I’ve been debating in my mind whether or not to write about this adventure. It’s not the cheeriest of posts, but It’s pretty important so here goes.

I’m generally considered a high achieving individual. I’m very passionate about my work and take it very seriously. As a technology director you feel like the circus performer that spins a dozen plates or more, hoping that they don’t all come crashing down at once. I’d just returned from a trip to Missouri to spend time with the kids, and began to work on a project that took a week to finish. Friday, the job was completed, I realized I’d made a huge error that could potentially cost me my job. I informed my boss through email and waited to hear back from her.

We’d agreed to visit Mark and Maria over the weekend in a summer cottage they’d rented in Biddeford, Maine. My boss was supposed to have dinner with us there in Maine on Friday night since it was close to where she lived. On our way, she called and said she couldn’t make it, and also expressed her concern for the error I’d made. She said we would talk more on Monday. Though I felt like my world was crashing in around me, I was relieved she wouldn’t be coming for dinner.

We arrived at the cottage and I shared everything with Mark and Maria. They, and Janet were extremely encouraging, as good friends are, and we enjoyed a nice dinner in Kennebunkport. Mark knows all the good places to eat, and it just so happened we ended up at the same restaurant where we ate lunch at the Christmas Prelude last year.

The next day was filled with a beautiful drive around Biddeford Pool and a walk through the Eastpoint Wildlife Sanctuary. The walk led us down to a rocky beach where we enjoyed hearing the sound of the waves crash against the crags of rock. My passion for perfection meant that it was hard to let go of my circumstances and was kind of a downer. But they took it all in stride and continued to help me see my value and worth.  They took us to a little eatery that looked more like a grocery store than restaurant. We ordered fresh seafood platters from the counter and ate on picnic tables that overlooked the sea.  A little old man volunteered to take our picture. It wasn’t until after we’d left I realized his finger was in all five pictures he took. After lunch we walked along the rocky beach looking for seaglass. I’d never heard of seaglass and found it fun to see if I could find some. That night we found a tiny restaurant there in Biddeford Pool that was surprisingly much less expensive, but better food. I had a triple lobster tail dinner that was just perfect! I felt like I deserved it, after all, it was my birthday.

Sunday came and it was time to pack up and leave. I knew that I’d have to face the music on Monday. But at least at this moment, I had the comforting knowledge that work isn’t my life. It’s pretty important to me, and I always try to do my best. But these moments of spending times with family and friends, seeing new places, eating great food, and listening to the waves is the life I want to cling to.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller