Traveling

Just realized a few days ago that we have off school for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. Wanted to make a quick trip to Ohio for my mother-in-law's birthday, but my husband has to work. The girls couldn't go, so I started thinking I had to do something with my 3 day weekend. I haven't seen my dad in Arizona for over a year and a half- so I called our travel agent and asked if she could get a better price than what I got on the internet. She couldn't- but she went ahead and booked the flight anyway, telling me that I HAVE to go- coming from one who didn't have her parents anymore. She said if she could have a chance to see her parents for that much, she would go. So I am going!!! This is very unlike me to be spontaneous and spur of the moment. I just felt nudged to go, and bless Jan's heart- she confirmed it.
So off to Phoenix for the weekend- I leave home at 4 am Sat. and hope to arrive back by 2 am Tuesday- using every minute I have off! Planning on going to bed early tonight!!
It's hard to put a price tag on being with those you love. It's a stretch right now for us for the ticket, but when would it not be? I am thankful I have the time, got a great price, and am going to spend the weekend with my parents.
What have you been wanting to do? What is holding you back? When was the last time you were spontaneous?

Traveling

I love to travel. It started when I was nine years old and went on a plane to visit my dad who had moved to Arizona. The first year I went with my 16 year old cousin, whom I thought was sooo old at the time. (Nowadays I would hesitate sending a 16 year old by her herself halfway across the country. Times have changed.) I was hooked. I loved flying above and through the puffy marshmallow clouds. The thrill of getting off the plane to be greeted by my dad and my new family never grew old. The smell of orange blossoms still transports me back to the moment the first wave of hot air hits me as I exit the airport. Even now, some 45+ years later, that smell evokes the same emotions.
But I digress. For the past five years, our family has chosen to make a memory at Christmas, in lieu of buying and giving gifts that no one needs (or at times wants!) So we have vacationed at a magical place in Florida called Anna Maria Island. It is a hidden treasure. This year funds are extremely tight, yet we are still trying to go. So my days and nights have been spent trying to find airfare from here, as well as getting my son and his soon to be fiancee reservations from Utah to meet in Florida. Easier said than done. As much as I love to fly, we may be driving. In "The Boat", a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. They will see us coming- the Clampetts on vaca. We'll take pictures!
There is nothing more important than celebrating the birth of Christ- especially with your loved ones. How do you plan to celebrate? What are your plans?