Ever wanted to go on vacation, but the word “but” has stopped you. In other words but –

• I don’t have a lot of money.
• I don’t have any time off.
• No one wants to go where I want to go.
• It’s too much trouble.            

I had all these thoughts too, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from doing something fun with my son. I had always wanted to take him to Disneyland, and watch you smile. I was (and I am)  a single mother working paycheck to paycheck. I was just barely paying bills, so saving for a big trip I couldn’t see that happening.

Anyway. I realized why do I have to leave the state to have a vacation. I maybe in NC now, but I came from New York. I always talk about going back and a few people wanted to join me. Then their next response would be, “where are we going?” I’m like, “I’m not a tour guide,” because you know I have family and friends. I know someone would be put off with a few tagalongs, all up in family business, and I’m not going there.

It got me thinking.  When I got home I never really thought about all the sights in the city. I didn’t really go to them when I lived there, but love to go when I go and visit. I may go to my favorite places first and add an extra spot to visit as well.

That got me thinking. I may have changed address, but every place should have something to do. Unless you are so far in the country and you may have to go to the closest city to have your vacation. That is a totally different story.

What about having an instate vacation. I can almost see the confused faces. An instate vacation is where you act like a carefree tourist in your hometown. I started with my list:

My son’s point of view.

1. He Loved reading and learning in general.
2. Anime and movies that make you laugh.
3. He was always good for trying new foods.
4. He could play and watch  soccer all day.
5. He likes video games as well.

My (the mother’s) point of view.  

I was about to start a list of my own, but then I realized 4 out of 5 things on my son’s list was the same as mine. I may look at soccer, (because of my son, to spend time with him) but I am not really into the game.

The only thing that  I would add on my list that wouldn’t be the same as my son’s would be taking pictures and walking.

I have told a friend or two about making a short list of what everyone likes and see how many matches and go from there.

Who wants to drive when they are on vacation? Why not take a look at downtown. I walked downtown and had a pretty good idea about where to go, but it’s best to go online to check if there were any deals as well as the amenities of each hotel. 

Some hotels have shuttle busses if you needed a ride in the surrounding area. One could walk or if going to a new place and not waiting to get lost.

You have to make a list of what you are going to need for your stay in the hotel, your everyday needs, and what you are going to do. Example:

1.  disinfectant  whipes for : the door knob, remote control, and every thing you can touch. (Yes you are basically cleaning the room before settling in)
2. disinfectant spray to: for the rug, inside the refrigarator, and the furniture.
3. Clean coffe pot and dishes before using anything.

Then once everything is cleaned unpack and get started on family fun. I made sure we ate a big breakfast, bought a lot of snack, and a cooler (when the hotel didn’t offer a kitchenette, but had a pool) I had prepared one meal we could eat in the hotel as a pinic lunch after doing one or two things on our list.

It was a time to relax and head back out the door. The best thing about being downtown thete is usually something always going on. I remember going to a science museum and then to a 3D movie theather where you can eat your dinner as you watch the movie. Yes, you have to buy the theater food, a little expensive, but still good.

The next day we each went to a new museum we always walked passed. We would talk about anything, silly things, and I just remembered smiling all the time. One as we rode the light rail (NC idea of a train) he saw a new building and wanted to go and check it out. It turned out to be an old time diner something out of the 60’s.

We had our dinner there and back to the hotel for a movie. The next day we ate our free breakfast and watched one more movie before ending our instate vacation.

A long weekend that only cost me one vacation day and no missing school days for my son. For some reason there always seemed to teacher’s work day. So, it was easy for me to choose our instate vacation days.

If anyone says they don’t have time or money for a vacation I just proved them wrong. I may have saved a few weeks, held off on eating out on Friday, or renting a movie to make it happen. I guess if you want something bad enough you will find away. In the end I made a memory with my son and years from now. He will look back and I am hoping he will remember our instate vacation with a smile..

 

             The  End!

 

 

 

Morning James,

 

               The sun is out and the air feels good. Oh why oh why did I listened to the weather man, who said it was going to be cold and wet. I had originally planned on wearing a light sweater and no jacket. I added a tee shirt along with a jacket. Guess who is hot and carrying their jacket.

             I am about to tell you something that’s going to blow your mind? I stepped out of my comfort zone and walked up four flights of stairs. I looked at the elevator and turned away. I walked down those same stairs to go to a homeful job and walked up those stairs to be a better me.

            The only way to improve myself both inside and out. I have to change a little at a time. Example:

• Going two blocks to a bus stop (when not in a hurry).
• Walking up and down stairs.
• Getting a salad when u want fries.
• Drinking water instead of soda

            I know I sound like a broken record, but I do listen to your complete on getting old. Just because we are getting older doesn’t mean we can’t get better. Those who still act like they are in their twenties (even though the date on your driver’s license says you are fifty) may end up hurting themselves, because our bodies change with every passing year.

             I got out early to hunt for my job, while I still have a bus pass, and everywhere I’ve gone they say you have to go online. So homeward bound.

             I saw my bus and was going to call it a day. Then I realized I am not going to find a job that way. I may not want to go back to my old job, but one does what one has to do to keep a roof over their families heads.

             I am about to read my book as I take another bus ride. May you have a safe and blessed day.

 

                LD..

Dear James,

         Its 9:28 in the morning and I know you worked a late night shift last night. I am hoping you are enjoying a restful sleep and nothing to do today other than rest.

         I wasn’t going to tell you this, but you know me. I am not good at holding secrets or admitting I was wrong. Yes, I said “I was wrong.” I can almost see you laughing and hear you screaming, “I told you so.” And, do not call me before you finish reading this, and I’ll allow one “I told you so.”

        You were right I was hiding behind my weight. Twenty years ago I didn’t look thirty years old and stopped working out, because as young as twenty three young ones was trying to talk to me. Fast forward to now at fifty at least the male bodies are in their forties, but still too young for me.

         I am shaking my head at this fool. Yes I gave a friendly greeting and answered a question. For some reason this out of shape old man seemed to believe it was okay to hit on me. He was confused why I wouldn’t go to his house, because he was lonely. I just smiled at him and said, “I’m sorry you feel that way, maybe you should go to a senior group, or find a church to join.” He made a face and walked away from me.

         I don’t know how I am attracting the wrong kind of men. I do know I stopped looking for my Mr. Right and started paying more attention to me. I am always in a clean outfit and every now and then a little more make-up. 

         I will get back to “Lisa” again. I don’t want to see this out of shape okay person anymore. I am happy, I am blessed, but I’m still not me. I have been hiding among everyone and it’s time to be me.

       I am laughing thinking about your words. You keep telling me I don’t have to lose the pound, because I look fine. The problem with those words, I don’t feel fine, and I am the only one who can turn that feeling around. I agree I will Never be a size 130 again, because I looked sick when I was in my twenties. I like a little weight, but under the 200 mark.

       Okay, I am ending here, because it’s time to get ready for service. May you enjoy your day and we will talk, write, or text at a later time

 

                      The

                            End. .

 

As I sit on the patio enjoying a cool breeze safe from the rain and the ignoring flying bugs that always like to bite me. I am smiling, because I have been meaning to do this for weeks. Well, at least the last time it rained.

 

I got bored with the granny squares (crochet) and went online (YouTube) to not only look up new patterns, but to learn how to do them. I may know how to crochet and I say I am pretty good, but love to learn as much as I can to improve my craft.

 

When people say they want to learn, but it’s hard. I just smile and direct them to youtube. I suggest listening and looking at least five different people, because not everyone can teach. 

 

1. You should be able to understand them.
2. They should talk slowly and clearly.
3. Showing how its done and not just giving directions.

 

I learned two new crochet stitches and got working on them right away. One was from my favorite site (Jada InStitches). I learned how to do a “c2c granny square.” It was cool, but a little too big and I couldn’t get this stitch to work with my regular granny stitch. So, another time.

 

The other stitch I learned was called, “the drunken granny stitch,” by the secret yarnery. I couldn’t wait to get started. I picked out my color and was enjoying myself until I realized I didn’t have enough to compete the yarn. I was going to put it aside until I could get more yarn, and I wished I had kept that thought. I took it out and made granny squares out of them and today I found some extra yarn

 

I saw another stitch I wanted to learn, but she was talking way too fast. I was able to get through half of what she was doing, but when she got to a new stitch. She lost me and I gave up. Well, I went back to my regular granny stitch.

 

 I am torn between making the granny squares, (because I am going to start selling them) or start making this cool blanket again? Think I will decide over a cup of tea….

 

                           The

                                 End….

I finally was able to go somewhere other than work and church. Please don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for both, but it’s also fun to get out of your normal routine.

We did make a few stops along the way. I had actually hoped for postcards, nicknecks, but the first two stops I didn’t see any. Then again I was enjoying the cool air and the beauty of nature. I was happy and hope I can go again. Well, not on a group tour, because I could have stayed a little longer. Who would get tired of blue skies and so many different colors of green?                           I never heard of ~ The Field of the woods ~ in Murphy NC, but a chance for a day trip was welcomed. Riding the church bus and meeting new friends sounded like a good idea.                           I knew I would see a lot of trees and I was right. Although the park was big and now I wish I wasn’t so tired, because I only took a few pictures. I can still smile at the thought.

I was having so much fun being surrounded by trees. I didn’t even mind the bees around the picnic area as we ate lunch. We joked and laughed all throughout the day.                                   As I walked around a park with the Bible in mind. I was smiling and thinking more people should see the beauty I was enjoying.                          This trip may have been a week ago and I can still recall everything, but I would love a do over. I love being outdoors, but not so much in the wilderness. I guess I am still a city girl at heart, but I love the North Carolina view and easier way to live.