Any chance that I can get to travel solo, I will sing to the heavens and skip with a song in my head. It is a rare occurrence in many moms’ lives, and I’m no different. Traveling with kids is fun and unpredictable but let’s be honest, when they’re young – it ain’t no picnic, necessarily. Traveling without kids is a time for peace, self-indulgence, and an opportunity to observe other traveling families and take note.
My upcoming trip is to Blissdom ’11, a conference that will be part business and part fun. I have to say that I’m taking its name to heart and searching for a little bit of bliss, in the form of me-time, over the course of 3 days. Preparing for a trip away from the family, however, requires just as much preparation if not more, as a trip together. Granted, my Travel To Do List will be condensed but my At-Home To Do List has already taken on a life of its own.
Am I the only one that leaves a list of instructions for their spouse when they travel without the kids or is that just my minor form of OCD? My sister calls it controlling; I call it peace of mind and helping a brother out (even when he doesn’t think it’s “helping”). My best friend is 100% in my corner on the issue and shares the sentiment that when we are away from the house, husbands need to be told what to do – in writing! Hey, if I were a man, I’d appreciate it. I wouldn’t interpret it as any sort of castration or challenge to my fatherhood. It is what it is: a list of instructions for anyone that isn’t the primary caretaker. Wondering what my instruction list has on it? Here are just a few of the items:
- Breakfast Item ideas and hot cereal/waffle cooking instructions
- Morning Routine for my 7 year old
- Morning Routine for my 3 year old
- Directions to my youngest’s school and names of his teachers
- Pick up time for my youngest less 10 minutes (just to make sure my husband isn’t late)
- After school/Before nap routine for him
- Lunch ideas
- Reminder to play with my youngest periodically through the day
- Homework reminder for my oldest
- Dinner suggestions
- Hygiene reminders
My husband always gives me this “Really?” look when I leave the 2-pager for him. Yet, when I return from a trip, I see the worn condition of the paper, no longer located in the original location that I left it. Yup, he uses it and I know he appreciates it. Leaving it gives me peace of mind and this time around won’t be any different. I’m flying out for my piece of bliss and I’m doing it worry-free
Okay, just wanted to say you’re not even close to OCD. I had to make an emergency trip back home when my father got ill. Left early Monday morning, arrive back late Wednesday evening. No problem, right??
THREE pages of instructions, not to mention SIX different people involved in coordinating pickups/dropoffs/sports practice.
It was insane, although my oldest loved the fact that he FINALLY got a cell phone out of the deal.
Enjoy your time away!
What a fabulous website you have! I’m following you back from Catch a Wave – thank for the follow.
And have a great time @ Blissdom! I haven’t been to a conference yet but I hear they’re wonderful.
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Hip Chick’s Guide to PMS, Pregnancy, and Babies
Hey, following from Bloggy Moms! Thanks for stopping by HH! And might I say, the notion of traveling without kids sound better than a full night sleep!
You’re not OCD, you’re practical! I get nervous leaving my husband with the baby for a day, I couldn’t do it overnight let alone for three days. Thanks for stopping by my blog and glad to follow you back!
Hey Colleen, I had an awesome time at Blissdom. You have to go to it next year. I think I’ll try to check out some other conferences. They should definitly be viewed as a business expense/investiment.
@Anne, So I walked away with only 2 pages. You’re right. That’s no way close to OCD. LOL!
@Ceinwyn,
Believe me, I didn’t do that with my first born either. I think the first time he was out of my sight was when he was 13 months old and I just needed a break and went snowboarding with my BFF. It was a very liberating moment for me. By child 2, you’re like “whatever”.
@Amber, Oh yeah, I really don’t like to sleep much when I’m traveling without my kids…that’s just because I’m mazimizing on my free time and trying to get everything done that I can’t get done when I’m traveling with them. It’s such a conundrum b/c I should be resting, right? Nope!