You know how we plan our vacations — from getting guidebooks or tourist info, to buying new underwear (or whatever) to lining up a dogsitter and getting new batteries for our cameras? I’m going to do that for SPRING. Instead of just turning a page in my calendar, I’m going to plan and anticipate and make sure I get the most out of my “Spring Experience”.
Here’s my planning to do list…
1) Identify and “book” the most important “sites”. These for me are: a) crossing the finish line at the Avon 2-Day Walk, June 5&6; b) volunteering for the annual Wright Plus (Frank Lloyd Wright) housewalk, May 15; c) attend the U of I Biennial Women’s Conference, May 19&20.
2) List the things I do NOT want to miss: riding my bike on a sunny afternoon; watching flowers pop up in my garden; putting away the shovel and winter coats; morning coffee on the deck; cheap asparagus and good strawberries; putting the top down on my car. I’d no sooner miss appreciating these than I’d miss seeing David on a trip to Florence or ziplining in Costa Rica!
3) “Pack”. Happily I’ve lost a bundle of weight since last spring, so now have to decide what to take on my “trip”. Smart planning will keep me from buying this year’s version of awful pink capri jeans. Because I’m on a budget and have some special activities to “pack for” (wedding, etc.) I’m going to hire Julie (fabulous stylist) to build my packing list with me so I’ll save in the long run.
4) Check in with my “travel mates” about what they want to do. What else do we have lined up like a few Chicago theater performances, some birthday dinners, etc. And who else do I want to see that will make my Spring trip special?
5) Fill in other obligations — like fun-filled workshops, proposal deadlines, walking training, etc.
6) Identify a few “Would be nice to…” activities. This year it’s a garage sale. Every year it’s clean out the garage…
Then with plans and gear ready, I’m off to enjoy everything Spring in Chicago has to offer. And I better do it quickly – before it starts snowing again.
WAIT — Spring as a destination? We can’t change the fact that we have busy lives and obligations and tough weather. But we can change our attitudes about our everyday lives. If we can remember to embrace what we love about spring – when we can – life is a little better. And that’s what your Spring Trip will bring you.
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