Do you remember my post “Treating Yourself to a Vacation”? In April 2018, I went on a solo trip to Quebec City—3 days and 2 nights. I came home feeling refreshed and promised myself I’d do it again once a year.
I did it a little differently this time. Three days and two nights in a cottage in the Eastern Townships with a group of girls—girls who all needed a break and to put their daily lives on hold.
So we arrived on Friday evening with the trunk of the car full of food, wine, and cozy clothes. We settled into our rooms, put on our cozy clothes, toured the place while discussing the decor way too enthusiastically, and sat down in the dining room with a huge sigh of bliss.
We “unplugged,” opened a bottle, made a snack, and chatted… until 10 p.m.! My goodness, we felt so “auntie-like”! ” But at the same time, we were exhausted, and we had all day Saturday and most of Sunday to fully enjoy our little paradise. Instead of yawning our heads off, we went to bed!
With each of us free to do whatever we wanted whenever we wanted, we really made the most of that September weekend, which, just for the occasion, had disguised itself as July. A nap on a lounge chair, another in my bed, a spa, a fire, wine, coffee, food—in that order or in any order: total “relaxation” against a backdrop of laughter, confidences, and a few sessions of letting off steam.
Of course we talked about our husbands, our kids, and our jobs. Of course we checked our phones a thousand times to make sure everything was okay and to take the opportunity to post a few things on Instagram. Still, as far as I’m concerned, I achieved my goals: taking a weekend off just for myself and unplugging.
The trip back was a cheerful one. I couldn’t wait to see my guys again. I rode that little wave of happiness and rest all fall, promising myself I’d do it again next year! For me, this little break is vital… and what a joy it is to go to bed knowing that the next day, my only obligation will be to open the fridge to pour milk into my coffee! All while looking forward, on that last morning, to making breakfast for my little darlings the very next day.