Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Vacation!

I think getting ready to go on vacation is the pits.  The packing, the making sure everything is in order, bills paid, house closed up, etc., takes all the fun out of going.  I think it would be easier to just stay home.
I decided to go by Amtrak this time.  The only drawback to that is that there is no place nearby to get on the train.  I can go north about an hour and a half and take a commuter train into Chicago.  It leaves the only stop in Indiana at the butt crack of dawn, gets into Chicago early in the AM, then there is 6 hour layover at Union Station in downtown Chicago.  I can catch the train after it leaves Chicago in Bloomington, IL, which is ideal for me, except that it is a 3 hour drive from my house to there.
Things are not going according to plan as they were originally for the ride to Bloomington, which I decided would be more cost efficient for all concerned.  So now that is a worry, which will work itself out, but could cause some ill will or some hard feelings somewhere along the way.  I thought I had it all figured out, but you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men!
Then I went to the pharmacy to have a prescription filled before I went, only to notice that I had no more refills left, which meant calling the doctor's office, getting his phys. asst.'s voice mail, telling her the problem, then waiting an extra day to pick up meds.  Got that done a while ago, so that's one thing I can mark off my list.
Of course, money is always a big concern with me, and I wasn't budgeting for a particular expense, but looks like I will have to bite the bullet and pay it anyway.  Which, in turn will short me on spending cash for the trip.  Drats!!
Like I said, I think it would be easier if I just stayed home.  But, I'm not going to.  It's my time away spent with my Texas family and I am looking forward to it.  Things will work out, and be okay in the long run.  It's just frustrating.  It's the little things that upset me the most.  Could that be my age showing.
Next time, I will plan better, even though I thought I had a good plan this time.  Time will tell.  Friday is the big day.  The Amtrak trip is long, but it is enjoyable and it's nice to see the country as I ride along and leave the driving to someone else.

Peace,
JE 

10 comments:

Curley said...

Maybe next time, you could get husband and me to drive you the 3 hrs to get the train, and maybe husband and I could make it an overnight vacation too. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Anvilcloud said...

I know what you mean. Trips/excursions sound good, but the getting ready and travel part are daunting. I often wish to be transported a la Start Trek.

Jimmie Earl said...

Curley,
I will let you know when I get ready to come home! It's a thought, at least.
Sorry about the gripe session this afternoon, but I was frustrated!! All is better now!

Jimmie Earl said...

Anvilcloud,
I know exactly what you mean. Wish I could just snap my fingers and be there. And take my own bed and pillow along! Know what I mean???

Marcia said...

Remember to stay hydrated, stretch your legs often, and don't get off the train with any sailors. Oh wait, that's something my mom told me years ago . . . Anyway, enjoy! :)

Curley said...

You know I can be your sounding board anytime. Have a great time and keep in touch while you are gone. Tell bro and sis-in-law I said hello.

BizWriter said...

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momto8 said...

I hope you are having a great time!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Sometimes vacation plans never quite work out right, but you seem to have everything under control now. Hope you have a wonderful visit and that train ride sounds like such a fun adventure. We are planning to do a US rail trip in the future once.

Terry said...

Have a great vacation, JE.