Before Jax came along, I traveled. A lot. I was lucky to have a job that brought me to places like Las Vegas, Reno, Albuquerque, San Diego, and Chicago where I exhibited and presented at conferences focusing on adult education or workforce development. Spring was usually the busy time. Most years, I had 4 to 6 trips planned between March and June. I loved it! I always made a point to build in time away from the conference to explore the city. I loved finding new foodie restaurants and enjoying the sites and sounds of a new place.
And Steve and I liked traveling together, too. We usually planned two vacations a year where we would catch our favorite band on stage and explore new places. The year before Jax, we went to San Francisco, Mendocino, and Napa Valley. It was hands down my favorite trip because it was a total adventure! We went to the Farmer’s Market on the Wharf in San Fran, saw a Groundation concert, hiked the redwoods in Muir Park, felt the angry ocean in Mendocino, and drank tons of wine in wine country – all in one trip!
Another trip that year brought us to Arizona and Las Vegas. (Just so you know, what happens in Vegas does not always stay in Vegas – Jax was due 9 months later.)
So, you can imagine how local (read: trapped) I’m feeling these days. It’s been a year and a half since I’ve been on an airplane. Our outings consist of doctors appointments at the clinic and the hospital. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, Jax lets me stop at Trader Joes for some treats.
So, guess what I’m doing this weekend?
Yep – I get to go on vacation!
OK – so, I won’t be getting on an airplane. Or even spending 24 hours away from home. But, I do get to go the cabin with my best friend, her sister, and my sister and sit by a camp fire and drink beer and go out for breakfast in the morning. This will be great! It will give me time to reconnect with my friends and my sister. It will give me time to be away from Jax so I don’t throw him out the window (JUST KIDDING – I would never do that!). It will give Steve time to bond with Jax. It will give us all some much needed change of scenery. I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks!
Jax has his appointment with his new pulmonologist tomorrow afternoon in Minneapolis at 2:15. (I am looking forward to it, actually, because hopefully we will be able to come up with a plan to better manage Jax’s chronic lung disease.)
After that, it’s sayonara responsibilities for the next 18 hours. Pure heaven!
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An Early Start 
Oh my. I loved reading this. I hope you have the most amazing time. I hope it’s restorative and you come back energised. You deserve it so much!
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Thank you! As you know, it’s so important to take some time for ourselves! I don’t do it enough. I got really sun burnt and enjoyed a day out on the pontoon – it was perfect!
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enjoy your night away 😀 Its amazing what a short recharge can do! His big smile when you return will feel so good!
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Thank you! Even though it’s only going to be a quick get-away, I know I will feel so refreshed when I get home.
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That is so fantastic. No matter what we love, distance makes the heart grow fonder. That is so good and understanding of Steve also. ENJOY! Well deserved!
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I’m so grateful for Steve! He is such an incredible dad – I know that he and Jax will have a blast together! And I’m so thankful he is giving me this night away!
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Your job sounded so fascinating!
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It really was! I felt lucky to be able to travel so much (and get paid for it!). My favorite trip was to Chicago every November when all the Christmas lights were up. I really missed going this year!
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That must have been to our Fall Conference!! We miss you!!
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Catherine – I really miss traveling to see you all in Illinois, too!
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It’s a much needed vacation kind if day! Enjoy, I’ll be getting away this weekend too. Getting out of the country, even (Canada). I hope we both come home refreshed.
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I saw your post right after I posted this! Hooray for vacations. Have a great time in Canada (out of the country!? Lucky!!) Cheers to relaxing and refreshing.
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Andrea, I cant believe you said, “throw Jax out a window” You make me laugh” you sound like a real mom of a teething, cranky, I don’t know what I want baby,. Life is good. Jax is so cute and getting so big. Enjoy your vacation you deserve it and have 2 beers. Laugh until your belly hurts. Steve and Jax will have a blast together. You will probably come home to a house that looks like a tornado hit it, but they probably had fun too.:) Have a Great Vacation
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Well, I’m glad you thought that was funny! (I did! 🙂 ) Of course, I would never *actually* throw him out the window. Jax has spoiled me so far because he usually is such a content and happy baby. So, this week of crankiness is a big change of pace for us!
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Yippeee…..Mama is breaking free!! Enjoy your mini-vacation, sometimes that is all it takes.
Charlie and I did lots of traveling before the kids came along and we did go stir crazy at first. I am sure I don’ t have to tell you that the trade off is WORTH it and it does get much better. We are looking forward to flying out to Napa to stay with Charlie’s cousin again in July. LOVE the Muir woods!! Magical place!!
Have a great camping experience and I am sure Steve will do a great job being in charge!!
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Thanks! Lucky – you have family in Napa Valley! We loved it there and definitely want to go back. We’re looking forward to traveling with Jax once he gets a bit older. I want to take him camping this summer!
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You deserve it! Enjoy your “mini va-cay”. You will return recharged and relaxed!! Have Fun!
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Thank you! I’m looking forward to recharging, for sure!
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Have a great time Andrea!!!
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Thank you!
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I know I’ve told you before – Target and the Sanrio store were my mini-vacation. The Target off 163 will forever be known as “hospital Target” – 18 hours will be great! Enjoy yourself.
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It’s amazing how relaxing Target can actually be. I went there the other day (without Jax) and I stayed for two hours because I actually looked at stuff!
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