I remember a couple of years ago my father (and boss) was frantically running around the office, mere hours before leaving on vacation, stating (half-joking, half-serious) “it’s just not worth it.”
I knew, of course, what he meant. And it is on a day like today, when I’m 15 hours away from boarding a flight to Napa, California, that I agree. There is so much to do!
First, you have the work stuff – making sure clients know you’ll be away; making sure colleagues know what might happen while you’re away (and remembering to be incredibly grateful that you have colleagues around who make vacations possible); cleaning off your desk and organizing all your projects so that if something you didn’t anticipate coming up does; emptying your trash; cleaning out your coffee cup, and taking home the small pile of work you swear you will get done after the kids go to bed.
Then, there’s the home stuff – make sure the laundry is done and your son knows where his soccer stuff is; review the weekend’s activities with your husband with the hope that he’ll remember we are snack captain for this week’s game; hang out with the kids because they are dismayed you are going away without them; spend “quality time” with your husband because you are going away for his birthday (!); make dinner from scratch because you know they are all going to be eating frozen chicken nuggets and breakfast cereal for the next 5 days; and get as much of the house cleaned up because the cleaners are coming in the morning and the last thing you need is a fight with your hubby before you go.
Finally, you get to pack – hopefully the laundry you’ve been doing includes any clothing you need, but chances are it doesn’t so you’ll be staying up late waiting for “the” shirt to dry; make sure all the electronics are charged; print out all your important documents (tickets, rental car, etc), then check 15 times that you have the documents and your wallet; figure out what you want to check and what you’ll bring on the plane to keep you amused; clean out the car because you are driving (to take advantage of the supercool hybrid only parking at Logan), and finally collapse in bed knowing that you aren’t going to get any sleep because you never do before a trip.
And that’s on a normal day. This week we decided to throw in a couple of extras including a slight fever (daughter); lost wallet (husband); sore throat (me) and potential case of lice (everyone – we had a friend visit who later discovered their kids had lice) that has me feeling itchy even though I don’t actually know I have lice.
So is it worth it? Abso-fricken-loutely. As I run around like a lunatic (and, having passed Erin running to one of her kid-things, I know I’m not alone), I know that once I get in the car tomorrow morning it will all be worth it, because everyone needs a break. Not just a break from work with the family, but a break from their kids and their spouse
So while it can be painful pulling it all together so that things don’t fall into complete disarray, I know that it will be worth the effort. And that I will come back a happier, more relaxed wife, mom and employee.
Let the Escape begin!!
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13 Responses to Preparing to Escape is the hardest part
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Wish I could go too – have a blast and let us know if you come to SoCal!
Hi Kristin, I’m right there with you and I am not leaving till Friday morning! So much to do, so little time, the story of my Life! Have a safe flight I will see you on Friday! Tasha
My husband’s bday is Friday, should I feel worse about missing it? I could have written this post today. And based on email traffic with fellow Escapees, it seems it has been that way for many. Here’s to a fabulous weekend!!!
Add to it being on a business trip the entire week before you leave and i’m with you! I can’t wait until the plane takes off Friday morning!
See you Friday.
I’m like you and have a ton of stuff to do before I leave on Friday morning. Friday can’t come soon enough!
I thought it was ironic that I’ve never felt so manic as I have while trying to get everything together this week for a Manic Mommies Escape! I’ll be glad to get on the road tomorrow to head to my babysitters and even more glad to jump on the plane on Friday, no matter how early I have to rise. See you soon.
I am so jealous! You ladies have fun!
I’m on my flight tomorrow morning to spend some extra time relaxing and to visit with my brother and sister-in-law and their baby who will be staying at the same hotel from Friday morning through Sat afternoon! The extra time means less stress and time to enjoy this part of the country and my family, too!
Well I think you got everything covered! That’s a lot to do! I hope you guys have an awesome time and can’t wait to hear all about it!
Hi everyone! Welcome to the West Coast! Hope everyone has a wonderful time in Napa! Sorry I cant make it..(even through I live in Stockton which is only 45 minutes away) I hope everyone has a good time with The Mommies! I started listening to you two when I went back to work and now that im laid off. Well…I still listen. I just dont have co-workers asking me..”Mommy podcast again?”
My day is the carbon copy of your day! The laundry is drying as we speak, and I haven’t finished packing. On an 8am flight to Napa. Can’t wait to meet everyone on the Escape!
Hey Mommies,
My wife, Sharon Johnston, is going on the escape. Before the end of the weekend, could someone please teach her how to text and convince her to get an iPhone? She will listen to you all, I’m sure
Hope everyone has an awesome time in Napa!! Don’t forget our little Sonoma valle. Is pretty sweet too!
I couldn’t make it this year and am keeping last year’s memories fondly in my mind. Have fun all of you manic mommies, do it for yourselves and for those of us that could not make it. I am sure it will be a blast.