I’ve been in Spain for a month now, and although I consider updating my blog an important part of my business when I’m here, I haven’t had time to breathe — much less write a blog post.

I know there are a zillion different websites and books that preach the importance of BALANCE in your life. If you work too much and play too little, there are coaches out the wazoo that are there to help you see the error of your ways. Interestingly enough, though, very few people teach you how to AVOID getting in that pickle in the first place. But who needs a coach when you´ve got an entire country to point out what an idiot you are. Spain doesn’t fool around. It smacks you in the face with the best fish you’ve ever tasted in your life and reminds you that life is NOT all about work!

When I started ProBiz Partners, and later Boomer Babe Web Marketing, I didn’t plan to grow big. In fact, I intentionally kept a picture in head of NO employees (read “no contractors”) and no complications. I wanted to make good money, have a few great clients, and have a wonderful life. “y PUNTO” (PERIOD!). But in the past two months I suddenly find myself working 12 hours a day. I didn’t plan this. I didn’t ask for it — although some would argue that point.

When I’m working in Spain the imbalance that I’ve developed comes into super sharp focus. Friends invite me to lunch, and I bite my tongue and accept. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I don’t want to go. It’s that I DO want to go — but my standard response these days is “Sorry, I don’t have time — I have to work.” So I slap electrical tape over the mouth of that little pest in my head and smile and say “Sure, I’ll meet you for lunch. When and where?” Ah, but then the complications arise….

The next day, at 2:30 (of course we were scheduled to meet at 2:00pm, but we’re on Spanish time), I show up at one of my favorite places. Helios is a teeny little bar/restaurant perched on a short outcrop of rock overlooking the Mediterranean and sporting a breathtaking view of Dénia. The sun is shining, the sea is dotted with white sails, the wine is incredible, the food is….. STOP IT! WAKE UP! I’m supposed to be w o r k i n g!!!!! I am SO sunk! I surrender to the rapid-fire, high-volume Spanish companions and just know that I will pay the price later.

Unfortunately, I conveniently forgot just how long Spaniards like to hang out. When an American says “I’m going for a long lunch,” you know that they’ll be back in a couple of hours. But a Spaniard? Get out the sleeping bags, you’re here for the duration. I couldn’t make this up if I tried. At 8:45 PM I finally slipped the key into the lock and glared angrily at my computer. A SIX hour lunch — and I still had work to do.

Let’s just say I’m working on a new business plan…

Helios Restaurant, Dénia, Spain

Helios, Dénia