I am not like most people. The word vacation does not automatically bring me feelings of euphoria or excitement.
Lately, my husband has been working hard to convince me that we need a vacation. I have been avoiding having any real conversations on this topic or making any plans, hoping that he will just forget. He has not. The other night at dinner, after the kids had left the table, he brought it up again, this need for a vacation. And, not just one vacation, but at least four.
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| SAN DIEGO 2011. OUR LAST "BIG" FAMILY VACATION. |
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| SAN DIEGO ZOO. SUMMER 2011. FEEDING AN OTTER TO THE LION. |
M: We need to go on more vacations.
Me: We go places.
M: Where?
Me: {silence} Ok, so we don't go that many places.
Which, honestly, is fine with me. I have always been more of a home-body. Even as a kid, I wasn't that interested in staying overnight with friends. I didn't like be away from home. I mean, what if something happened? What if I got sick? It wasn't comfortable for me to go, so I didn't do it much.
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| OUR LAST WEEKEND AWAY. APRIL 2012. HALF MOON BAY. |
That desire to be home has stayed with me into adulthood and has been intensified since having kids. It's not that I don't want to leave them, or can't stand the thought of being away from them. It's about all that could happen while I'm gone. It's about the planning...making sure that everything is prepared for them to have a successful time while we're away.
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| THE GIRLS, DRINKING WHO KNOWS WHAT. LOVE THOSE SMILES. |
I started writing this post in hopes of convincing myself that I need to be more open to vacations. That the benefits outweigh the struggles. I'm not doing such a good job, so far.
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| O, MAKING HUGE PROGRESS - PLAYING IN THE SAND! |
Time to turn it around.
Take a look a my top five reasons why vacations are good, and not evil:
1. A vacation with my spouse gets us away from the craziness of work and parenting and helps us focus on each other.
2. On a vacation, we get to visit some of our favorite places. The places where memories are made.
3. New places mean exposing our kids to new experiences, which for O can also mean new challenges. These are the things that help us grow.
4. Family time is important, especially when it can be done away from all the responsibilities of home, like chores, homework, cheer and choir practice, school, etc.
5. I don't have to cook, which has become one of the things that I am least motivated to do lately. No cooking also mean no dishes. This is the best reason yet!
What do you find appealing about vacations? I need some motivation. Please.
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9 comments:
One of the regrets of my childhood was that my parents went to the same place if we ever went on vacation. I grew up in NYC and I never even went to the tourist spots or key landmarks because my parents were such homebodies. Your kids will love you for the sacrifice of traveling. Trust me. Thanks for linking up!
The most fun I had as a child were the vacations! My parents showing me what else was out there. Eating new foods, seeing new surroundings and having a ton of fun with the family. The more you put into the experience, the more the kids will remember. It really does make a huge impact. It relieves the stress, the rut you get yourself in by doing the same thing day after day and it brings the family closer. I say DO IT! Don't look back! Take the time to spend as much time having fun and laughing with the family! Even a couples vacation away reunites you two and brings you closer. Better communication, a closer bond and great memories! Vacations are relaxing, fun and memorable. You won't regret it!
I definitely can understand the struggle... I'm a very picky eater, and kind of an OCD person about certain things. Even something as simple as going to see a friends band play a show gives me anxiety, mostly because I have a thing with public restrooms. And planning definitely can take some joy out of going on vacation, but I love to travel! And once I take the step, it's definitely worth all the struggle to get there and you will not regret it! And I can only imagine the effort it takes to add kids into the mix, but they will LOVE you for it! It will also provide so many great memories, just go for it my lady, you'll be happy you did :)
I love and hate vacations but for different reasons. I don't like that sometimes you go on vacation and they aren't restful. You come back feeling more tired. So I enjoy really relaxing when I go on certain vacations. Some like Disneyland aren't meant to necessarily be relaxing but different places have a different expectation in my head I suppose. However I am a travel bug and love exploring new places so I'm really willing to sacrifice energy and rest for fun in a new place! I hope you plan some restful and fun vacations this year with your husband and kids!
Hi, Sybil! Emailed you a couple weeks ago, friend of Jessica's. :) Well, I created my blog but have yet to post. lol As far as vacations, I'm with you - a homebody. I tell hubby all the time that going somewhere with children is technically a trip, not a vacation from anything. :) However, remember that your hubby (like mine) needs them, and that is the main reason. The kids will have wonderful memories, and I bet, looking back, you will, too! Hugs!!!
i am so similar to you! i do love vacations once we get there, but I hate the actual planning, spending money and traveling. I LOVE LOVE being home. and am always happy to come home!!
oh i just feel you 100% on this!! i have the best vacation memories as a child so we continue the tradition with our boys, but being on the 'other side' now as a parent means more work, but always experiencing the joy as you watch your children having a good time. With C's sensory needs sleep is our biggest challenge. Thankfully hubby is my 'motivator' and we make it happen. The sacrifice is so worth the memories!! And the best part of a vacation? Coming home sweet home!! Love those sweet vacation pictures you posted :)
My wheels were always spinning on where to vacation next, what we could see in a days drive but that was when we only had one, now with two it's become a bit more tricky. It's a challenge to remember every.single.item for the baby while respecting the space needed for the tween. Then there's the dog! See we all have challenges of some form but oh the memories that are made, are priceless. There's serene moments that just can't be duplicated in the home setting. Your next list should be of places to see or items to pack!
We have been talking about needing a vacation as well :) Our favorite type of vacation is going on a cruise! For us it is very relaxing - all the food and entertainment is right there for you! I am like you, I love just being at home, and when I am in a 'home' mood, I just spend some time in the cabin. And my hubby and go off and explore the ship - he loves to watch the mechanics of the ship and will wake up extra early just to watch the ship dock at the port :) There really is something for everyone!
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