In the grand scheme of things, I reckon I find holidays generally easier than work. Now, holidays can be tricky – travelling, weather, paying for stuff (always a challenge) – but, well, I get to wake up later on holidays. And do stuff I like.

Which isn’t to say that the stuff I like is particularly exciting or inspiring. As much as I like the idea of base jumping (actually, I don’t) as a family man I normally try to limit the amount of things in my life that could, if one small thing goes wrong, instantly smash me into smithereens. No (and turn away now if you’re of a very cynical (or squeamish) disposition) I just want to spend time with my wife, my kids, and maybe do some fun stuff together. That’s my rush…

You see, work is a good thing, but I’m not with them. I have a lot of thoughts about adventure – I climbed a mountain once, and the memory still haunts my dreams with acute longing to return to the heights. But I am on an adventure – the great adventure – and for me, right now, that adventure is three other people, and one person in particular. Two small, noisy, wonderful people, who look at me and say “Daddy!” and one beautiful, strong, intelligent, fun friend and lover whose live has become so entwined with mine that it is hard to see where I end and she begins. That’s my adventure right now.

…and so I struggle with work, sometimes. It is a gift, a joy, a privilege (I suppose) as it is what we use to enable this adventure to happen. But when I am there, I am not with them. And… to be honest… (changing tone with all the subtlety of a botched gear change on the A46) It’s just not that fun! Meetings! Reports! Occasional cups of tea! Dreams are not usually made of such things. Well, mine aren’t, that’s for sure.

But every day, I say thanks for my work. Because, even though when I am there the adventure is elsewhere, nothing good in my life would happen without it.

-Andy