Travis and I just got home from a weekend in Florida. We have discovered that sometimes, we just need to run away for a weekend. This last weekend was my call. I had a couple things happen at work in December that made me wonder if I was where I belonged, as far as work goes. I’m pretty sure Travis would have done anything to make me feel better. He’s a good guy like that. Maybe I could have milked that for something more, but at the time, this seemed like a good idea.

In retrospect, my Mom knew how to use a quick trip to reset the emotional barometer. Since I was towards the bottom of the line, as far as the 12 kids went, my mom would drag us on her adventures. They always seemed last minute, but that may have just been my lack of awareness. We would jump in the station wagon and visit my sister in Denver, but we would take the long way there. Or we would visit my brother in St. Louis. Who know there was a long way to St. Louis from the Chicago area? We stayed in Motel 6’s if we had to stay in a hotel. The chain was relatively new, and inexpensive… and they would leave the light on for us. Mom discovered that, “not all Motel 6’s are good hotels.” I don’t remember being traumatized by any motel stay, but I suspect she had a night with little sleep. 

Mom always encouraged get-aways. They could be as a family, an individual, a group, and with or without your spouse. Girls’ weekend – perfect. Guys’ weekend – great idea. Ski trip out west – definitely. Couple’s run away – go for it. I don’t know if my older siblings had any opportunity to experience a road trip with just Mom, struggling to read a map without ripping it. I learned to read a map quickly. Mom never perfected it, so someone had to. We didn’t have a phone to bail us out if we got lost. 

So, Travis and I ran away to Florida last weekend. It was chilly, by Florida’s standards, the 70 degree days ending before we showed up, and coming back after we left. We settled for the 50s, bundled up, and soaked up the salty air and sand. It’s always hard to come home on a Monday night and return to work Tuesday, but it’s easier than not leaving at all. I’d like to say that we have another weekend planned, but time and money constraints beg to differ. And we have the bathroom floor in the basement that needs tiling, and that’s not going to tile itself. But last weekend remains in my mind, reminding me that I can get away. If we are willing to go really last minute, maybe we can even find some great deals. And who knows, maybe that bathroom will tile itself. 

Hope you are feeling recharged! Have a great week everyone!