Friday, May 26, 2006

Key ingredients to a good vacation

#1: At least one night, go to sleep with the knowledge that you have nothing at all to do the next day. No driving, no plans, just chill. Like a god damn baby.

#2: Static randomness. For some reason, we can sit and watch the ocean for hours in complete solace. Also works with a good fire. Always changing, but always there.

#3: Preparedness -- but not too much. e.g. Implements for opening alcoholic beverages. Socks. Don't leave home without 'em.

#4: Do something stupid. Play bocce in the dark. Remarkable how the utter strangeness and irresponsibility of a thing can seem like a vacation in and of itself.

#5: Don't even think about checking that work email. They're going to expect you to be rested when you get back, so live up to that expectation.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So good, you'll post it thrice!

Close, but the correct term is "stationary randomness". And though it very much applies to the tidal breath sounds in my research, it is a far cry from listening to the ocean. (I do have fun, though, slowing them down and playing them over one of the Silent Hill soundtracks. VERY spooky.)

I'm glad to hear you had a lovely break. Two and a half months until mine. So close...

Alex said...

Thanks for the correction. Looks like all those years of post-grad have really paid off. ;)

Tidal breath sounds? What's them?

Anonymous said...

Tidal breathing is just normal breathing when one is resting, e.g., while lounging on the beach. Truth be told, most of the breathing I measure is stronger than that. Tidal breathing doesn't make enough sound.