting old passions, it feels good.

I think I’ll make a habit of this, staying local, alleviating some of the travel stress that inevitably make returning to work dreadful. When you’re out in nature, away from routine, that small piece of your world fades into the background and gives way to something bigger. Another universal, collective experience?

I’ll share some pictures next time, until then 👋