I just completed a week of vacation and I have to say it was one of the best weeks of vacation I have ever had. Let’s start with the most obvious factor: the weather this week could not have been better. It was just one sunny day after another.  Thank you, Anna Buckley, for ordering that weather for me!

I started the week with a long list of projects inside the house as well as grand plans to complete several things on my 52 list.  Those things didn’t happen and that’s okay.  Rainy days will happen and I’ll be prepared with those lists to keep me busy.

Here’s what else I didn’t do:

• I didn’t drive my car for half of my vacation.
• I didn’t answer emails immediately.
• I didn’t look at work email.
• I didn’t answer phone calls.
• I didn’t wear make-up.
• I didn’t set the alarm.
• I didn’t spend much time on Facebook.
• I didn’t watch television, not even Ellen.
• I didn’t beat myself up over what wasn’t accomplished

What I did do:

I went to a graduation/confirmation party for some awesome kids and as a bonus learned about the latest in water balloon technology.  Mankind may not have invented a better mousetrap yet, but a better water balloon is here and it is INCREDIBLE! http://bunchoballoons.com/

I participated in the Confirmation of 5 youth that I have had the honor of getting to know through the last two years.  Blessings to Wendy, Ella, Lauren, Aiden, and Trey!

I spent one day and one day only cleaning my house.

I spent time taste testing different beers & hard cider with Pam. There were not enough hours in the day. (Champlain Orchards Cidery McIntosh & Maple Hard Cider was my winner)

I rode my bike, drank lots of water, read books, and slept well.

I spent an evening playing Chronology and laughing with some of the wittiest women in the world.

I tried new recipes, I laughed, I walked with friends and I spent a day at the Museum with the fantastic Katy Kreiger and visited with several people near and dear to my heart.

How I spent most of the week was working in my garden, listening to Ted Talks  and the Moth Radio Hour.  I pulled weeds, planted lilies, I listened, I contemplated, I prayed.  I was inspired.  My cats lazed on the lawn, purred at my feet and provided the perfect level of companionship. My last vacation was 8 months ago and my brain and body were exhausted.  A week spent hauling dirt, putting out garden treasures, listening to inspiring words, and to the birds was just what I needed. My yard provided a perfect haven of solitude and comfort to rejuvenate my body while the podcasts gave me food for thought.  It was liberating to wake up and know that all I had to do was pull on my t-shirt and shorts and walk outside.  No commute, no deadlines, no expectations. It’s the healthiest I have felt in a very long time.

It was a great vacation.  I’m equally okay that it has come to an end.  At 6 PM on Saturday night I realized I was ready to go back to work.  I’m almost excited to go back to work.  Not so excited about opening my work email, but ready to face the challenges with a rested mind and rejuvenated soul. Sometimes a staycation is the best vacation.

My favorite podcasts from this week:

The Unexpected Benefit of Celebrating Failure:https://www.ted.com/talks/astro_teller_the_unexpected_benefit_of_celebrating_failure 
(I want to work for this company!)

The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers:
https://www.ted.com/talks/adam_grant_the_surprising_habits_of_original_thinkersI feel so much better about procrastination now!

Teach Girls Bravery Not Perfection!
https://www.ted.com/talks/reshma_saujani_teach_girls_bravery_not_perfectionAmen.  Every woman I know should listen to this!

The Dream We Haven’t Dared to Dream: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_dream_we_haven_t_dared_to_dream
What does it Mean to Be a Citizen of the World?
https://www.ted.com/talks/hugh_evans_what_does_it_mean_to_be_a_citizen_of_the_worldThis one is for you, Mitch!

The Met, Mrs. Vreeland, and Me
https://themoth.org/stories/the-met-mrs-vreeland-and-meNancie Ravenel – bet you can’t listen without laughing outloud!

How to Find Work You Love
https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_dinsmore_how_to_find_work_you_love?language=en
Pagan Fundraisers, Blue Haired Boy, Autism and Oscar
https://themoth.org/radio-hour/pagan-fundraisers-blue-haired-boy-autism-and-oscarThis hit me on so many levels.