You know how everyone tries to tell you to relax and just let some things go? Well I took that literally this year and decided to take just over two weeks off of work! I know. In a row!
It turns out that I always give vacation back. I know that they count on that in the corporate world as that can mean a profit. Do they have that in higher ed too? I feel like everyone I know gives days back without using them because there just isn't time. And I also see those people who take weeks and weeks off each year and I am jealous that they always seem to be on vacation.
Well I decided to stop living someone else's idea of vacation and take my own again. I was used to taking time off in June and July when ResLife was slower and did not need me. This year since I have moved out of ResLife I decided to leave in December. I took almost all of the vacation days I have left and brought them to Florida. It is wonderful.
Here are some of my observations:
1. Handicap accessibility. I am staying in a state park but all over in this western, gulf side of Florida there are signs for barrier free walk ways and free beach wheel chairs. I saw a woman today use one of those wheel chairs for oxygen tank because it was getting caught in the sand as she rolled it. I have just enjoyed seeing those things.
2. Everything really is slower down here. I have been an eager bunny- I wake up at first light, brush my teeth and head to the beach. But no one else is there! I am wondering why anyone would squander even one minute of this precious vitamin D. It could be because the locals are used to it and think it will never end-I can tell by their sunkissed skin that they don't miss many days. But haven't they heard of global warming? Maybe they all voted for Trump and don't believe it-but these days might not last forever. Or I am midwestern crazy for sun and sand because my homeland is currently under a blanket of snow.
3. Doing nothing feels good. Don't get me wrong-I have days of doing nothing up north. But there is something different about doing it in the breeze or in your tent far from home. I have been surprising myself with the infrequency of anxiety girl these past couple of days.
4. Battery operated fans are a blessing. I never knew the power of a battery operated 6 inch fan until this trip. It is miraculous.
As usual I am finding adventure with every turn. From a power line sparking the palm tree above my tent, to a tricky raccoon trying to outwit me, to find dive bars while looking for the local post office-I am trying hard to be a local tourist. Except for tomorrow. Tomorrow I am going to Disney and Universal Studios. Because who knows when I will be back here again.
I am starting to talk to myself about the joys of Florida just as Cliff Clavin did in the series Cheers. I hope I can find an audience that is less annoyed with my Florida knowledge than Sam, Carla, Norm and Diane.
