I caught the travel bug some years back. I must have recovered, or caught something else. I have a perfect, relatively cheap opportunity to accompany my husband on a business trip to Spain. And I declined. I like to tell people that we were unable to find a babysitter. And that is true. What is also true is that I had decided not to go prior to hearing from our last hold-out sitter that he was unavailable. Granted, a friend in Ohio said I could bring my kids there and she'd keep them. But, she has her hands full with her own four and my kids have never been there before, and well, there's that whole kindergarten thing and on and on.
I was ready to buy a ticket. I even renewed my passport (I'm official again--I can flee the country should the need arise.) But then, I started thinking. It's a lot of money, even with a cheap ticket and paid hotel--but now I have to consider cost of a week long sitter and a plane ticket for that sitter.
Then, there were thoughts of small children left parentless whilst their parents are cavorting about another country and though I swore I would never be one of those parents--you know the ones that can't leave their children--ever, in that moment, I think I became one.
Then, I started wondering about the flight. The last transatlantic flight I took I was a good 30 pounds lighter and still terribly uncomfortable in the seat. (They've started charging double for persons of size these days).
What happened to the days when I bought the ticket to Greece and only then began to concern myself with the minor details?
What happened to the glorious days of travelling by my lonesome through Italy? (I LOVE traveling alone! --no offense Matt).
What happened to spontaneously moving to New York City via the overnight Greyhound and arriving at 4am alone with the world in Time Square?
Have I gotten old? Have I gotten fat? (don't answer that one) Have I become predictable? Have I become all that I feared and swore never to be?
You know, it's not too late, I could still buy a ticket and go. Do you know anyone that wants to stay with my kids for a week?
5 comments:
Too bad your mom can't fly out and stay with the kids for a week. Spain is gorgeous! (At least that's what my parents and sister tell me...) I'd go in a heartbeat.
If I weren't afraid you'd get car sick, I'd tell you to bring your kids back down to Fairyland. Wait, did I just offer to keep two more boys? Heaven help me, I'm not sure the toilet seats could handle it!
I'm very unadventurous, so I think I'd be okay passing up a trip, too. But your kids are always welcome to stay with us in Utah. We're adding on, so there's lots of fun to watch with construction ...
I'm afraid to say that I'm one of 'those moms' too. I don't leave my kids for pleasure travel. I wish my conscience would let me. Someday. Just not while they are small.
Spain will still be there when the boys get bigger. :) Maybe you and I could go together then!
Hey Jen,
Yes I read your blog when I have a moment here and there. It's always fun to read what's up in your world!
Because I believe in travel, and taking a break every once in awhile I just have to say ...GO TO SPAIN! If of course you still can :). Take a mommy break, your kids will do great, you'll get some time with your hubby and it will be worth the money. And then when you return, you'll be ready to go. Of course, you could also just do a long weekend get away with Matt...but that wouldn't be Spain! Hope you guys are well. Congrats on the move, new job, new house, etc. Sounds wonderful, looks beautiful! Tell Matt hi. Love always, Cari
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