But the relaxation is worth it–right?
Having an interesting convergence of the effects of some of my decisions.
Decision #1: To take off two months and just be. Read. Nap when called for. Spend some time getting to know myself and work through some of the lingering issues that may (*cough*) have been causing some slight panic attacks whenever I thought too hard about some of the things that might or might not happen when my book comes out a month and two days from now.
Decision #2: No big writing projects during that time.
Decision #3: Schedule a big road trip/backpacking trip with husband and dog to go clear the head at altitude and be all grungy and content before it’s time to come back and strap on the professional clothes and go be in public.
They all sounded like exactly the right things to do at the time, and I’m sure they were, but every choice has a consequence. And mine right now is that we’re leaving on Saturday and my to-do list of writing projects and all the usual packing and preparation that go with a trip like this is is so long and unwieldy it’s possible I had a little crying jag a few days ago just to release the pressure. But I’m all better now.
The reason I’m bringing this up is it’s the same every single year. I don’t know why it surprises me anymore. And I know I’m not the only one whose last week or two before a vacation is so incredibly stressful, you wonder why you ever schedule a vacation at all. Doesn’t seem worth it.
But then you finally get in the car or on the plane, and maybe it takes only an hour, or maybe half the day, but at some point this sort of smooth calm comes over you, and you let out a sigh, and you’re already mentally there. Mentally away from all the hassles you just left, and mentally settled into this vacation that planned long ago just knowing you would need it by now.
Some of you have already had your summer vacation, some are still looking forward to it, and I’d love to hear that I’m not alone in this last-week-scramble to make it possible to leave the work and the house and all your other obligations so you can go refresh and recharge.
In other words, who else goes pre-trip psycho?
Technorati Tags: Writing, Vacations, Searching For That Pre-Trip Zen
July 26th, 2007 at 7:07 am
Pre-trip psycho? That would be me.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:33 am
I defintely do. In the middle of June, I learned I had to move my vacation from the first week of August to the first week of July and with moving the month before, I became certifiable. I had serious thoughts of canceling the whole thing because I thought I just couldn’t get it together. I literally just threw stuff into suitcases the day before. I was still nuts until I was trapped on the plane and then I just let it all go and the vacation was fantastic. But the lead-up was brutal. I’ll be sending good pre-vacation thoughts your way today.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Oh man, in all honesty I should be getting everything together for my own trip. Leaving Saturday, in charge of the details (passports, confirmations, etc) haven’t even started getting things together. On top of that, I’ve been a total spaz about the itinerary on the ground — wanting them to be firm, then wanting to back off and just ‘let it happen’ — to the point where my wife has wanted to throttle me a few times.
And what am I doing about it? I’m checking out blogs, looking up useless things on the internet, la la la la la!
The answer then is, apparently I have my own version of pre-trip psychosis. But when I look back on it it’s always the post-trip days that feel worse. No matter how rested and relaxed a vacation feels, I always come home feeling like I need a vacation from the vacation. I now try to add a couple transition days after I get home to settle back in before heading off to work. And speaking of getting back to work…
La la la la la!
July 26th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Um, that would be me. And every year, I say it will be different.
July 26th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Heather, Deborah, David, Vivian–this is why I share these things on the blog, because when you tell me your stories in return, I feel SO much better and not so alone.
And David–la, la, la, good luck to you, man.
July 26th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Ummm… I haven’t been on a vacation in 5 years. =(
July 26th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Oh, Christen! I’m so sorry!
July 26th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
…but I am on permanent vacation, so it seems…that’s what they call retirement, isn’t it?
July 26th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Um, Judy, if I’m not mistaken, you have a book coming out in October. That ain’t no hobby, miss.
July 26th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
I go pre and post-trip psycho. I run around trying to get caught up on things before I leave, and then I am a stress monster for a couple of days when I get back, until I can wrap my head around the things that have stacked up in my absence. And that’s with very rarely actually taking a vacation from email - usually I have to keep up with the email during the trip. I know, I know, it spoils the trip, but I do it anyway. Hope that YOU have an amazing trip.
July 26th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
It’s okay! I actually get 4 weeks of vacation a year now at my new job… so now I have a reason to save my money and plan a truly fantabulous trip!
And my last vacation (in 2002) was to Alaska… so at least it was somewhere AMAZING! =)
July 26th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Vivian, by the way, I have to agree with your “every year I say it will be different” problem. But really, next year I will do it differently. Maybe.
Jen, I bring my laptop, too. Because for me, not having access would take all the relaxation out of the trip. The only time I won’t be on-line is when I’m actually in the wilderness–which is nice, too, to be unplugged. By while anywhere near civilization, I need to have e-mail.
Christen, Alaska certainly is an amazing destination. And I’m liking your employers for giving a full 4 weeks–niiiiiice.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
We have a trip scheduled for late August, and I’m freaking out a bit now because we’re not as rich (okay, “rich” is a little in-joke– every time we get a little money, I say “We’re rich! We’re rich!) as we were when we won the week’s stay at the little cabin up north via my daughter’s school auction.
It’ll all work out, I’m sure, but there are times when I think, “Aiee, who were we thinking we were that we could actually go on a real vacation.”
I’m blathering now…
July 27th, 2007 at 4:57 am
Well, um, I guess you’re right, Robin, and I had one come out in July, too… which I am sort of marketing. But I don’t think of it as a ‘job’ because I do it from home…besides the fact that I can do it whenever I want. I guess I am not the most dedicated writer… still am working on finishing up the next book, though…
The other part of it is that I do not have to depend on it to make money…if I get some that is okay, so maybe it is more of a hobby with me.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I always cry and sob the night before I leave for a trip because I decide I don’t want to go (or do any more of the work I have to do to get ready to go), but once I’m in the car or on the plane or whatever, I’m happy, happy. Sometimes I just don’t transition well.
July 27th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Alkelda, that’s so cool that you won a week at a cabin once! That would make someone feel rich. And you’re not blathering–I get the whole “what were we thinking” at the money end when the time actually comes to spend it. It all sounds so reasonable when you’re just dreaming and planning.
Judy, doesn’t matter how much you make at it–you’re obviously acting pro if you’re working steadily at getting books done and out the door. Good for you!
Adrienne, I’ve enjoyed some tension tears myself–usually in the first fifteen minutes of driving away. I’m stressing about the checklist in my head–did I turn this off? Remember to do that?–plus I’m depressed that I’m leaving my little nest. But then at some point the vacation comes over you, and you can really settle into it and relax. I just don’t know why I have to go through all that suffering when I know in a little while I’ll be happy. Habit.