An email appeared this past Monday from Amelia Ambrose asking me if I could make sure that I sent over my submission for "Since Our Last Chat" for July no later than Tuesday.  Normally, my answer would be, "Absolutely."  Unfortunately for me, after Barb Townsend and I discussed the responsibilities I had for July's issue, I abruptly forgot.  Between

Then it dawned on me. Sitting Friday night at an impromptu Happy Hour that followed Bowling with the Judges, laughing and swapping stories about what else, work, I realized that lately that's all I talk about with anyone: WORK.  I know I have more to talk about then work.  At some point during my day I'm a mother, a friend, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a softball parent, a dance mom, in addition to an attorney.  I realized that what readers needed to see was that all of us have a life outside of our jobs and that making time for this often neglected side of our lives, is 100% necessary. 

In a complete panic, mostly because I didn't want the wrath of Barb in telling her I dropped the ball, I sent out an email to a handful of members begging for some insight into their plans for this summer.  With the hectic schedules that seem to overload our seemingly endless days as attorneys, I was quite surprised that a number of people responded so quickly and so enthusiastically.  It was almost as if that question alone was enough to allow for a small window of thinking about something other than what lies beneath and on top of our desks.  Here are a few of the responses I received:

Lauren Sulcove's summer vacation will be spent with her husband, Jerrold, at Rehoboth Beach, where they plan to go bicycle riding, reading (like she doesn't read enough at her day job) and eating gourmet food. 

Abigail Salawage, of Kaminski, Hawbaker & Salawage, had plans until her daughter, Jolene, ended up being invited on a 4 week vacation with Abby's parents.  (I think all of us with teenagers can agree that a vacation for your child without you is technically a vacation for you.)  For those who do not know, Abby's boyfriend, Rodney, is currently serving our great country in Afghanistan as a member of the National Guard.  In July, Abby will be headed to Tampa, Florida for a Yellow Ribbon Event, where family members of deployed soldiers gather together to support of each other and in support of those who are serving. 

Braving the Gettysburg crowds during this year's 150th Anniversary Celebration is Steven Necaster, of the Franklin County Public Defender's Office.  He plans on attending with his dad, and possibly his son, on July 4th.  In addition to that, he is taking a long-weekend trip to Virginia Beach for a visit with friends near his alma mater, Regent University School of Law.

Michael Connor, of Walker, Connor & Spang, has already been a busy man leading into the summer with attendance at weddings, most recently in New Jersey.  He confirmed that you really don't believe the rumors about New Jersey weddings until you experience one.  Mike also has in the works a family reunion and a week of relaxation at the shore, which since he didn't specify, is hopefully not "Jersey Shore".  

Although not leaving the area for any type of trip, Ann Rotz, of Meyers, Young & Grove, P.A., will be playing in a mud volleyball tournament and planning a Lawn Olympics.  (Who knew, right?) 

And for those of us with children on any type of summer travel team, weekend plans are basically off limits until the season is over.  (For those of you that don't have children on a travel team, this is the only time parents secretly hope their child's team doesn't make the playoffs.)  One such parent is Eric Weisbrod, who has multiple weekends of hauling his very athletically talented son, Jared, to soccer tournaments and camps.  However, there is an end in sight. In late August, Eric will be in Las Vegas for a week to participate with his pool league team in the APA National Team 8 Ball Championships.  Eric probably won't report much after that, since what happens in Vegas...well, you know the rest. 

Then there's Theresa Yaukey, of MidPenn Legal Services, whose plans will put all of us to shame.  Theresa reported her summer may not be filled with vacation time but she and her husband and reigning champion of the YLD Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, Curtis, are making time for a get-away.  They will spend the end of September in Chincoteague Island. This is a special place near and dear to the couple, as this is where Curtis proposed to her 5 years ago while on a sunset cruise complete with champagne and picnic.  (And yes, I purposely put her plans last because who wants to follow that one?)

As I start realizing my oldest is entering high school and my youngest is almost 3 already, I see the importance of not being a slave to the job.  I have been lectured by many attorneys in this job far longer than me, but never really listened.  I am now.  We need to not feel guilty for needing a break or feeling as if we aren't doing our job if we're not answering emails on trips with the family or at 11:30 p.m. on a Friday.  We all do it.  It is difficult with the work we do to remember that we all need a break. We are probably better attorneys for taking time for ourselves and actually letting go of the notion that a weekend trip to the North Fork for some wine tastings will not cause a spontaneous combustion of our caseload.  (Yes, you now have heard my inner monologue.)  We need a time where we aren't chained to our smartphones or computers and simply enjoy not being at, or even talking about, work. 

Summer is the perfect time for this, primarily because frozen drinks go so well with warm weather.  Enjoy your vacations, stay-cations, tournaments, trips and reunions, because all of these moments turn into memories.  I hope you all make great ones this summer!