While your hostess is off sailing the seven seas, I’m stopping by to water the plants here in Binkytowne, and to recall some of my most memorable vacations (I couldn’t pick just one).
Most memorable because it sucked: San Francisco, summer 2008. I was supposed to be whooping it up at BlogHer, but instead I spent a week sleeping in a vinyl recliner at UCSF Medical Center while my daughter recovered from an appendectomy. And eating contraband food while hiding behind her bed, because she couldn’t eat anything or stand to watch anyone else do so.
Most memorable due to amount of stuff schlepped: Martha’s Vineyard, summer 2002. My daughter was 3 months old and my sister and I took her to the Vineyard to stay in my cousin’s house with my parents (you following?). I brought a portable crib, a breast pump and a ridiculous number of bottles, a fold-up play mat, a gigantic stroller, a Baby Bjorn, a huge collapsible sun shade for the beach, and so on. If I did it again today I’d pretty much just take the car seat and my boobs.
Most memorable for forcing the realization that I am a senior citizen in disguise (and my mother isn’t): Cruise on the Big Red Boat, mid-90’s. This was a free trip I earned via work and I took my mom with me. While I was barfing in the cabin, she was gallivanting all over the ship. I also had to drag her out of the casino more than once.
Most memorable because I felt like Supermom: The Berkshires, summer 2006. First time I flew solo with two kids, ages 1 and 4, on four flight segments and two long drives in a rental car.
Most memorable for the freewheeling hormones: San Jose, BlogHer 2006. My first BlogHer. Hundreds of women, many of them in the process of gestating, lactating, or weaning (I was, but not as painfully as another.
Most memorable for reminding me that I’m still a human being, not just a mommy robot: Chicago, 2006. Two full nights’ sleep in a hotel; uninterrupted, non-kid-friendly meals; shopping with one of my best friends. Pinch me!
Cathy blogs about her past adventures on the road and her current “adventures” in a small town at Mayberry Mom.
Thank you very much MayberryMom for holding it down for me while I'm away.
Me and Mayberry are going to be thick as thieves this year at BlogHer so watch out for us.
