So I've been working for the same company for 13+ years.  That's a long time.  My tenure has netted me four weeks' vacation, plus the usual handful of federal holidays that everyone gets.  So usually I have close to six weeks' vacation at my disposal.

THAT'S a long time.  (Though, by European standards, it's rather average.)

Anyway, I took a two-week break at the end of '07.  (The last time I took off two straight weeks was when my son was born, back in '06.)  Needless to say, spending uninterrupted time with one's family is always nice.   Being able to sleep past 5:30 am and not having to commute five hours a day is also rather nice.  At times I didn't even know what day it was--now THAT, to me, is a vacation.  I even nodded off in front of the TV as Return of the Jedi played on cable.  Another vacation-worthy moment.  (And in my defense, I've seen the movie at least a hundred times, if not more.)

Those two weeks of R&R made me realize how much time I spend in a state of clenched readiness, though for what I have no idea.  I just know that I am rarely in a truly relaxed, powered-down state, either mentally or physically.  Spending time with my family does put me into a healthier frame of mind.  Their unconditional love and affection is always a balm for my weary heart.

Meanwhile, back at the drawing board...

Months ago I'd resolved to at least have the first issue of the new Hairbat comic penciled, but that did not come to pass.  I did, however, make a lot of headway with the overall story/plot of the series.  This was accompanied by a lot of frenzied sketchbook activity, most of which occurred over two days and several hours in a Meineke waiting room.

It's funny how something as "analog" as a ballpoint pen and a bit of blank paper can still stimulate creativity.   While apps like Photoshop are great, sometimes it's nice to see what you can do with a little bit of ink on a clean page.

So, yeah, I did get to wear the artist's hat for a short time during the break.  I was able to crank out a bunch of new greeting card designs, too, which is always fun.  But that came towards the end of my vacation.  Fun as it may be, it's still work.  That, and I really tried not to go near Photoshop at all for a little while, as I think I've become a little too dependent on it lately--especially the Warp tool.  To me, Warp is like a little voice whispering, "that drawing could always be a little bit better."  Then again, that's always been my inner voice's refrain. 

I got to wear my geek hat, too, mostly while I logged in time on Mass Effect, the new 360 RPG/FPS.  It was good to sink my teeth into a truly immersive, layered world.  Good graphics and interesting gameplay mechanics aside, what really sets this game apart from run-of-the-mill shooters is the story itself.  While flawed, it's a solidly-written, old school sci-fi yarn--the kind of tale Halo wanted to be (though to be fair I haven't played Halo 3 yet).  The story called to mind the best parts of Star Trek: TNG, The Matrix, and yes, even Halo--which itself borrowed heavily from the movie Aliens. 

More later.  My son woke up from his nap a few minutes ago.  Time to slip on my favorite hat of all--the daddy hat.

Stay tuned for a bona fide HAIRBAT LIVES update...