Vacations are a chance to take a break from work, see new places and enjoy time with family. But do they make you happier? YES…any time you can get away from the daily grind and stress that work puts on you, it should make you happier. I was just on a trip to the Virgin Islands with my wife for her ___th birthday and we had the time of our lives. I was still able to “keep up” with what was going on at work and connect back in the states with friends. In a prior blog I wrote about Skype, a video conferencing tool that is sweeping our nation. Skype allowed my wife and I to keep up with the kids and it made for a more enjoyable time. Not only did our trip make us happy but did you know that studies show that the largest boost in happiness comes from the simple act of planning a vacation?!? In the study, the effect of vacation anticipation boosted happiness for eight weeks!! Does that account for the day before when we are running around trying to pack and remember everything? Probably not. But, I can say that the post vacation/trip blues soon set in and it almost feels like a “wash”. BUT in the long run, my trip made me happy not only for that week but the weeks before as the anticipation and excitement grew. So don’t worry about workloads, the stress it gives you….just BE HAPPY and take a vacation with loved ones. You’ll be assured of weeks of happiness. Bon Voyage!

SIMPLE….. it allows you to make calls from one computer to another, anywhere in the world, totally free of charge.  Now that should be VERY attractive, especially in this economy that has yet to totally recover.  I myself have been using Skype for a few months and will be using it more now that fellow colleagues/friends/family are getting in on this act.  Is Skype just for making phone calls you may ask??!  NO, not only does Skype allow for voice communications but it is used for video (with the addition of a Webcam).  Many newer computers, particularly laptops, have the webcam, microphone, and speakers built in for just this purpose.  Ever go to one of those FedEx stores to video conference?  I did and it was plenty expensive.  At least with Skype you have another alternative.  The Cons?!?  Well, it isn’t a suitable substitute for regular phone service, nor does it pretend to be. From a safety standpoint, it’s important to know that Skype CAN NOT be used to make emergency 911 calls.  Other free services on Skype include: transferring and forwarding calls to others on Skype, instant messaging and group IMs and conference calls.  Give it a shot; I did and it is worth the hype!