What I Learned on My Vacation

Well, the long awaited vacation is finally over. It was a week of ups and downs. I have come home and come to many realizations. Here they are in no particular order:

1. The ocean is awful smelly. Having never been to the ocean as an adult, I was a bit surprised when we got off the highway and I got a whiff of the "ocean air." I asked Greg, where is the dump. I was looking for the landfill, when Greg told me that is was the ocean I was smelling. I really hoped he was kidding. Not!!! Even now I can't seem to get the stench off of my things.

2. Kids get really really tired on vacation and 19 month olds are really meant to stay home.

3. I can get by with less makeup. Not on my face of course. I just don't need 25 lipsticks all at one time. I can get by with 2 or 3!

4. Sand and diapers don't mix.

5. Waiting 2 hours for a meal is a waste of time. I will take my mom's spaghetti over a "good" restaurant any day.

6. The greatest truth I learned while away is that you should not look forward to vacation to escape. I did not relax or find the peace I have heard people find (or say) they find on vacation. My real true peace is found in my everyday life. I will take a great church service, a good book, dinner on my deck, or even breakfast at McDonald's any day. These are my true escapes.

The 2 hour church service I attended yesterday does not even come close to a week away. Thinking about God and all of his promises transported me to a peace that money cannot buy. God's promises are for everyday life. I will not wait until I go on some fake vacation to a fake place to be the me I was intended to be. "Vacation Karen" will just be "Plain old everyday Karen"

Oh and one last point: don't forget the eye cream in your suitcase. You really will miss it!