A Different Kind of Vacation

I usually prefer to work through the Holidays, always have.  It's a great time to get some extra work done.  This year was different though.  On December 15th, I officially went on vacation.

We didn't go anywhere though because my wife was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a couple of months ago.  She had surgery on December 10th.  What was supposed to be a routine out-patient procedure turned into a nightmare of constant pain, severe nausea, and late-night trips to the emergency room.  Her health has improved, she's back to work, and the prognosis is good.  It's not over yet, but things look very positive.

I can't remember the last time I took two straight weeks off of work.  Okay, I'll admit...I answered a couple of emails, and popped in on the SolidWorks discussion forums once a day just to keep up.  But that was it.  I stayed away from all of the other forums, Twitter, and even the SolidWorks blogs.  I turned off the ringer on my work phone and left it that way.  I neglected this blog.

Instead, I did the Christmas shopping that my wife usually handles and gained a new level of admiration for the effort she puts into it every year.  I baked....that's right, I baked scones and pumpkin and chocolate pies.  I played online poker tournaments (free ones) with my oldest boy, and we talked for hours about someday playing in the WSOP together.  My other son and I put together a Revell 1970 Mustang model car (complete with a runny paint job and some "extra" parts) and two very large Lego sets (hmmm...more "extra" parts).  We all played video games, watched movies, and hung out at Dave & Busters a lot.

It's not the best way to learn a lesson, and it would have been much better without the cancer stuff.  But maybe, just maybe, it was a blessing in disguise.  On the way to school this morning, my son told me this was the best Christmas ever.  I had to agree with him.

So anyway, I'm back, refreshed, and raring to go.  SolidWorks World is only 33 days away, we need to get the schedule for the SWUGN Summits published, there are 21 user group meetings this month, and I've got more than a few emails to answer.  The SolidWorks Community had a fantastic 2008, and 2009 promises to be better than ever.  I am excited as ever to be a part of it.

But...this Saturday, instead of heading straight to the computer when I get up, my boy and I are going to tackle the Revell '68 Corvette.  Maybe I should let him do the painting this time.  Oh, and just a heads up - next year during the holidays, I'll be on vacation.

Comments

[Al Dean]

Richard

When people ask about how to write there's one thing I always say "put a little bit of yourself into it and you can't go wrong." This is the perfect example of exactly that. I'm glad to hear your good lady is recovering, but I'm shocked to hear you had 'extra' bits knocking around.. an engineer like you? an outrage.. To be honest, I'm mildly jealous, I just spent all christmas playing Mecano and Lego, but we don't get the Revell kits over here - we're stuck with a 1/25 model of an Austin Allegro.. (http://www.slowcarclub.com/santapod-07/allegro.jpg)

Later captain - see you in orlando..

Al

[Brian McElyea]

Richard,

Glad to hear things are looking positive! We'll have y'all in our prayers.

See you at SolidWorks World 2009 in Orlando!

Brian
http://www.cadfanatic.com/

[Jeff Mirisola]

Richard,
I'm glad to hear that your wife's prognosis is good. Cancer has touched my family all too much the past couple of years, so I understand what you were going through.
Kudos to you, too, for a lesson well learned. You, and your boys, will appreciate it greatly in the future.

Jeff

[Devon T. Sowell]

Richard-

Sarah and I will say a prayer for your Wife. I loved building model cars when I was a kid.

See you soon!

Devon

[Phil Sluder]

I'm glad things are improving. My thought are with you and your family.

[Rob J]

Richard

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family also!

[Christy Jordan]

That was one of the best posts I've read in a long time. My best to your wife, she has such a wonderful light in her personality and I know that will serve her well physically as well as emotionally.

I truly enjoyed reading this. Although I cannot fathom my husband possibly being able to shop, much less cook. I'm always so stressed and tired at Christmas time and he never really gets why. :)

Don't tell I said this or anything but...I really do think it is easier being a man! ~grins~
Christy :)