[“Sabbath” is this blog’s Sunday feature on life and work.]
The Joy of Doing Nothing
I’ve spent the past few days in Las Vegas, visiting friends and doing almost nothing. We’ve toured local sites and spent some time (not a lot) in casinos. As I’ve written in the past, what I like most about this city has nothing to do with gambling. It’s really a beautiful area with mountains and desert, nothing that has anything to do with the gambling economy that has made this a boom town (which is still growing despite a local unemployment rate of more than 12%.).
I came out to see friends who have moved here from Chicago. I also came to give myself a little breather, time to refresh. The message on my office answering machine says that I will be back on Wednesday. Other than returning a few emails, I’m not doing anything that can be called work, which is a good thing.
A couple of days ago, we took a drive along a highway where the military practices fighter pilot and drone bombing missions. Then, after stopping at a local winery and sampling the fare (and buying a bottle of smoky syrah), we drove up Mount Charleston for lunch. I highly recommend the view. It beats a smoky casino any day of the week.
Later today, we’ll drive out to Zion National Park in Utah. I’m really looking forward to that trip. I’ve only discovered deserts in the past few years and find them to be very cool. The rock formations remind us of nature’s power and beauty. The vegetation often makes me say, “What the hell is that?” Flatlanders of the Midwest are not accustomed to seeing cactus and other desert plants.
I’m lucky to be able to take this trip and relax. Many of my friends and clients have jobs that won’t let them get away. Or, worse in my opinion, some have to take their work with them while they are allegedly on vacation. Worst of all, too many are still looking for working. I’m lucky to be able to leave behind – for a few days.
Anyway, since I’m not working, I’ll cut this post short and edit it with photos sometime next week.
P.S. This post is number 1,000 for this blog, and I’ve enjoyed writing almost everyone.
