Vacation

Vacation - it's a beautiful word. Just breathe it in...

I feel better already!

We're leaving for a real (aka, leaving the house) vacation in a bit here. It's nothing fancy or anything like that but it's a big break from life as usual. I can't WAIT!!! I think it's been a good year and a half (March 2009?) since Luke and I got away for more than a few days. And that... is not healthy in my mind. But then again, maybe my mind is not healthy. I just can't relax and feel like it's 'vacation' at home when I know I should be sorting the mail and folding laundry. And I'm not one of those who can just ignore it. That's like telling the sun not to rise in the morning... impossible.

So, back to why we haven't done anything in awhile: I guess I was pregnant and other minor details like that so it's probably okay but there is truly something about putting life on pause for at least a full week and removing yourself from the routines and stresses and details of everyday life. Yes, diapers will follow me on this trip but Luke will be there so we get to "share" this whole routine for 10 glorious days! What a gift. :-) And... and... and we won't be driving in a car at all during this time so Hudson won't be able to poop in his car seat. I'll explain about that another time.

So, this morning while we were drinking our coffee, we planned out what we wanted to eat during this trip. We're going to be in Montana at Luke's great Uncle's cabin and the nearest fully stocked grocery store is about 1.5 hours away. And we cannot run out of whipping cream for coffee or whatever else I may crave while we are there... how do I foresee what I will want?? There is a small mercantile (yes, it's called that) about 15 minutes away but really? I'd rather not. So we made our plan this morning and I'm excited.

Good food is synonymous with good vacation to me. I guess this can be blamed on my parents... and I thank them! My dad was an airline pilot and since he ate in restaurants and stayed in hotels so often for work, he loathes them and our family trips always included the motorhome and home cooked meals. No restaurants. This was a bit disappointing as a child since I was fully aware that we had airline passes and the world was waiting. And we were camping. However, I have so many good memories of our times together as a family, so Mom... Dad... I forgive you. Actually I don't... at least about vacations because there's nothing to forgive here. We had a great time!

This old beast is where many childhood memories were made. My dad just traded it in 2 months ago... we bought it when I was 9 years old.

The best part of all of these memories is the food. Homemade pies, bbq'd chicken, potato salad... just good food. And lots of snacks that mom bought without us knowing and suddenly we'd be eating red licorice (which we never had at home) or brownies or popsicles. Yum! So, with all of that said, food is important for me on vacation. It makes it extra special!

The only conflict is that I haven't lost a single pound in August and here I'm planning how many boxes of brownies to bring and do we have enough whipped cream for coffee and pancakes? Before you say anything, I'm not worried about the baby weight, it's been coming off steadily and it knows it's unwelcome so I will be taking care of all of it. Just after vacation. But there's something contradictory about wanting to lose weight and dreaming of stuffing my face with swedish fish. But whatever. We all have vices. I like gummy, chewy candy and I haven't eaten any since I was pregnant.

So please raise your glass because I'd like to propose a toast.

To vacation and rest and best of all: eating!!!