Vacation typically provides those moments of quiet reflection lacking in our daily existence. No longer distracted by the connectivity that demands constant responsiveness and interaction, we release the bonds of work and relish in the true priorities of relaxation and precious time with our loved ones. Of course, this can be very difficult if, like me, you travel with every possible electronic gadget, including my newest toy, the Blackberry Pearl.

For years I’ve carried the older brother of the Pearl, a squarish blue model with the right scroll wheel and tiny alphabet of keys. I could be found with T-Rex arms in every possible situation, plugging away at this device like the dot-based football game of my childhood. My wife marvels at the fact that I can type at all, given that my finger pads appear monstrously disproportionate to the miniature keyboard.

Called “crackberrys” by many (and rightfully so), this cause of future carpal tunnel syndrome created a false sense of self-importance – didn’t someone somewhere demand my immediate response and attention? Weren’t future marketing strategies at stake, worlds potentially colliding if not for this wireless savior? We convince ourselves of these justifications every time a buzz and ring triggers the Pavlovian response.

It took a few years for me to realize that the Blackberry is the perfect companion in situations that otherwise seem undesirable or even boring, including (but by no means limited to) – a) waiting outside the ladies restroom with a gaggle of hapless men; b) wandering through the white noise of Sephora while beauty products are collected; c) section B of a Southwest Airlines boarding area ninety minutes before the cattle train departs; and d) eating a quick dinner alone on an endless business trip.

My advice, however, is to turn the damn thing off while on vacation. The typical businessman or businesswoman spends less than five hours a day with their family. When specific time is carved out for dedicated and highly focused connection, they deserve no less than your undivided attention and mindshare. That’s not to say that work isn’t a topic of discussion, for downtime is meant for consideration on your career as well, just don’t bring the losing situation of having to make that “emergency call” or “quick email” to the forefront.

People who know me will cry “Doctor, heal thyself!” and rightfully so. My future promise is that this particular cobbler intends to ensure his loved ones have his best pair of shoes.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 2nd, 2007 at 9:52 am and is filed under General Thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.