I love to travel. Whether it’s for a class or work or fun, there’s just something inherently exciting about packing a bag (or grabbing a go-bag) and heading out the door. Especially if it’s a new location, the anticipation is incomparable.
When I was taking classes, my travel had to be planned around my work schedule and child care.
As a (mostly) single mother, any vacation plans I made included the children and entertainment geared towards the kids.
Even as a young child, I enjoyed looking at maps and planning trips. I would read travel magazines and books from the library (pre-internet days).
I turned 20 the month after I had my oldest child. I am now 55, almost 56 and my youngest two at home are 17. No longer is it cool to hang out with mom on vacations (thoroughly understandable) and they want to go do their own thing with their friends. So now . . . . after 35, almost 36 years, I am free to travel and take in the sights and do what I want to do.
Now, it’s going to seem like I’m going down a rabbit hole, but bear with me. When I was growing up, my mother (although we did not get along) raised me to understand that unless someone invited you to something, you DID NOT invite yourself. It is in poor taste. I was also raised to be tactful, which to a point I am. I can, at times, be blunt — but I try not to be rude.
So it now behooves me to listen to people WHINE when I talk about going somewhere. “But IIIIII want to gooooooo.”
Please, by all means. . . . GO! Just not with me.
Or attempt to invite themselves. “Let me know when you’re going, I’ll go with you.”
I’ll let you know when I get back because I’m not inviting you, so please don’t invite yourself.
My other option is to keep my travel plans to myself and not say anything, which is invariably followed by “But you didn’t tell me!!!”
Oh! I didn’t realize I had to announce every move I make or discuss my future plans with you.
Last time I checked, I was a mature, adult woman quite capable of taking care of myself. Having spent 35 years shaping my travel plans around others, it’s time for me to travel for my own simple enjoyment.
The Road Back Home 