The first day back to work (and reality) after vacation

Is there a work day no sweeter than the one after some time off, like the one after a long weekend, or a month off to travel to somewhere exotic, say Thailand or Paris? (Actually, I wouldn't know the latter, but I digress).

There's nothing like those first few minutes, back at your desk, piping hot coffee in hand, eagerly logging into Outlook and loading up a heaping pile of email, some urgent, some miraculously solved before you're needed?

People will say, "You look refreshed," or "Hey, you got some sun," and you'll regale your office-bound buddies with stories of the exciting and not-so-exciting adventures you had, with that bright and perky enthusiasm that accompanies a totally clear-headed worker bee.

Sure, you could say that the time right before a vacation is perhaps more sweet -- but I would disagree, for those days are often stressed, packed with piling up instructions to less enthused coworkers, all the while the clock seems to tick more slowly, as if trapped in a warped fourth dimension of time.

No, I'll always enjoy those mornings back on the job... even if it only lasts about 15 minutes or so.