Change of Pace

For three splendid weeks, Eric and I grew accustomed to La Dolce Vita as we made our way through The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, and Italy. What a joy it was to be free from our usual commitments and life's requirements. With no one and nothing pulling our strings, we were free to take a stroll along the beach or navigate our way through a museum. Our itinerary was completely dependent upon how we felt at the moment and whatever struck our fancy at each instant. There was no hurry to be anywhere or to do anything in particular. Our entire goal was to soak up European life and to enjoy it as thoroughly as possible before we had to go back home to Minnesota.

The fast pace of life back in Minnesota hit us hard. Upon returning home, our usual activities and responsibilities hit us hard. Back to work we went after only one day of travel recovery time. Then all of our other "extra curricular" activities (bowling, getting together with friends, working on the house) began to bombard us. While I was living in Europe, I promised myself that I would take the slower paced-enjoy life to the fullest attitude back to Minnesota with me, but in that area I really don't feel that I have been very successful. I remind myself of that promise frequently though, in an attempt to bring back some of the peace and relaxation I found in Europe. Someday I hope to find a happy medium mixing the pace of European life with the joys of home. But I have a feeling that quest may take some time to fulfill. Only time will tell...