Obama’s Hawaiian work life strategy

Oh, to be a member of the incoming president's press corp. Talk about envy. Tagging along with President-elect Barack Obama doesn't require bundling up for the Chicago cold during the holidays, but instead, just the right amount of suntan lotion on the sunny shores of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. That's where Mr. Obama is spending the holidays. He's nestled into a beauty of a condo on the beach, nice and cozy with his family and 200 of their best friends nearby (paparazzi).

As Mr. Obama passes the holiday time – destressing and relaxing on the beach – he'll reportedly continue to get security briefings. Talk about changing things up a bit. A buff Obama emerged from the surf just yesterday, ushering in a new sign of the times – better work life balance for the president.

Many other presidents worked out and played golf, but Mr. Obama is actually allowing the world to witness him letting loose a bit – at least from a distance. A shirtless Obama has had the world media, all a flutter in the last 24 hours. Here's the scene, Mr. Obama hits the beach, secret service line the shore and paparazzi are using the best lens they have to get that money shot. But let's look at the meaning behind the shot.

Vacationing in Hawaii is a markedly different approach to the holidays than we're used to in our Presidents. It's refreshing to see our new prez branching out off the mainland. Mr. Obama spent much of his childhood in Hawaii, so it's natural he'd want to vacation there. But this minor departure from the closed door policy of past presidents is somewhat significant.

The Obama transition team made it clear that he's not leaving all the worries of the world behind, but rather integrating them into this time away. On the agenda for example, the transition to power, and putting the Rod Blagojevich situation in proper perspective.

A little gym time, some family time, and little downtime doesn't mean a compete departure from national interests. Mr. Obama's very public vacation has lightened things up a bit. But I'm not sure how long it will last in the face of economic woes, international consternation, and security risks to our new president - but it's a start.