Vacation Countdown!

This time next week I'll be heading to the nail shop to get a pedicure. I'll begin packing my bag to ensure I don't forget anything I need on our week long cruise/Miami vacation! I am BEYOND excited. And hubby has been working super hard lately and this break will be good for us. One part family reunion, one part celebration of my 32nd birthday! Would you believe I had to think if it was 31 or 32? Terrible I know... But birthdays for me have never been a huge deal. Generally just a nice low-key dinner with family and friends. Makes the day perfect! Did I mention I'm excited? I am one of those people who truly enjoys cruising. This will be my 4th! Some people hate it but I love it. I even like having assigned dining times so you get the same wait staff each night. I remember on cruise #2, (Carnival) our server Denny was great! Each night he gave the best recommendations. He asked what things we liked to eat normally and made suggestions based on that. And if we ordered something he didn't think we'd like, or that he didn't feel was particularly good, he'd tell us. He'd then ask us what our 2nd choice would be and bring both. He was right to do that. The two dishes we ordered that we didn't like were the ones he told us not to get! He was fun and while it isn't always like that, he helped make our experience even better and he earned every penny of his tip! Such a great trip. It was our first trip together after we started dating. Such fond memories!

I think everyone should take time out for a vacation if you can afford it. Save up money each month to pay for it if that's what you need to do. I don't generally recommend using a travel agent unless it's a large group. But if you use a travel agent, depending on the scope of the vacation, you can often have it booked and be able to pay it off over a period of time. And never discount the value of a staycation. Sometimes you just need to take a few days away from work, get a hotel room in a nearby city if flying out or cruising out isn't an option. Just take some time to recharge your batteries! You are totally worth it! Relationships and work will thank you for it! And most importantly, your body will thank you for it.