Vacation Time

Recently, I had an absolutely blissful vacation.  Seriously, it was amazing--the rest and relaxation, the overeating, the beautiful landscape.  You see, thanks to one of the world's kindest women, I was given the afternoon off from my life.  I went to a movie.

First and foremost, let me say that I love the people in my life as well as many aspects of it.  And particularly when it comes to my kid, I am grateful for each and every minute that I have with him.  But as we all know, there are days when you just need a break from your life, even if you are rich and famous like Rupert Murdoch.  Ok, bad example.  But my point is that every once in a while, escapism is fantastic.  And if you are a parent without reprieve at all, well, those moments are vital.

I used to get paid to travel the world.  I had clients located throughout the world and was blessed to get to spend days in Milan, Brussels, New York and Dublin.  And I loved my job.  So back then, even my working travels seemed like vacations.  When I did go on vacation it was to romantic destinations like the Caribbean (with my mother, mind you, but it was still fun--more fun, actually).  I knew how to vacay.  And I was VERY particular about how vacation time was spent.  Even if I was able to shop or eat well or have an occasional spa treatment, it all had to be the best.  I had absolutely NO reason for being such a snob, mind you, apart from the fact that I could. 

Let's just say things are different.  I can't possibly leave the city right now, let alone the country, for a number of reasons.  And relaxation sort of goes out the door when you worry 24/7 about things like food and shelter.  That said, when you have guardian angels, miracles can happen.  The other day, my aunt (with appearances by my dad) watched my son for an entire afternoon.  Knowing how much I needed to just get away for a few hours, she gave him an afternoon of bliss.  And I disappeared into air conditioned pretend land and for the first time in a long time, it wasn't me making up the stories.  I was a little disheveled after I came out into the sunshine, but I was calm and happy.  And was very much ready to see my kid.

Don't get me wrong--I would love to wake up tomorrow in Hawaii.  But now I would prefer that my family be with me.  I don't think having a kid or moving changed me, so much as it brought me back to me.  I still love nice stuff, and would do almost anything to win the lotto.  But in the meantime, these little respites make me about as happy (if not happier in some ways).  I don't recommend having your life turned upside down.  But if it does go all topsy-turvy, it may take you to the people who matter most.  The ones who are there for you when you need them.  And maybe you might be lucky enough to find yourself out there in vacation land, too.