Cross Country

I'd been complaining to my husband that what I really needed was about 3 days without my boys. Then I could return completely refreshed and appreciative of their enthusiasm for life. In my dreams right?

Then, my employer announced that this year's annual staff meeting would be held in Seattle. This is a semi-fun little jaunt I've attended a few times--Las Vegas, Houston, Rhode Island. This year would take me back to a place I called home for a good decade. So, I pondered taking the family--a free trip for me, why not bring the kids, say hello to friends. Then the logistics and cost became daunting and my husband reminded me that I'd been clamoring for 3 days off.

So, on September 11th I flew across the country (you can't get much farther in the US from Fairyland than Seattle). After a ground hold, flight delay, missed connector, mixed up rental car, an overbooked hotel and a black cat, I crawled into bed at midnight Seattle time, 3am Fairyland time.

I have to say that despite the hassles, I thoroughly enjoyed remembering what it was like to travel without children. I sat with my small bag, reading a book, snacking on a muffin from the refreshment stand. There was no stroller, diaper bag, infant seat, screaming or whining anywhere (except for the fellow passengers whining about the delay).

In addition to my full-time job as a mother, I'm fortunate enough to have a part-time job I can do from my home. There are many advantages to this arrangement. One drawback I realized is that I rarely get a break. I think this is one of the things that draws moms and dads to working away from home. There is something relaxing even about working, about going somewhere or accomplishing something without little people at your side.

I was glad I didn't bring them. Not just because I was reminded of the simple peaceful life that I could have without them, but perhaps, even more so, because I was reminded of the joy that life is with them.