While I love going on vacation, the week, days before are usually nuts. By the time we actually leave, I am mentally and physically exhausted from all the planning, packing and finishing up of work.
Remember the days when we would just pick up and go? In college, I lived in the south of France for a year. It was at the beginning of the internet era, so we relied on a book called "Let's Go Europe" to find hotels, attractions etc. There was no real planning, we wouldn't even book train tickets in advance. One trip to Nuremberg, Germany was interesting. When we got to the train station to look for hotels or hostels, we found out there was a toy convention in town taking over all available lodging. We stumbled upon the "original" AirBnB concept, and rented a room in a house in town with a family. It was awesome. The room was actually a fully finished attic space with a kitchenette and living area.
Now, we plan everything to the last detail. And, it's not just the travel itself. We have dogs that need to be boarded. Don't forget to make sure we have enough dog food for the week as well. Work, well, that does not really ever stop. But, I try to alert as many possible clients/potential clients that I will not be available via phone, text and for the most part, email. We will be on a cruise, so no desire to rack up the roaming charges on phone calls.
Then, to add more to the mix, my mom and I are going to DC for two days this week to attend the Gold Medal of Honor Ceremony for the Ghost Army at the Capital. My grandfather, Bernie Mason, passed away four years ago this week. We wouldn't miss this ceremony for anything, but it would have been nice to occur last week or after we got back from vacation.
Trying to fit everything in before we leave is beyond stressful. I hope next week is incredibly relaxing, chill and the most I'll have to think about is should I get a margarita or rum punch by the pool.
Here is a picture of my Pop, Bernie Mason in WWII. He was a true renaissance man, an artist, Villanova superfan, boggle expert, and just all around wonderful person. We really miss him.
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