Why did I want to be a teacher? To make a difference of course. I heard that reason so many times when I interviewed my secondary teacher candidates about why they wanted to teach. When I probe deeper, many of them explained that they loved to learn, they enjoyed the subject matter, teachers had made a difference in their lives, and they wanted summers off. I had to tell them that often having the summer off from work might not be exactly like what they were expecting. I had to tell teacher candidates that there were continuing education requirements to complete to keep their license, there was the natural love of learning that might lead them back to school and then there were second jobs during the summer to earn extra money to pay off student loans. I think I only had one summer off in my career; the summer between college graduation and my first teaching job.
One of the seven habits of highly effective people is "Sharpening the Saw". This habit I must practice often and be attentive to my need to recharge the batteries. This year I decided to be daring and take two consecutive weeks off. I have only done this once before. I figured this year would be a good time for a two week break. I had settled into the job, the college was on a good course, and nothing on the calendar was calling for immediate attention. I didn't know how I would respond to this time as I don't get the opportunity very often. What I discovered was amazing. I enjoy work. Most days I love what I do and I love the challenge. I have come to expect problems, embrace problems and become creative in solving problems. I love building teams of effective administrators and watch them grow into more than they thought they could be. I also enjoy life. I have hobbies I embrace and wish I had more time to spend doing them. This two week adventure bundled some of my favorite things - time with family, riding my Harley, and visiting historical sites while traveling.
Riding a motorcycle helps free my mind of all the clutter. While riding, I don't have time to think about work because I have to be focused on all that is going on around me. I am anticipating what other drivers might suddenly do. I'm scanning the horizon looking for wildlife. I'm thinking about the other riders who are following me making sure I'm leading them in a safe way. The first day or two of a trip I just ride. No radio on. Just the sound of the bike and my thoughts. Half way through the first day I no longer have many thoughts. The next day and a half I'm just taking in the sights, sounds and smells. Somehow on a motorcycle my senses are heightened. I fall in love with the great outdoors again.
By the third day I can listen to music or an audio book. However, most of the time I prefer to ride in silence. This trip took me to southern Texas to Corpus Cristi and Galveston. During my visit to these cities I got to enjoy the ocean, great sea food and a visit to the USS Lexington. Spending a day wandering around the USS Lexington allowed me to learn more about World War II and the USS Lexington's role in the war. When I visit historical sites I love to buy a local history book. It is all about the visit and the book allows me to enjoy the visit after I return home. Time in Galveston about a year after hurricane Harvey showed me a community still recovering. The power of nature was still on display. The peace in nature was on display each evening when I hung out on the balcony of my hotel room and listened to the waves. I find peace in nature. In peace I find renewal.
The trip included meeting my family from the Midwest. Once we connected we traveled to San Antonio and spent several days. More great food, a calm trip on the Riverwalk by boat, a great deal of wandering, and a stay in the historic Menger Hotel was the apex of the trip. The night before we planning to leave to return home to New Mexico I suddenly realized I hadn't thought about work for a while. The main reason is building a team of administrators who I trust to take care of the daily things that happen. Creating great teams to understanding the vision and strategy allowed them to feel confident in carrying on while I was gone. It also helped me relax and free up my mind while I was gone. 
The next morning we boarded the bikes and before long we were back in New Mexico. As we neared home I became aware that I was more relaxed than I had been in a long time. Having two weeks allowed me to clear my mind, have stress exist my body, and create the peace and space I needed to begin thinking creatively about my return to work. The lesson of a two week vacation embracing all the reasons I went into the teaching in the first place cemented the need to be aware that I need to practice one of the most important habits of highly successful people, "Sharpening the Saw".
