Mardi What?

Yes, it’s been a week since I first talked about my cabin fever and surprise surprise I still have it. Only now, I’m not just itching for the sun and warmth. I’m looking for some excitement and spontaneity in my life. Tuesday was Mardi Gras and I’m afraid to report back that the highlights of my day were going for a run and getting two loads of laundry done. Party. Holla. I only wish I was in that picture above. Mardi Gras was not the most exciting holiday celebration, to put it gently. I feel the same way about a lot of holidays, although I’m probably in the best place for the Fourth of July. At least once in my life, I would like to go down to New Orleans and have a true Mardi Gras experience. Come to think of it, there’s a ton of other celebrations I have yet to enjoy during my life. I’m not going to call it a bucket list because that sounds depressing and because I never saw the movie. Rotten Tomatoes only gave it 40%.

As you may know, I FRICKIN LOVE LISTS. Now that I’ve make progress on both my dim sum and pizza lists (not that I’m tired of food), I want to move onto bigger and better things. Next up: destination festivals. You get to travel and experience all that place has to offer. Mardi Gras is on my list. Oktoberfest would be on my list if I liked beer at all. That big tomato fight in Spain. Running of the bulls, not so much. I’ve had the vacation itch for at least a month now and all I really want to do is an excuse to get away to a warmer and sunnier place. If only Anthony Bourdain or Samantha Brown (although I’m not sure I’d get along with either of them) needed an assistant to travel with them everywhere. Hmm…I’ll get back to you on that.

Anyone have anything exciting going on? If you do, share it. I’m already vicariously excited!

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Is it Spring Yet?

Right about now, I’m suffering from a bad case of cabin fever; the cabin being the cold gray city of Washington D.C. For the past ten years or so, I’ve been accustomed to going on a softball training trip in March to Florida, California, or just somewhere warm and sunny. That explains the time I attempted sunbathing on my roof-deck the first relatively warm day last year. It must have been February or March. I was so determined to stay up there no matter how windy or cold it got. Looking back, it probably wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had. I have a history of trying to convince myself that it’s spring when it’s clearly still winter as evident by the numerous times I’ve wrapped up in a blanket at the beach and started wearing flip-flops far too early. It’s my way of telling Mother Nature to speed things up a bit. Bring me some warm weather, dammit!

It’s funny that no matter how long it’s been since you’ve experienced something, certain times of the year will always make you feel a particular way. That’s why I always start looking for cheap flights to a warm location in late winter/early spring. I’m like a migratory bird whose instinct tells them to fly south. Except, if I were a bird, my trip would be free. Darn. Well, until technology advances to the point where we can grow wings, I suppose I’ll have to settle for a plane ride.

I recently saw on JetBlue’s website that “Booking a vacation should feel like taking one.” However, I’ve come to realize that planning a vacation in fact does not feel like taking one. There are so many flight-booking sites out there that’s it’s hard to know when you’re getting the best deal. Being an adult means booking flights, hotels, and rental cars for your own trips; using your hard-earned vacation time; and paying for things. Ick. But fear not! In the next month, I am determined to maneuver the obstacles of vacation planning and reach my goal of relaxation. I really need and value my down time. I’ve got to recharge my battery. And with all of choices you’ll have to make in your life, sometimes you need to put yourself and your sanity first.

So many feelings.

What’s your next vacation?

Homecoming

As you might  have already figured out, I’m a sucker for fall in New England. I’m also a sucker for reunions. Well, it just so happens that this past weekend, I was lucky enough to have both! I made the trip from DC to Boston for my alma mater’s homecoming and alumnae softball game (aka old lady game). I have to admit I still get those back-to-school jitters when I head back for homecoming. The thought of seeing old friends. The feeling that I should be buying new school supplies. Putting together cute fall outfits. It’s almost feels like Christmas morning to me.

The weekend got off to a rocky start with a five hour delay at the airport. It got rough a few hours into the delay. I ended up laying across three seats, using my bag as a pillow, and creating a makeshift bed for myself. Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures of this creation. Needless to say it necessary.

Note: This is not me, and I am not Tom Hanks.

Despite arriving in Boston around midnight, I managed to wake up at a reasonable hour the next day and eagerly headed over to Wellesley. Coffee probably helped. The brisk fall air certainly woke me up as well. Although, I don’t think I was fully prepared for just how windy that day would be. I wore a dress that blew up Marilyn Monroe style at the slightest gust. I may have given some people a free show. I’m over it. It happens.

Travel and wardrobe issues aside, my favorite part of the weekend was getting back on the softball field with my teammates; just like the good ol’ days. It seems like only yesterday we were all running around that field. I’ve noticed as I get older that I really value the time I get to spend with old friends. I mean we don’t all live down the hall from each other anymore. We’ve all moved on and are travelling down our own paths. A lot has happened since then. The funny thing is that when we step on that field, it doesn’t matter where we’ve been or how long it has been since we’ve seen each other. We pick up right where we left off; like no time has passed.

I think there’s something about Wellesley that has made me love traditions. Not just the ones you experience while you’re there, but the ones that will be with you forever. I heard another alum say that once you’re a Wellesley woman, you’re a Wellesley woman for life. It’s a comforting thought to know that no matter where we are, a single weekend can bring us all together again. For me, homecoming isn’t just another visit to campus, it’s about coming home.