A Little R & R

Question: What do you do for down time, to rest, rejuvenate, and just relax? --submitted by Joanne Jay, August 27, 12:06 am

Answer: It might surprise people who are used to seeing me onstage or on cruises to hear this, but I'm actually a homebody! I absolutely love being at home; it's the happiest place on earth. When work, travel, and other commitments have me racing, my favorite way to recharge is to simply be at home, surrounded by family.

I love to read (everything, from fiction like "The Help" to "The Hunger Games" to all kinds of business, government, and economy books - I find these topics fascinating and so relevant to the business!), and I indulge in playing silly games on my iPad from time to time. These five-minute escapes are better than a power nap! I'll admit to being one of the top scorers of all time on Bookworm, and I think the game Plants vs. Zombies is hilarious.

And if home is my favorite place, then the kitchen is my favorite room. Cooking is a great rejuvenator for me - I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, and putting in the time to create a perfect pork barbacoa or a long-simmered soup. I love the gift of a great meal for my family; it truly restores me. My chocolate chip cookies are bakery good (if I do say so myself), and they are as much fun to make as they are to eat. I love making food and treats for family and even bringing plates in for the executive team. It can make those long meetings much more delicious!

And, lest you think that staying home is my sole rejuvenator, I'll admit to having a wild side, too: David and I love to relax by riding roaring four-wheelers in the dirt. I love shrieking with glee as we bound over a sand dune or up a mountain trail (helmet on, of course). It's a great way to be together, to be in nature, and to recharge those internal batteries!