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A vacation after your vacation?

By Jeff Belonger

Mortgage and Lending with Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

July 06, 2007 02:35 AM

jeff & alicia

Having fun? Isn't it healthy to enjoy yourself, take a few vacations, and not be a workaholic? Easy said, but hard to sometimes do. Especially in the real estate business. Do you try to take a vacation?

I try and make it a point to get away at least 1 week a year. This year, maybe I'll get to enjoy 3 trips. I don't have any kids, but I did get a shore house with my sister, her family, and my parents for a whole week. With 4 kids, so much to do sometimes, it can make you tired quickly.

lap top

If you take a vacation, how many of you take your lap top with you? Do you allocate time in the morning and just at night? Do you have your cell phone near you at all times? Do you work twice as hard before you leave on vacation, so you don't have as much to do while on your trip?

Every year we stay in Ocean City, New Jersey. On the news last night, they were talking about having Ocean City open to public internet access. WOW. Imagine that, taking your lap top any where that you would go to while on vacation. Could this ruin some family trips? Just maybe, for those die hard workaholics. Me? I cut back a little this year, trying to enjoy myself. But I still feel worn down some.

jeff

The question is, do you need a vacation from your vacation? I know I will. At least I will have all of Sunday to myself, catch up on a little work, and definitely taking little cat naps throughout the day.

Overall, keep in mind why you went on that vacation. That family and down time should be very important to you. Even if you are a workaholic or even addicted to Active Rain, making time. Not sure if many of you noticed, but I didn't comment on as many blogs as I normally do. Just relaxing and spending time with my nieces and nephews was very important to me.

Lastly, I can't complain about the weather. Just a 1/2 a day of rain and 2 days of partly cloudy weather. Now off to the beach since it is mostly sunny. But first I need to wake up and get off the couch.

UPDATE : 7/8/07 Here is why I need what I wrote about. :My Family's Favorite Hang Out is Ocean City, New Jersey...... July 2007

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Leigh Brown

Leigh Brown & Associates, RE/MAX Executive - Charlotte, NC

CEO, Dream Maker - Charlotte, NC

Man, that couch looks comfy! I think it takes at least two days working double-time for every one day on vacation to catch up. =) I'm a workaholic, my computer and phone go everywhere but i do turn them off on occasion.

Jul 06, 2007 08:06 AM

Olan Carder

Fairway Independent Mortgage - Charlotte, NC

I am with Leigh! One time my wife and I went to the beach and when checking in (2AM because I wouldn't leave the office until everything was done) my wife made a comment about me being a workaholic. I vehemently denied it, but the gentleman checking us in shut me down. He ask, "Let's see if you are a workaholic. Did you bring your laptop on vacation?" I was busted!!

Seriously though, I work with a partner so we do get away. He is at the beach right now with his whole family... lucky guy!

Jul 06, 2007 09:05 AM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Becky..... no, I used sunscreen, but only # 8. I actually didn't get fried for the first time in 4 years. I did get a little red on the cheeks, shoulders, and a tad on the chest. The rest of me? Brown/tan. Another week and I would be semi dark. Oh well.... ;o)

Sally.... I don't think you have a bad gig there at all. Even though it looks gorgeous there, I need my seasons. I love snow..... but if I was a billionaire, I would be back and forth often. Enjoy the the scenery and each other. And oh yea... blogging. ;o)

Larry..... thanks. And not having a wife I guess helps, but it would be nice. ;o) But girls that I have dated in the past always understood. But my mom still doesn't and was a little upset with me last year. I said, do you want to pay my bills? lol

Jonathan.... yes, you were out here for a few weeks, right? And yes, it was great meeting you. Hopefully we can do it sometime soon again. I am going to try and make a trip out to San Diego county on late August. I'll keep you posted.

Tom.... how many kids do you have? Sorry I couldn't take your call the other day. I'll try you over the weekend.

Jul 06, 2007 10:08 AM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Linda.... nah, it's nice to take a quick nap, but I wouldn't want to miss anything. Isn't that what a true vacation is suppose to be? Today we took the kids on the water slides. Now I will need a nap tonight... lol

Maria.... this was my first vacation in many years that I didn't spend much time on the computer. Having a cell phone with e-mail certainlyhelped. But I still need my lap top, hence AR. ;o)

Leigh..... yes, it was. But it was a 15 minute power nap.... lol Then I had to return 3 phone calls. I never turn my phone off, but I will turn the ringer down if I am eating dinner or taking that quick nap. Well, the 2nd rarely happens. ;o)

Olan..... I have been in the office that late a few times. And that is funny that the guy checking you in did bust you. lol Thanks for stopping by.

Jul 06, 2007 10:09 AM

Chrissy Harrison

Referral Only Realty - Longmont, CO

Jeff - glad to see you got a chance for some R&R. We're heading out to Cali. in a few weeks. I plan on leaving the cell phone at the hotel with the laptop during the day. I do have kids and I worry they're memories of me will be of mom standing in the background of sporting events, school performances and vacations with her cell phone to her ear! I just have to say "NO" sometimes. How did business EVER get done before fax,email and cell phones, right?!? We still have an agent in the office with no cell phone, and he doesn't check email. He has plenty of business and has time to drive to other agent's offices and meet clients in person. We CAN put down the technology and we won't die! Sorry for the long rant, I guess you hit a good topic!

Jul 06, 2007 10:51 AM

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor

Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ

AzLadyInRed

Jeff, it depends.....on where I am going. If I am on land - and not out at sea - I take my tablet and my Treo 650. If, on the other hand, I'm out to sea, which I will be in September for 13 days, then, no, I leave my tablet at home and just take my Treo. I always leave someone behind to cover for me. My husband needs my undivided attention at least during a cruise, don't ya think?

Jul 06, 2007 01:05 PM

Monika McGillicuddy

Prudential Verani Realty - Atkinson, NH

NH Real Estate Broker

Jeff,

The lap top comes with us all the time. I try and use it for e-mail only and not surfing the web and I limit my visits to AR.

We have needed to take a few rest days after some of our vacations LOL depending on whet we do on vacation. We also do mini vacations...long weekends as often as we can and then take at least 2-3 weeks a year.

Jul 07, 2007 12:54 AM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Chrissy..... I was actually really good this vacation. I cut down my lap top time by more than half from last year. And I didn't even have AR to log onto last year while on vacation. ;o)

In regards to that agent that still doesn't use a cell phone and lap top....WOW... I just can't live without mine. Thanks for the feedback.

Teri..... even if I took a cruise, I would bring my lap top. You can buy airtime when on a cruise now. But I would limit my time no matter what. Just as I did on this vacation. But at least you give your attention to your husband.

Monika.... taking little mini vacations are great. I use to take these all of the time, down at the shore. I need to get back to this. Thanks for sharing this.

Jul 07, 2007 05:42 AM

Monika McGillicuddy

Prudential Verani Realty - Atkinson, NH

NH Real Estate Broker

That is why we have the motor home Jeff. It is easy to squeeze in a mini vacation since we travel with our own house on wheels.

Jul 07, 2007 06:11 AM

Vicki Bishop GRI - Alabama Real Estate

Coldwell Banker United Realtors® - Bay Minette, AL

We went to Vegas for a week in March. We had a great time. The rest of the year we will take some mini vacations.

Jul 07, 2007 07:44 AM

Tony Gallegos

Cognicorp Mortgage Banking Advisory - Marietta, GA

Your couch picture is my favorite activity or should I say in-activity while on vacation (since I get so little while working. Just got back from the Florida Panhandle on a little 4 day getaway with my family.

Jul 07, 2007 12:27 PM

John Popp

Charlotte, NC

Jeff,

I recently spent a week traveling between the Jersey Shore, NYC, and Hunter Mountain. I only touched a computer once the whole time. I did return calls when needed.

Jul 07, 2007 12:32 PM

Sue Argue

Staged First Impressions - Hampton, NH

NH Home Stager

Jeff, you have white Irish skin like me, I can see your sunburn that isn't covered with sand! OUCH! Getting away from technology now and then gives me a new appreciation for it, and it makes me realize there is so much more to social life than the keyboard! It's so easy to be "too busy" for extended family & friends, I try hard not to be so busy!

Is that your niece? She's a cutie.

Jul 07, 2007 12:36 PM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Monika..... a motor home could be nice at times. Easy to pick up and get away. The use of a plane is just as easy for me. ;o)

Vicki.... Vegas is one place I have not gotten to.... yes, I know. lol But I will be there at the end of this year.

Tony.... I actually like this type of activity when at home. But when on vacation, I hardly see the couch. So much to do, no matter what vacation I go on.

John..... I need to touch the computer a little more than that. But you do make a good point. thanks

Sue.... yes, I have Irish white skin. But that burn that you see only hurt a tad for just the night. After that, it was fine. I used a different type of suntan lotion that day. And I didn't really cover my upper arm part and some of my chest. The rest was fine.

And yes, that is my niece. She was a lot of fun, especially on the water slide. She is 3 yrs and 3 months old.

Jul 08, 2007 01:35 AM

Marie Wright

Florida Energy and Air Services - Clearwater, FL

Jeff, I have learned to take vacations where my cell phone doesn't work....Of course that doesn't work with the laptop I am addicted to it. I went on vacation to Virgin Gorda, BVI, cell phone didn't work but every restaurant had wireless access and the island is only 12 miles long. ( so that's alot of wireless available)....But I leave my processor explicit instructions and she always come thru for me

Jul 08, 2007 12:34 PM

Thesa Chambers

West + Main - Bend, OR

Principal Broker - Licensed in Oregon

Jeff - get your shoes off the sofa - I know your mother taught you better than that

Jul 08, 2007 07:07 PM

Jeff Belonger

Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ

The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Marie.... wow, go to places where your cell doesn't work? I need my cell.....even when on vacation because if we get separated or need something, we call each other. But as you stated in regards to your processor, communication is key. thanks

Thesa..... lol yes ma'am. ;o) It was a cat nap.... lol

Jul 09, 2007 12:30 AM

Leah Ross

Your Tampa Bay Mortgage Source - Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida Mortgage

Note to self...I need a vacation! I would have to take my lap top and blackberry with me, but I wouldn't respond the way I normally do, I would make sure everyone knows my schedule and my assistant is readily available for them. Then, I would only call her 5 or 6 times a day ;-)

Jul 09, 2007 10:09 AM

Monika McGillicuddy

Prudential Verani Realty - Atkinson, NH

NH Real Estate Broker

My favorite campsite...mini vacations are great. If I don't like my neighbors I just drive away.

Jul 09, 2007 01:55 PM

Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~

Agent Referral - Salt Lake City, UT

Jeff, I'm making a horrible admission to my dedication to real estate. My family and I were supposed to go to Disneyland in June. I was just in my first year of real estate and 3 closings all for the same week of our vacation. So I had to work on my family and do some negotiations (what? with family) to change our plans. We're now going to Disneyland in May 2008 and tomorrow taking off to West Yellowstone for 4 days. We're all so excited, but I've learned quite a lesson from that, playtime with family is desperately needed. They need to know how important they are. Your blog is great and touches some points that, yeah, I'll need a vacation from my vacation, but more than anything I need my family.

Oh, that picture of you and your niece piled in the sand is so adorable. Thanks for sharing!

Aug 30, 2007 06:55 PM