Be Busy, Be Happy

 

In times of stress, more than ever, it is important to put oneself first.

There’s a saying that the best way to make God laugh is to tell Him your plans.

My summer schedule has now filled considerably, just days after my most recent post, in which I boasted about how “…for the first time in several years, my summer is relatively open. After wrapping up my first year as a college professor, I'm enjoying the lightened summer workload of the education field, teaching just one summer class and tutoring just one day a week.” Last week I was asked to pick up two more summer classes to teach, so my “lightened” summer schedule now consists of teaching four days a week, and tutoring one.

So, adieu, free time. My summer has become considerably busier. But, rather than lament all of the lost days that I was planning to spend on a patio with a good book and a glass of wine, I am welcoming the opportunity to earn more money and continue improving my teaching skills. However, I cannot completely do away with my plans for relaxation and personal enjoyment.

Packing Tips for a Spring Getaway

Simply put, the most important piece of travel advice is to pack lightly.

I am proudly notorious for travelling light. The challenge of this is to be prepared and have what you need, but nothing more! This is the same mentality that I strive to live in my everyday life—to enjoy my favorite things without the clutter or distraction of anything that I don’t love, use, or need.

Before you start packing for a vacation or a short getaway, determine what kind of suitcase or luggage you want to use. I generally tend to avoid the hassle and delay of checking luggage, so I try to pack everything into a carry-on bag. However, as I learned from my last flight, it’s important to find out what luggage restrictions or requirements your airline has; however, if you’re travelling in your own vehicle, then what kind of luggage you pack is not such an issue. Once you figure out what kind of suitcase(s) you're going to bring, you're ready to get started.

Tips for Air Travel

The second installment in my three-part spring getaway series, where I offer a few general tips for planning a flight.

Air travel has become a bit of a mess lately. Between the general anxieties that many travellers have, and the strict (and often bewildering) regulations enforced by the TSA, the process of flying has become almost more trouble than it's worth. In spite of these many drawbacks, flying is often the most time efficient and practical form of long-distance travel. Careful research and planning is one way to make this stressful situation more manageable. Here are a few things that I've learned during my two decades (!) of foreign and domestic air travel.

A Spring Getaway

A mini-vacation is a great way to refresh your mind and outlook.

After months of cold, dreary, and wet weather here in the mid-Atlantic, many of us are in need of a change of scenery. A short vacation, even a weekend trip, can provide a much-needed break from routine and can refresh one's perspective or outlook.

My husband and I were fortunate to spend last week in sunny Florida. After a brief visit in Boca Raton with our family, we hopped on I-95 and drove north to lovely Vero Beach for a few days. Although the weather was a little too cold for a dip in the ocean, we enjoyed many long walks through the surf and some time by the (heated) pool at our resort.

Being able to physically leave our routines and responsibilities was a great way for us to de-stress and just spend some time relaxing—a perfect tonic for both our physical and mental health. If a week-long vacation is out of the question, even a day away from the worries of everyday life can be beneficial. A day in a park or local café with a good book can offer a welcome change of scenery—if only for a few hours.

The time off (from work, blogging, and everything else!) has given me fresh motivation for tackling my everyday activities, as well as some new inspiration for blogging material. I'm looking forward to kick-starting my regular routine with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Won’t you stay tuned for more in this three-part travel series from Classy Local? Coming up:

• Planning tips
• Packing tips

The above photo was taken by me on my cell phone in March, 2013 of the Atlantic Ocean as seen through the dunes at Vero Beach, Fla.