While waiting to pick the kids up from soccer practice, a discussion was started the other day about traveling. Now during this discussion, there was a consensus among this particular group of women, that it must be great being a man, or more specifically a husband. To be confident in the fact that everything involved in the daily mechanics of life is taken care of for you. For instance, for most husbands, preparing for a trip means only picking out a few clothes and some essentials...done!
A woman (wife and mother), on the other hand needs to pack for herself and the children. Pack not only the essentials, but everything else in between that will help make the trip run smoothly: snacks, toys, books, iPods, DVDs, etc. Prior to the actual trip itself, the woman also handles the following: reserves the accommodations, stops the mail and newspaper delivery, does the laundry, charges the music/gaming devices, arranges for trash can removal, checks the fridge (for sneaky leftovers sure to become a gruesome science experiment within the week), pays the bills that will be due while away, arranges for pet care (note, this includes a vet appointment if the vaccinations are not up to date), cleans the house, notifies the alarm company, confirms reservations, gathers tickets/directions/maps, and reviews the packing list to ensure that all items are packed and accounted for. The latter which is of utmost importance because nothing can throw a wrench into the plan faster than "Sleepy Bear" being left behind.
Now what really makes this extraordinary is that most men complain, yes, actually complain about losing their independence once they are married! Really? Well in preparing for a trip, how I would love to just pick out a few clothes and some essentials...done! If this is considered losing one's independence then where do I sign up?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Summer Vacation
It's June, and the days of summer are upon us. Summer usually means vacation, but in this economy people are forced to cut back and stay home. Still there are the lucky few that have managed to skate around the economic crisis, or like me are just in financial denial. Yes, if truth be told, I would be first in line for a "smackdown" from Suze Orman. Vacation...Denied!
Rationally, I know I shouldn't even be considering a vacation, and I should be stashing away every last penny, but why does the little voice in my head keep whispering..."Remember, you can't take it with you?" It's like having an angel on one shoulder, which brings me back to Suze Orman, and the devil on the other. Only my devil is wearing sunglasses, a swimsuit and Manolo Blahnik sandals -silver. "By the way, nice sandals," I say to the devil. "Thanks, I won them off SJP in a poker game," says the devil. "Forget it," announces Suze. "You can't afford those or a vacation!" "C'mon, you only live once," says the devil. "Yes, but think about retirement," counters Suze. "Retirement, smirement...live in the moment," replies the devil. Oh boy, this could go on all day! And therein lies the problem, because in my mind, they both have very valid points.
Ah, well...I can't help but dream of dazzling blue waters and white sugar sand beaches. A drink in my hand, my toes in the sand, and my kids frolicking in the surf. Lucky for me, dreams are free since that's all I can afford.
In addition to dreaming, here's just a few suggestions of things to do over the summer that are low-cost or even FREE!
1. Hit the park, beach or local lake - grab the family or friends and make a day of it.
2. Go to the library - During the summer many libraries offer free activities, reading programs, and classes for all ages.
3. Try biking or hiking - Most areas have local trails or greenbelts.
4. Go camping - The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that it will waive fees on three summer weekends. www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
5. Backyard BBQ - Have each guest bring a food/beverage item to lower your cost.
6. Attend local concerts and events in your community - Check your local paper or city's website for information.
7. Visit a planetarium or museum - Many offer free admission days.
8. Catch a Movie - Some theaters offer free summer movies for kids.
9. Sports - Baseball, how about a minor league game?
10. Start your own blog - It's an adventure all in it's own!
Rationally, I know I shouldn't even be considering a vacation, and I should be stashing away every last penny, but why does the little voice in my head keep whispering..."Remember, you can't take it with you?" It's like having an angel on one shoulder, which brings me back to Suze Orman, and the devil on the other. Only my devil is wearing sunglasses, a swimsuit and Manolo Blahnik sandals -silver. "By the way, nice sandals," I say to the devil. "Thanks, I won them off SJP in a poker game," says the devil. "Forget it," announces Suze. "You can't afford those or a vacation!" "C'mon, you only live once," says the devil. "Yes, but think about retirement," counters Suze. "Retirement, smirement...live in the moment," replies the devil. Oh boy, this could go on all day! And therein lies the problem, because in my mind, they both have very valid points.
Ah, well...I can't help but dream of dazzling blue waters and white sugar sand beaches. A drink in my hand, my toes in the sand, and my kids frolicking in the surf. Lucky for me, dreams are free since that's all I can afford.
In addition to dreaming, here's just a few suggestions of things to do over the summer that are low-cost or even FREE!
1. Hit the park, beach or local lake - grab the family or friends and make a day of it.
2. Go to the library - During the summer many libraries offer free activities, reading programs, and classes for all ages.
3. Try biking or hiking - Most areas have local trails or greenbelts.
4. Go camping - The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that it will waive fees on three summer weekends. www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
5. Backyard BBQ - Have each guest bring a food/beverage item to lower your cost.
6. Attend local concerts and events in your community - Check your local paper or city's website for information.
7. Visit a planetarium or museum - Many offer free admission days.
8. Catch a Movie - Some theaters offer free summer movies for kids.
9. Sports - Baseball, how about a minor league game?
10. Start your own blog - It's an adventure all in it's own!
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