There will come a point in time when you've so thoroughly communicated your vacation plans that your boss can't really interfere without feeling terrible (or at least refunding those nonrefundable fares).

Ask a lot of questions. Things can change dramatically in no time, and you don't want to be labeled as a presumptuous blowhard who has no finger on the actual pulse of the company.

Many of us who work in the private sector, your boss would pretty much tell you to cancel your vacation. The public already has a perception that too many of our state leaders don't feel the rules apply to them. This type of activity does nothing but buttress that perception.

He will take the blame (if things go wrong). He's never one time made an excuse of anybody else. He's so humble in what he's been given. He realizes his God-given gift and that's the most amazing thing about him. He's going to be hard to replace.

We want to take a break. I just want to take a vacation. Maybe it's time for new and fresh ideas. We'll remain active with the society, but we want to have less responsibility in the operations.

I should take a page from my lawyer-every time I call, he's on vacation, four or five times a year.