It’s spring break, one of the wonders of working for the school district. It’s not paid vacation, mind you, but it’s vacation – always a fabulous thing.
The building is in a frenzy of anticipation for several weeks. Almost hourly, someone heading out to an exotic locale saunters through the department, stopping to ask each of us about our plans.
“Are you doing anything FUN?”
The pressure is on. The stakes are high. How interesting and exotic a person are you? How worthwhile is your life? How glamorous is your Facebook feed?
No one wants to hear that I’m going to stay home and tear filthy old carpet out of the basement.
Australia is a favorite destination – three busloads of students take off from the parking lot as I trudge into work on Friday. I sit over coffee at my desk that morning, reflecting upon the life choices that land me there rather than on a plane to Sydney.
It’s lousy coffee. I can’t even get any woo-woo gratitude going.
Granted, the price of an Australia trip is too steep if it involves chaperoning three busloads of hormone-riddled teenagers. It’s the principle of the thing.
To trick the garbage company, I will hack the carpet up and duct-tape it into tight little rolls which I can then sneak into my collection bin over the next few weeks. This is a clever personal triumph that will save me outrageous trash hauling fees. This is fascinating stuff!
One friend of mine is off to Vietnam with her cosmopolitan world-traveling partner, where she’ll meet up with her cosmopolitan world-traveling son, who’s living in Bali.
My own son lives across town. I get to visit whenever he needs something. Son #2 has returned to the nest; he will help me with the rug project. It will be the highlight of his own spring break. I’m setting an example, here!
Vail and Aspen top the ski trip list. Co-workers are also heading to luxury resorts in Mexico, Tucson, and Santa Fe. Another friend is on her way to Hawai’i.
But my break dance card is full, baby. Admit it – you’re jealous.
I pray that my sons will settle near me even if I only get to visit when they need something! In the scheme of things having family nearby trumps even the most exotic of vacations. In my opinion, you win!
You’re right, of course. I’ll go further, and hope that Sons #1 and #2 choose to spend occasional time with me because they enjoy doing so, not because they’re wracked with guilt about putting in duty appearances. Guilt is always a useful parenting tool, of course. Time will tell whether or not I overdid it :-)
One’s breakdance card is not complete without hi-top sneaks and a flattened-out cardboard box. Son#2 has the beats. Ask him for something you can move to.