The Happiest Place on Earth

We just got back from an amazing trip to Disneyland. We headed out at 4 am and drove the whole way, about a 12 hour drive, so that we could enjoy an evening followed by 3 magical days in the parks. It was without-a-doubt, one of the best vacations we've ever experienced. My mom and dad were with us, which made handling 4 kids under 6 much easier. We couldn't have done this trip if it weren't for them. Thank you both.

Even though we were in "The Happiest Place on Earth," I realized that even though Disneyland is an incredibly fun place, it was all the more fun because I was there with the people I loved most. I got to watch my daughters live out fantasies of becoming princesses and meeting some of their favorite characters (the best, by far, was watching them meet Rapunzel and Flynn Rider). What made this trip so great, I think, is that I feel like we created some really great memories, which will last far, far longer than the trip itself.

I realized something else, too. The last night in Disneyland, I went out to do some shopping. I saw a figurine of a young girl with blonde hair, wearing Mickey ears and holding Mickey balloons. The theme of the figurine is, "Every day with you is a day in the Park." I immediately thought of my wife and girls. My family is the happiest place on Earth. Disneyland was only fun because I was with them. They make my life fun. They give my life joy. They are my happy place.

Thanks for reading.

The All Important 'Work/Life Balance'

Some of you know by now, but I have started a new position with a new company. I was very sad to leave my previous position, but I am excited for what my new opportunity holds for me. It's started me thinking a lot about my work/life balance. At my previous employer, I was very blessed to have a very good work/life balance. If it wasn't quarter-end, my work schedule was quite flexible. Aside from the people I worked with, the flexibility of the job was my favorite aspect of my employment there.

Now I'm starting a new opportunity that will require much more of me. My schedule is no longer as flexible as it once was. I'm scared that I won't have the time I used to have. In the past, I had a lot more time with my wife and girls, but my career wasn't going anywhere. Now my career is actually going places, but it's at the cost of time with my family. I'm happy to provide a little more for my family, but it's more work and more stress.

So where's the balance? When is working to provide for your family too much work? I suppose for every dad and for every relationship, whether it's with your spouse or your kids, it's different. Everyone finds their own balance they're comfortable with. I guess what I am still wondering is when you're faced with circumstances that aren't as favorable as you would have hoped, do you simply adapt or do you fight to achieve the balance you want to have?

As always, thanks for reading.