Monday, Jul. 07, 2008

Thinking of you while I’m on vacation ...

Already looking forward to meeting more great folks

Today begins my long-awaited monthlong vacation.

In my more than 20 years — — never mind just how many — at The State, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and writing about some really wonderful people throughout the Midlands. But despite a generous vacation package, I’ve never had more than a week or so at one time to simply not write about anything.

So I figured a break was in order, and my bosses have kindly agreed.

I’d be less than honest if I said I wasn’t looking forward to getting up each morning only when the mood strikes, reading more than a chapter in a book at a time or renting three movies without worrying when I’ll get around to watching them.

I’m also excited about catching up with all my friends who have swimming pools, boats, gas grills, homemade bread and long-promised spaghetti dinners (you know who you are).

But there are lots of reasons I’ll look forward to returning, and that brings me back to all those wonderful people.

The privilege of my job has been to expose all that is good in our community when negative events often threaten to steal our focus.

The examples are numerous:

• A community responding to increased hunger needs with more than $80,000 (and counting) in two weeks

• Young business professionals devoting their time and talents to renovating an area home for young men

• And most recently, two young women with proven cost-saving tactics unselfishly sharing their secrets with others.

There are many more great stories to be told, and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you — OK, after the sleeping in and boat rides and free food and all that other stuff.

See you in a few weeks.