Priorities

[balzaccom]

I had a big decision to make this week. I was invited to speak at a major national conference in my chosen profession--but it was a direct conflict with one of our big plans for the summer: a ten-day hike through the backcountry of Sequoia/Kings Canyon.

Oh dear. The conference would be a real feather in my cap.

We checked the calendar, and there really was no other time that we could possibly do the hike. And we'd already filed the paperwork for the permit---and it had been accepted.

So I looked long and hard at the calendar, and then at the permit. And then I called them back and explained that I would be delighted to speak at their conference.

Next year.

[Shawn]

Somehow I had expected the opposite decision.

[BSquared]

The mountains are pretty good at always being there, at least in the time frame that matters to you and me

[maverick]

Shawn wrote:
Somehow I had expected the opposite decision.

Me to.

[Scouter9]

Sometimes, it's tough to make the right decision. Long term benefit vs. short term reward, luchre vs. lounge, adoring fans vs. anonymity...

I've had to make the same choice several times and recognize what and why you did to make the one you did. My suggestion is that you not regret it, nor make a habit of it.

Hey, uh mister, you uh like wanna offload that permit? Over here, in the shadow.

[papasequoia]

Few people on their deathbeds wish that they had worked more when looking back on their lives. I think you made the right choice - now enjoy it to the fullest with no regrets.

[balzaccom]

I have already been invited to speak at next year's conference.

[Scouter9]

I have already been invited to speak at next year's conference.

Now it's time to talk Speaker's Fee and Entourage.

[BrianF]

Balzaccom, I completely understand needing to balance professional commitments with trips, But I am a bit confused here. When I read your first post I read it as you would be glad to speak next year and you were keeping your trip as is. But now I am getting the impression that I had it backwards - can you clarify?. In any case I hope you get in a good trip at some point!

[schmalz]

The "next year" comment at the end is very easily interpreted both ways.

When I read it the first time, I assumed he had prioritized his career and that the Sierra would be there "next year". Now, on a second read it appeared he called them and said that he'd do the conference next year, so that he could do the Sierra trip this year.

It's amazing how a little punctuation and wording can completely flip the meaning of a paragraph