Easter is but a faded memory (too much chocolate, an abundance of hot cross buns and vino to wash it down) and most of us are already back in the grind of every day life (that means "work" for those of us who are not still in holiday la la land).

I have arrived safely at my desk at 11.30am after an early morning interstate flight and am a bit weary even though I have just spent 5 days away, in the most picturesque setting possible with loads of sunshine, great wines and good food. The company wasn't too bad either ;-)

Queensland is such a stunning place. Like most people who travel up there, I always dream of living there permanently because in a week, you don't get bored, the flies don't bother you too much, and you cannot get enough of the sun and surf. It is pure paradise. Beautiful one day, perfect the next as the slogan goes.

Never one to 100% tune out on business, I learned a few things during my Easter break that I would like to share with you:

1. Work doesn't stop even if you do: I landed in Queensland and had a number of calls on my mobile, emails were coming through in the truckloads and there were last minute things that I had to organise. When you travel, make sure you allocate time to keep in touch with the office, check your emails and listen to your phone messages, just in case there is anything that really needs doing but do not let it take over your holiday.
2. People are kind, just because that is who they are: Some people are just outright kind. My Sister-in-law's Mother, Kate, picked me up from the airport which was a bit out of her way, with a huge smile. She didn't have to do it, but she offered anyway because she likes doing things for others. Kindness doesn't cost a thing, but good people remember it and reciprocate.
3. Family is everything: Spending time with family is such a joy. Each of your siblings, no matter how annoying they may be at times, has something of you in them - good or bad. It's great to work out what that is and appreciate the little things that make you the same just as much as you do, about the things that make you different.
4. Art is in the eye of the beholder: My gorgeous Sister-in-law is an amazing artists. She has enormous talent and is so understated in her approach to her abilities - that I could not imagine her 'putting herself out there' showing off what she can do - but gosh, I wish she would. I want to share her talents with the world (and perhaps one day I will!). Art comes in many forms and a bunch of women from Maryborough Queensland are putting on an art showing in May with all their different artistic platforms. I love all of their work, but its funny, as I was flicking through magazines on the weekend, and asking opinions on art and interior design of the people around me, I was once again reminded that everyone is different in what they like and dislike when it comes to art and people see things differently. That's what's so brilliant about art. It allows us to see something that perhaps someone else did not see.
5. Ripping people off leaves a bad taste, but rectifying it gets you a client for life: I have never been overly loyal to car hire companies. I typically pick ones that I know but whoever is the cheapest on any given day for the vehicle I am looking for, usually wins. On Sunday, I decided that it was easier for me to drive myself to the airport, so I looked up car hire companies on google and searched for the best price. The price was 3 times normal. The most reasonable - which wasn't reasonable may I add, was Hertz. So, I waited for a 30 minutes to decide what to do and then went back to the website. The price had gone up $30 in that time. Ridiculous. Nevertheless, I made a decision not to inconvenience anyone so I booked it anyway. The next day when I went to pick it up, the man, Barry, was so pleasant. Big smile, happy go lucky type of bloke. I said to him that the price was a bit steep this time of year just in general conversation, and he listened and agreed. He then said, because you use Thrifty so much, how about I give you this rate? It was approximately $100 off. Now, he didn't need to do this. He owns the franchise so there is no advantage in it for him. On top of that, he only came into the office that day to hand over the keys to me and it was Easter Monday.  I will now always place preference to Hertz Car Rental. If this is their customer service ethics - they win everytime for me.
6. Take time out with the people you care about: I spent a few hours on the weekend just hanging out with my brother flying his plane. We chatted and just enjoyed hanging out with each other. It was very special and great to be able to have one-on-one time when so often there is always people around. You can also talk about things that perhaps you can't talk about in mixed company.
7. One persons perspective, isn't necessarily anothers: There was an instance on the weekend, when a conversation took place whereby a good friend of one of my friends gave some advice that I thought wasn't positive for the person they were giving advice to. Basically, their advice was not to do something that is a great opportunity, until they get better at it. Now she is immensely talented, and has been given an opportunity of a lifetime to use this talent, but she is nervous. Like anyone else is when they are putting themselves out there. My advice, ignore this. Go out there and just do it! These people have confidence in your abilities. Reach for the stars. BUT... we all must remember that while we should always listen to what someone has to say, we don't necessarily need to do it.
8. No matter how accurate you are in following a recipe, the recipe can still fail. Need I say more.
9. The grass is not greener on the other side: Always remember this.
10. Take time out for yourself and appreciate what you have done in your life, how far you have come and the beautiful people that enrich your life.