A couple of weeks ago, I did something I have not done in my more than 25-year career in media. I took a full two weeks off. No phone calls, no writing, no checking emails - a total vacation. And it was amazing!

First, I want to give a huge shoutout to Alisa, Kelly, Leta, and Bailey for taking care of everything in my absence. It was wonderful not having to worry once about how well, or if, things were getting done.

For me the trip was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to see Hawaii. Jody and I joined another couple on a 14-day cruise from Long Beach, California to the islands, which included four ports - Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and The Big Island - and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico before returning to Long Beach.

I must admit, 14 days is a long time on a cruise ship. But then again, we thoroughly enjoy our time on the boat. Quite a few of my family and friends that I have shared my love of cruising with say the same thing; “I just don’t think I would like being out in the middle of the ocean and not be able to see land.” I thought the same thing before I went on my first cruise. I don’t know how to swim, and my kids will attest to the fact that I have always had an innate fear of deep water. Yet, I find the endless vista of sea incredibly calming and peaceful.

Many of you are aware that I recently lost my brother and sister-in-law in an accident - our first cruise in 2018 was with them. We talked several times since then about going on another vacation together, but never seemed to be able to make our schedules coincide. We always thought after we all quit working full-time…then we would have time.

One of the many things Pat and I agreed on was the importance of investing in experiences and creating memories, especially with your spouse. In fact, one of our last conversations involved trying to convince our youngest brother that he needs to take his wife on a vacation.

I have been beyond blessed in that I have gotten to travel quite a bit in the last 20 years. My newspaper career has afforded me the luxury of a flexible schedule that has allowed me to do that, though most of the time that means taking my laptop and working while away. But that seems like a pretty good tradeoff to me!

This was our fourth cruise, and I can safely say I do not regret a single vacation I have taken. We are already talking about when and where we are going next, and will no doubt have our next cruise booked soon. I am pretty sure I will not be on my deathbed one day saying, “I wish I had worked more and traveled less!”

That said, there were a few times on this recent getaway that I actually felt a little guilty for being happy. While I was away, our community lost a beloved citizen who was a former neighbor of mine; she was the very same age as my brother and his wife, 63. If anything, these recent events have just made me even more aware of how fragile life is - and the importance of enjoying every moment we are given.

So, I encourage you today - that bucket list thing you have been putting off? Pull the trigger. You will not regret it!