It has been 5 days since my last vacation. And yet, I must confess to having already taken another.
My husband, bless his soul, is away on business and while I love him fiercely, today I booked a vacation for one.
It started with a lunch date with a friend. I had only intended on being gone for an hour, two at most. But Ammachi preferred having the kids at her house and to justify the long trips back and forth I asked if she could keep them for a few more. Driving that distance in too short of a time span is bad for the environment. Truly, the environment that I inhabit is not a pleasant one when I have sat too long in the driver's seat (just ask my kids).
I came home to do some laundry and then jumped back on the road to do some errands. ALL BY MYSELF. Because I was in the vicinity of Booster Juice, necessity demanded that I fulfill my craving. I admit, I am not sorry I did.
On the way, no need to make the trip another day when the gas pollution could not excuse this stop alone, I needed to stop at my favorite place for home project inspiration. Sadly, I spent no money there today.
I dutifully made dinner for the kids. I wanted to make grilled veggie paninis with fresh provolone over the barbie but the kids insisted I take it easy and make their favorite, grilled cheddar. I threw in Sun Chips to complete the gourmet effect.
All the kids were bathed, brushed, and dressed with outfits set out for tomorrow. The house was vacuumed and laundry all but done. So I had nothing left to do but kiss their sweet heads goodnight; earlier than usual, they cried and clamoured for bed.
I ate the grilled veggie panini wrapped around glorious provolone and chipolte mayo. It was a sacrifice almost too much to bear. When I finished, I couldn't tell if my tears were from the intense pleasure of palateable sensory or because I did what I had to do for the sake of my dear babes.
I showered in silence and darkness, an odd pleasure my husband finds perplexing, and had no one to answer to for it. I cuddled in beneath my fuzzy sheets and smiled with ree-dumb-diculous delectation as I watched the opening scenes from a chick flick long denied.
I fell asleep, earlier than my usual bedtime. I woke refreshed and ready for another day.
Oh, I feel as though I have broken some unspoken covenant with the universe: When thou shalt be blessed with the benevolence of a week's vacation, thou must refrain thyself from indulging within the time span of at least 2 weeks before engorging thyself with the ree-dumb-diculous pleasures of alone time satiated with pleasureable foods, girl talk, and a dessert of a great chick flick.
I confess, it has only been 5 days since my last vacation. I will resort with all the power in my being, and with any continued good graces from my Father above, to continue carving out these times of refreshing any chance I get.
And for that, I am sorry not one bit.