There are three classifications of vacations in our house – family vacation, couple vacation and the ever-important “momcation”.
Yes, I totally made up the word but I predict it will take off like gangbusters.
See family vacations are fun – bonding times going to the beach, Disneyland, camping, whatever they may be. (My husband is laughing right now because we’ve never been camping as a family – I’m counting going to the cabin 🙂
Couple vacation? Totally crucial! Mark and I try to get away about once a year even if it’s for a quick 3-day weekend to California. Sometimes it’s just an overnight on the other side of town. In 2005 it was two weeks in Europe and I’m currently trying to talk him into some sort of overseas adventure in 2011 because I’m feeling restless. (I’m thinking Rome because it’s romantic yet important from a Bible history point. Of course only if we can get some super stellar deal.)
But the momcation? Totally in a class by itself. Husbands may have a hard time understanding this, but even on couple vacation we’re required to make decisions, compromise, not upset anyone etc. etc. We’re still “on duty”.
On the momcation we can relax. We have no one to pick up after except ourselves. Meal decisions…takes 60 seconds. We can stay up as late as we want, sleep in as late as we want – no guilt (even if it’s only self-imposed in the other situations).
The momcation can take on many forms. There’s the solitary getaway – I’m all for it but really, after about 24-48 hours and I’m bored. There’s the girlfriend getaway where you gather friends and head somewhere together. Like the 4 days I spent in NYC with my SIL and her best friend before the SIL’s wedding – totally rocked!
My most frequent momcations happen when I head East to visit my best friend Kristen. She used to live in CT – by the beach. Now she lives in Pittsburgh.
Yeah, I know. Really no comparison. But that was another life and another time and besides, the Steeler fervor provides endless amusement and Twitpic opportunities while I’m there.
So tomorrow I head off for glorious 5 days without a gazillion questions that start with “Mom, can you…” and “Mom, why…” I don’t have to think about what to make for dinner (although I’ll help of course).
Mark is my hero for letting me do this every year – sometimes twice a year. Thanks honey!
You wrote “will “aim” to leave my house between 5 and 5:15″ AM;you go to extreme lengths to get your “momcation” started! May you “sleep in” the rest of your momcation mornings except for your last day’s 8:30 AM departure.
First of all, I’m cracking up at your Dad’s comment!
You are one blessed Mama! I have never in my life had a Momcation. Only once in my life have I had a couple’s vacation (twice if you count my honeymoon). Someday it will fit in the budget, right??
So what’s it called if you take those kind of trips before you have kids?? 🙂 Chris is fantastic about letting me go away with/to see my girl friends – at least once a year. Hopefully that will continue when it means he’s home taking care of kids and not just himself and the dog 🙂 I’m sure it will…he’s wonderful like that.
OOOOHHHH I love momcation. I have one scheduled for next weekend. I’m so excited. I have a great husband that lets me do this twice a year too.