Day 1: Decompress

I know that my vacation officially began on Friday, but I knew that in reality, it would start sinking in today. My weekend was a flurry of trips to Wal-Mart, errand running, family visiting and house preparation. So, I knew it wouldn't be until Monday morning that it started to feel like a vacation.

So, today's agenda includes decompressing. Decompressing for an obsessive-compulsive gal like me takes the form of many things. I started my day by sleeping a little later than usual. Then I moved my pajama-clad body to the living room where I had already stowed a few books and a knittng project.

Uhoh, the phone rang. Didn't anyone understand the rules: do not under any circumstances call or pester me before 10 a.m. This is a vacation! Never fear, my mom had a plan of attack all planned before I could even say hello. She rambled through her schedule for the day, wanted to know mine, pressured me about when I'd be home and then ended up by saying something about a turkey and my refrigerator. I just said, "Call me. I may or may not be awake, at home or even available." I know it sounds rude, but I will not have her calling my ever move while I am on vacation. It's my time, my life and my rules. No schedules!

I shrugged that off, finished a knitting projects, knocked off a few minor things on my "to do" list and then settled in to daytime televsion, which sucks by the way.

So, then came reading and now comes lounging. I did make a few calls and get a few e-mail returned, but nothing, no nothing that could be considered stressful or intense. That's another rule: do not approach any task that may means taking notes, following-up with another task or having to use my "stern" voice.

Oh, I did shower. I had sworn I wouldn't grace the tub until 2 p.m. each day, but there's something nice about being out of your pajamas with no place to go, hair airdrying. I even put on my horribly unattractive fleece LL Bean pullover and it feels incredible.

I have decided to go outside today. Yes, I will venture to the car and maybe to a store or two: at my leisure and with no schedule in mind. I need some coffee. I need a little fresh air, even if it is 18 degrees outside. Hey, I am even gonna wear my glasses and this fleece pullover. Who cares, I gotta decompress.