Not luck

Like I mentioned, I was recently on vacation. When I'm away, I love to take and share photos. I personally like making the memories for myself, and I've also been told that friends enjoy seeing the photos as well. I figure those who don't want to see the photos can always unfollow me, anyway.

But I know some people get annoyed

that others can take trips while they can't. I've been told more than once how "lucky" I am that I am able to travel, and that it must just be because I am single without kids or a mortgage.

It's true - I don't have kids or a mortgage. Technically I am single - in that I am not married - though I am not really sure how that fits in with the ability to travel. Maybe because I am not responsible for someone else financially? If so, then yes, that is true.

But none of that is "luck" - it's choice. I chose not to have kids, I chose to sell my house so I would not have the financial burden, and I choose to be with someone who doesn't need my financial help. I have worked very hard at jobs I have not always loved to earn the money and time to be able to travel.

Make no mistake - I am blessed to have all of these things, and I am grateful everyday. 

But it was not "luck." It was hard work and smart choices. There is definitely a difference.

Vacation perspective

I love vacation. I love not setting an alarm, not worrying about cleaning or laundry or grocery shopping. Not dealing with work. I love the escape.

But it also comes at a price for me. I worry about the planning, and finding stuff to do that we will both enjoy. I worry about travel, especially if we're flying. I worry about my kitty being home alone. I work extra the week before and the week after because that's the nature of what I do.

But the pros definitely outweigh the cons, and in the end - I love vacation.

Something else I love? The perspective. Recently, I was able to take a trip and learn a few things along the way.

The only things in FL not wearing mouse ears.

"Cold" means different things to different people in different places...

... but Florida people have no idea what it means to be truly cold.

I like to be in an area full of stuff to see and do....

... but prefer to find that stuff off the beaten-path. A less hectic, less "touristy" destination is much more my speed.

It is possible to walk 70,000+ miles in a week and still gain 3 pounds...

... but only gaining 3 pounds on vacation is still an awful lot like losing weight. 

There is always going to be something to worry about, or some source of stress...

... but you can't let that stop you from loving life, and making memories.

Perspective

Vacation

I'm on vacation - though today is my last day in our lovely destination. Tomorrow, we begin a very long drive home - even longer because there are two youngsters in the car. Yay! They're super-cool kids, though, and I've had a wonderful time. No complaints.

But, being on vacation has made me think about a few things. Specifically, how it seems that for each thing I like about vacation, there seems to be something I don't.

I think that's the good thing about vacation. I mean - you wouldn't want to go on a vacation that made you never want to get back to real life...if you did, you'd end up hating your reality. And who wants to live like that?

I think a good vacation is one that offers you a break, and a chance to recharge - while reminding you of all you have at home.

The three things I like (the most) about vacation (in no particular order):

• No alarm clock/watch
• The sound of the surf when I'm sleeping
• Ocean air means no allergies

Of course, there's always the things I like least (also in no particular order):

• Temptation to stray from my diet
• Missing my favorite person
• Missing my kitties

Believe it or not, I've been counting my calories while I've been away. I know I've gone over - but I also know by how much, so it's not like I just went hog-wild. I also did make it to the resort's fitness center two nights this week. Honestly - none of the cardio choices are arthritis-friendly, so I actually don't think it did me too much good, except to keep me in the routine. 

Something else that's hard to believe? In addition to getting back to my favorite people (and Pudge and Joe), I'm actually looking forward to getting back to my exercise routine. I know, right? I was as surprised as you. 

Mostly, I'm homesick for my favorite people, my home, and the spring weather I left behind. I guess for me, the best part of vacation is that it reminds me of all I have worth missing.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Five

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day five: A picture of somewhere you've been.


I've been quite a few places. These are just some of my favorites. What are some of yours?  

No Words Wednesday: More vacation

I stayed in Maryland...but visited Washington, DC. It was my first time.

The White House - with my favorite future POTUS....

International Spy Museum

And amazing memorials....

I think, therefore I...

One of the reasons I like road trips is because I do my best thinking in the car. Which is great - it helps me sort through problems, make decisions - and come up with blog ideas. The problem, especially with the ideas, is that it's not really practical (or safe) to act on the writing, or even make reminder notes. 

Recently, though, I took a long trip (more on that later) where I was a passenger. What's more, with two shorties in the car, we had to be quiet while driving during sleep and nap times. 

I found myself lost in my own thoughts for a few hours. I also found myself without pen and paper, but that was no problem - I grabbed my phone and emailed the ideas to myself.

Good idea, no? Of course, now I have a list of one or two word reminders, broken down by blog. While I sort through that, and my work emails, and my laundry, and my mail....and recover from my vacation-coma... 

Tell me, where do you do your best thinking?

My newest in-car hobby.
Taken with my head out the sunroof.

No Words Wednesday: Vacation

My most favorite people brought me on another vacation...

National Harbor, MD

....on the Potomoc

First Peeps!!

Poseidon....