My inclination is to use vacation time, time away from home, to catch up on work. The lack of housework and daily demands frees up extra time to catch up on grading, do some extra tweeting, work on a writing project….all the things that can be difficult to fit in during a regular, jam packed week. I am happy to let my husband take the kids off to the beach or to the ski slopes while I settle into the local coffee shop to spend some quality time with my lap top.  My husband is good about using the physical distance from his office to put himself solidly on vacation. My virtual office (lap top) allows me to work anytime, anywhere. Both a blessing and a curse. When kids are home sick, it is a blessing. When my family is on vacation, and I can’t stay off the computer, it becomes a curse. My whole clan goes out to share quality time together, while I sit in the WiFi equipped coffee shop. On our ski trip this weekend, I decided to join in the fun. Dad and the kids were going out zip lining and I wasn’t going to be left behind. The work could wait. I need to be better about turning off the laptop on turning on some high quality family fun. After all, the family that plays together, stays together. And this mom is staying with them !