When I go on vacation, it feels like my home life freezes and time stands still. The only things that matter are, A) I survived the plane flight, B) I’m with my family, and C) I’m some place warm and sunny, or at least has good shopping. I always go with the lofty notion that I will make some profound discovery in myself or make a change for the better and come home renewed or reborn. I make lists of things I want to do or need to fix. I create projects for myself. It’s all very inspiring. And then I come home to find I’m 99% the same person as when I left. (The 1% may be a pound or two, in either direction.) But, I always remain hopeful.
Here are 10 things I discovered last week on vacation:
Most of these have to do with food. I’m sure you’re not surprised.
1. I expand my culinary repertoire – I found I like Soba noodles and Black Cod.
2. I need my fix – I get pouty if dark chocolate isn’t available. I found myself sucking on the dark cookie of an Oreo, because they only had Twix and 3 Musketeers in the mini-bar. Not a proud moment.
3. I appreciate the little things – Butter is a delicacy. Salty or sweet. I’m easy to please.
4. I appreciate the big things – Being near the ocean soothes my soul, in a way that chocolate never will. And I’m OK with that.
5. I like to rest – Sometimes the occasional nap after lunch (like we used to do in kindergarten) is a good thing.
6. I’m picky – I don’t like rum, and I don’t like gin. But, a vodka mojito is divine.
7. I make mistakes – I forgot to pack my toothbrush and my arsenal of medicine (I am usually ready, willing and able to tend to any ailment known to man).
8. I am happiest in the water – I must be part fish or mermaid and I can swim for hours. While in the ocean I’m on hyper vigilant shark watch.
9. I lower my standards – I will eat certain cookies on vacation that I would never touch at home.
10. I let my inhibitions run wild – I will strut my stuff on the beach without a care in the world as to what my stomach or thighs look like. On vacay, I simply don’t care anymore. (Cheers to getting older!)
What did you learn about yourself on your most recent vacation? And if it was just a new cocktail, that’s OK too.
7 Comments
I’m ridiculous with the loving the water and yet expecting I might see a Great White looming below me, too. Thought that kind of paranoia only lived in my mind. Glad we have something else in common beside cupcakes. I’d like to strut my stuff, but I think my stuff may be a little poofier than yours so I’m opting for a wispy, loose-fitting number over my bikini!
BH Mom, did I mention that I do this only after the sun goes down? (Wink Wink) And by the way, I’ve seen you in the hood and I’m sure you rock your bikini just fine
I’ll take someplace sunny and beautiful with my family. Hawaii!
I think I learned that I need the smallest amount of time out of town to reboot. Sometimes it’s just one night away with the family. I always return home appreciating the town I live in.
Christina, Hawaii sounds marvelous! And Jordan, I agree. Even 24 hours away from home can be incredibly refreshing.
Great article! I agree that being away even overnight feels like being away for a week!
Thanks, Karen! I’m ready to go away again! Think anyone will notice if I sneak away for 24 hours?