I Need a Vacation

Why is it that you take a nice vacation, whether it is a long exotic trip to the tropics, or a quick jaunt to a nearby tourist attraction, you always return exhausted and in need of a vacation?

I just got back from a little visit. I drove to the Seattle area to visit my friend, stayed for a few days, then drove back. On my way home, when I was free of the city traffic, I popped my iPod into my car stereo system and turned it on. Nothing. I then realized that I had forgotten to charge it! I had to drive 8 hours without music! Sure, I could listen to the radio, but there was nothing worth listening to, and then when there was, the radio signal would fade out! How fun.

It was hot and sunny, the air conditioner in my car is okay, but not the greatest and since I live in an area that doesn't get too hot, I'm not too concerned about recharging it. Well, I wanted cold air that day! haha! Then to top it off, I had only gotten about 4 hours of sleep the night before. I made frequent stops so that I wouldn't nod off.

I got home, safe and sound, and fell on the bed exhausted. The next day, I was still tired. And the next day and the next. Even today I'm still tired. I think when we take a vacation, we often forget to allow ourselves time to recuperate from our trip.

I think we all need more vacation time from our vacations...

On the Flip-side

I'm on the flip-side enjoying my little vacation. It's been beautiful weather here and just perfect! The scenery is gorgeous! And it is so relaxing to not have to worry about all the things I normally have to worry about at home.

Here's a ferry I rode on the way over-


Deception Pass.. so pretty, the pictures don't even do it justice!




The bridge that goes over Deception Pass... it is MUCH higher than it looks, and the views are amazing!



I hope to go to the lavender farm tomorrow!

Road Trip

Tomorrow morning I am leaving on a little road trip. I'm going to visit my friend in the Seattle area. I will be going alone...no kids, no hubby. I'm fairly nervous. Not that I can't take care of myself. I know, lock the doors, yada yada yada. I can kick butt if someone tries to be stupid and attack me. That's not what I'm nervous about. I'm nervous because I'm going far away from my home (comparatively) and I'm worried that my car will break down. I know, not a great way to start my trip, thinking negative things like that.

*deep breaths, calm thoughts*

Much better.

Since I used to live in the Seattle area, I would think I might know my way around, but it has been over 8 years since I lived there. So my husband suggested that I map it. This morning we mapped out my route on the mapping /gps program on my laptop. Then we mapped out an alternate route. I'm certainly glad to have this program, but I think a paper map will suffice.

Today I will be spending the day packing and getting things together for my trip....but I already have "that feeling." You know that feeling- the one where you know you're forgetting something?? I'm having that feeling. I will have that feeling all day. It won't be until I get half way there that I remembered something essential. And yes, I've made a checklist.

Once I get over there to my friend's house, I will fall over with pure exhaustion because I will be tense and nervous the entire way over - I don't drive much, you see. Going into town is a "big trip" for me. haha! It will take three days to recuperate and guess what? I'll be driving home again! HAHA!

Awww...let me load up muy ipod with music and take plenty of chocolate, I should be fine. :D

See ya on the flip side!

Completion

I have been floundering back and forth for several weeks on writing my second novel. Some days I wanted to write but had no ideas to work from and other days I had ideas but no desire to write. I think most of my non-motivation was because I was lacking an outline. The ideas were there, but I was disconnected on how to tie them all together.

Today I spent all day on the phone with my husband talking out ideas while he drove. I don't know of what he heard, but as I talked out my plans for the book, I could see the entire story play out before my eyes. After I got off the phone, I was able to write out the outline for the rest of my second novel and start the outline for the third. I even have an ending to the series! I was excited when I finally saw the death of the main villain in the story and felt as if the story was over. Glad to have rid myself of this villain, another more sinister villain has made its way to the forefront of my mind.

Although I have already written 6 chapters in book 2, I feel as if I have not written anything. but now, I am extremely excited to start writing again. I have my path laid before my feet, now I must simply follow it.