RAINER'S RAMBLINGS
Home sweet home
By RAINER ARNOLD

There is a saying that goes something like this, "It is great to get away for a while, but it is greater to be back home". Well, that is truly the way I feel after my vacation. And I think a lot of people are the same way.

Years ago in graduate school I took a stress survey in one of my graduate psychology classes. Among the questions they made you answer were questions about vacation and Christmas.

Those two were foremost in producing stress among a lot of people. And, at that time, I thought there is no way that vacations can cause stress. Well, I was wrong and the survey makers were right.

Before I left, I had to make sure I got gifts for family and relatives in Germany and Scotland and Austria. Then you worry about the fact that they may not like what you brought and the list goes on.

Before you come back, you go through the same thing. Except worse this time since the terror alert in Great Britain created a problem with all the things I was going to bring to the family and friends in Scotland.

You also worry about if you left someone out and if you are doing things the way they do them over there.

Now, I am back at home and I think I brought just about everyone I know something back from Austria or other places. I just hope they don't compare to others and think I am cheap.

But now that I am at home, I feel much more relaxed. I am in my own bed and my own house and own yard. I drive my car instead of a rental. I can get back into my work routine and I must tell you it really feels good for people to tell you, "Good to see you back," even if they don't necessarily mean it.

On the other hand, I sincerely mean it when I say "I am glad to be back in the good old US of A." I really am. I am comfortable here. I know how things work and I have friends of over 30 years and that is comforting to know.

Finally, I must say that I liked the food and drinks in Austria. I really did. But, at least here I don't have to pay for ketchup like you do in Germany if I would want to eat a McDonalds French fries.

I have my own computer and I don't have to pay for surfing like they do if you go to an Internet Café.

And it is really nice to be able to go see your friends and acquaintances and talk to them on the phone instead of having to pay $4-$5 per minute for a phone call.

So, anyway, I am glad to be back and glad to be back at work. After all, it is the job that allows one to go on vacations in the first place.