Work-life Balance

Being a radio guy can be pretty exciting. I for example, get up at a crazy time of day to come in here, play some awesome songs, talk to listeners about stuff, and make wisecracks about whatever I feel.

I get to go to great shows. I meet people who I'd normally never get to know. I get news releases from people and organizations that normally wouldn't give me the time of day.

My workday isn't quite as long as most.

Like most folks in my business, I seek out things to feel that I'm earning my keep. I'm on two or three boards of local community groups. The Kingston Half Marathon and Beat Beethoven put up with me as one of their co-directors, and I'm always ready to take on whatever community challenge comes my way. That stuff's easy. I'd do it anyway.

Back before I had kids, I decided that I needed to play hockey, baseball, golf, Frisbee golf, ski...whatever else I could find to keep moving. I got pulled into running by a couple of bad friends of mine, which lead to more bad friends who pulled me even further off the couch and into triathlon. After much failed protest, I'm now training to race in an Ironman triathlon, which is only exciting and interesting to the other fools who do this sport, so I won't bore you any more with details.

I read books. Lots of books. Always have, and always will.

There are some great TV shows that need to be watched, and not just the NHL, NFL, Olympics, World Cup Soccer and occasional F1 race, and every minute of the Tour de France.

Anyone who knows me knows that I eat. I eat a lot.

And there's sleep, commuting to and from work, and my freelance voice and pr work.

Leaving me with, what?

Sleep.

But last night, I was vegging on the couch with my son and daughter. We were mocking Access Hollywood or some other lame waste of TV...referencing our favorite out-there TV shows and movies and talking about music. There was no format, structure, expectation, deadline, cause, politics, demanding client or any of the other things I deal with all day. Just the three of us, together, having a laugh, and using our brains.

One quality hour with the family makes all the rest seem like I'm just filling time.