Asante, Kenya. Asante.

With the family on a safari in Kenya

We celebrated Taj Lee's college graduation with a family trip to Kenya! Muna Lee and I figured it would be the perfect time for him to make some special memories before he joins the workforce and toils his life away for the next few decades.

On the flip side, you may recall that I recently hung up my military uniform after 32 years -- This trip was the first vacation I was able to enjoy without that nagging, anxious voice inside my head reminding me "I have to go back to work soon; that project will be waiting on me." (If you have a high-stress job, you KNOW the voice I'm talking about.)

Visiting the Maasai tribe. Taj dances with them as they sing

Breaking away from work was always a challenge for me. During my military career, I always felt "on," all the time. This habit served me well professionally, I suppose. But during my career I never could fully enjoy vacations or experiences knowing work was waiting.

Not this time -- I can't explain the feeling of truly enjoying an experience without worrying about other stuff you have to get done later. Visiting Kenya was amazing, not just because Mombasa is a wonderful place, but because I experienced it fully without the workplace anxiety I usually felt in uniform.

We stayed at a rental at Mombasa beach; took a day trip to Diani Beach, and two-day Safari at Tsavo East national park. Of course, we did some shopping in downtown and made a habit of trying all the great local restaurants.

The family visiting downtown Mombasa, Kenya

I'm still on the job hunt. (Please holler if you know of anyone in need of a Communications or Public Affairs teammate?) But while I had the opportunity, I was blessed to be able to enjoy the free time we had.

Asante, Kenya. Asante.

Muna and I at a resort in Mombasa, Kenya