Everybody takes them (at least we hope). It’s the time of year when a cold beer on a lake in our Muskoka chairs allows us to forget about all the daily grind we put up with during our seemingly endless winter months. We hurry to get all the loose ends tied up and projects covered before we leave, but how to get away? How does Europe shut down for 4 weeks every July?? How can we function? How can the plant function without us?? Well, the truth is — they can if they are forced to and if there’s a plan while you are absent. Tips to get away: [star_list] [list_item]”Lose” your cell phone at home[/list_item] [list_item]Vacation in a remote area where your cell phone doesn’t work[/list_item] [list_item]Don’t leave an alternative number for work[/list_item] [list_item]Don’t ever call in to work for “urgent” messages[/list_item] [list_item]Stock up on alcoholic beverages.; always have enough alcohol in you so you can’t drive.[/list_item] [list_item]Pick somebody you want to be your placement while you’re away[/list_item] [/star_list] If you are going away with the process unplanned, you better have somebody competent in the background in your absence. If everything is ready to go, then put somebody you want to fire in charge. That way, if they make mistakes, you can provide an easy exit strategy for them when you get back. Whatever you do, enjoy. We wait too long to get away – too long to enjoy the holiday and the summer. -KM