This is the "Have More Fun" part...

Written by Melinda White on Nov 9, 2008 6:15 pm

Read More: Personal Development | Positive Thinking

Last weekend I drove from the Atlanta metro area to Columbia, SC to see some friends that I know primarily through the Internet. (We met at a mutual friend's housewarming party over a year ago, and have kept in contact through LiveJournal, another social networking site).

We had dinner at "The Melting Pot." Over the years, I have been collecting a "fondue entourage" as I have introduced many folks to this wonderful cuisine. Nothing gives me more pleasure that eating from the communal pot of fondue, mixed with great conversation and a good deal of laughter.

Then, on Saturday, I spent the day photographing animals at the Columbia Zoo. I will post some of my best shots as soon as I get around to editing the pics. Saturday evening, I called another friend and zipped down to Charleston for some great BBQ at Sticky Fingers before returning to my hotel in Columbia.

Sunday morning I had brunch with my friends in Columbia and then a drive back to Atlanta under sunny skies. I enjoy long road trips as they give me a chance to listen to tapes and do a lot of serious thinking.

The point of this post? Don't lose sight of the middle of the equation - "Make more money, have more fun, give more back." I've been focusing a lot on the ends of late, and last weekend was my opportunity to recharge my batteries and relax some (even though I still managed to squeeze some work in).

Plus, if you really want to get noticed here, you've got to put *yourself* out here, not just your opportunity. You need to give people reasons to connect with you, trust you, and want to work with you.

All work and no play makes Melinda a dull girl... and trust me, I'm anything but dull! Just ask my new friends in Columbia.

Ciao for now.