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Monday, March 30, 2009

Time for a "Staycation"

Do you ever find yourself saying, "I need a vacation"? I do it all the time. But for many Americans, a vacation isn't in the cards right now. We're living in some topsy-turvy, scary economic times. Our 401k's are worth half of what they were 2 years ago, the market wavers more than a moody teenage girl, and frankly, we don't know who to trust.


The other day, as I was recycling my junk mail, I fell upon the idea of a "staycation," vacationing at home. I think the idea of a vacation is more of a mindset than anything else. You don't have to be reclining under a palm tree to achieve a sense of calm (although that sounds really nice right now). A vacation is about waking up at your leisure, lollygagging about, and voluntarily shirking your responsibilities and obligations in exchange for some good old fashion family fun. Thanks, Clark W. Griswold.

In the beginning of April, my husband has a week off from school, and we've decided to go on a staycation for two days. Actually, I think it's going to be quite a challenge. Many people, myself included, actually have a hard time relaxing in their own homes. We say, "I'll relax when the _____ is done." And so, we never relax, because there is always something to be done. It's so easy to get sucked into the distractions and send that one last email. For me, this staycation will be about no rushing, no schedules, and no doing. Just being. (That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.)

Here are some ideas for a family "staycation":
  1. Turn off the TV and rent a Disney flick or go to the movies.
  2. Take a family bike ride or hike.
  3. Play a board game or a card game together.
  4. Eat out at your favorite restaurant.
  5. Go to a children's museum, aquarium, science center, or zoo.
  6. Make an ice cream sundae buffet.
  7. Unplug the phone, the computer, and the telephone.
  8. Give everybody a break from chores and responsibilities.
  9. Fly kites in an open field.
  10. Dust off the sleeping bags and have a slumber party- ghost stories included!
I haven't yet decided how my family is going to spend our two days. We're going to fly by the seat of our pants, but definitely kick back and just enjoy one another.  And hey, I can light a coconut-scented candle and put on some Banana Boat sunscreen to give it that "beach vacation" feel.

8 comments:

Allison said...

Sounds great, even though the greedy side of me would love for y'all to visit us down here!

mirmorris said...

This is such a great concept! I like the idea of a slumber party WITH a Disney movie =)

Anonymous said...

i like the slumber party idea, personally we know what kind of movie I would be renting, but since you have a 1 year old and you would prob. freak out stick with the Disney movie :)

2 Little Irish Boys said...

I love this idea! This might be good to do a few days a month!!

Allison said...

Sending over bloggy love today...Vikki is one of my readers! Hope you get lots more exposure! Have a great day. Tell T happy birthday!

Terra said...

Coming over from Allisons! I have been hearing a lot about stay -cations! They do sound like fun! We plan "days" like that all summer but it would be fun to dedicate a few days and call it a stay cation the kids would love it!

I'll be back!

Unknown said...

Another visitor from Allison (and N Ireland!).

Lots of great ideas.

Unknown said...

I know it's your staycation, but I thought I'd bringg over some mulch for you guys to spread since Art is off.
Wait a minute...I've got an idea.
I'll deliver it and spread it. That way I won't interupt your staycation.
Your Wingmwn