These days the line between work time and free time is pretty blurry. I’m always a phone call away, but sometimes you won’t catch me while I’m at the office. So what do I do when I’m not working for you?
Well, it’s a four-letter word.
Golf.
I’m a member of a league that plays every Monday morning at the Merry-Hill Golf Club and I’m a regular at charity golf tournaments, having played for Ray of Hope, Foundation Christian School, and Creekside Church, as well as fundraising tournaments at Keller Williams Realty and the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors. Golfing is a great way to make connections with people – just try picking up the wrong ball on the course and suddenly you’ve made a new friend.
I love to travel and plan vacations. In my previous life as a vice-president of sales, I traveled around Canada and the United States for business, going to trade shows and conventions, often bringing my family along with me. In this season of my career, however, I’ve rediscovered the joy of traveling for its own sake. It’s a wonderful way to unwind.
Locally, I enjoy trips to Collingwood and Gravenhurst for a quick, relaxing recharge.
I also travel south of the border with my wife Judy for shopping and getaways. Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania are our favourite destinations. Every winter, in February and March, my wife and I spend several weeks in Florida, and every other year we bring our three married kids and grandkids to Orlando (all 17 of us!) for a time of family fun.
Internationally, I’ve visited Israel and Jordan, taking in the rich history of the region, and I hope to go again soon. Next year is my 50th wedding anniversary, and Judy and I are planning a European holiday to celebrate our milestone.
How do you like to spend your free time? Let me know in the comment section below.