It tells you how tight we covering the Congress are. As I was walking to lunch with a press secretary, I spoke with CBS producer Jill Jackson. She was writing a blog on recess at the Capitol. Congress members call it a “district working week”, but I like “recess”.

In happier times with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)… when Congress was not in recess. (Photo credit: CNC)

I feel like I’m in grade school again. Session is like a long spring day stuck in a classroom. I’m learning lots of interesting things, passing notes to my audience about what’s going on, and juggling to keep my focus on what’s going on while getting my assignments done. But my desk gets messy, I’m eating lunches packed from home, and keep pushing off the long term projects.

But recess- oh recess. Some time in the sun. I get to go to lunch (outdoors!) with someone I’ve only worked with via phone and e-mail. I get to clean my desk. (well, as tidy as I can get it) I file away recently picked up business cards, and finish production on long features while researching new ideas. I play more. So, when Jill said she was doing a blog on recess and would I like to go to town on what it’s like? I could opine with tourists and staff on this very elusive time. Heck yeah.

And I even said a few things she could use. But when it’s over I may be kicking up my heels ready to get back to the classroom where friends will be back in their proper places. And assignments will educate me and keep me safely occupied.