Why is Mom in Her Car?

I grew up outside. I spent my childhood in the woods, or on the golf course, or riding my bike. I was rarely inside--and usually only when it was dark.

As I got older, I had less time to spend outside, and definitely less time spent on what I want to do: travel with my family, sip some wine, and do some stitching. Now I'm in my office, or cleaning my house, or driving my car on my 45 minute commute to work. I sit in meetings, or sit at my desk, or sit in my car. And while I'm sitting, I just want to go outside and play.

But I'm a grown up. I have a job, a husband, a house, kids, a dog, etc. So it's not as easy to play what I want, but, I think, even more important to do so. I'm sure there is research about needing Vitamin D, or on the benefits of getting out and sitting less or how a glass of wine a day is good for your heart (isn't it?). But I don't really care about that. I just want to be outside.

I'm working hard to get outside more, play more. I am an extreme introvert, so being alone is how I recharge. Being alone and outside is a bonus. Being alone, outside, and playing is my trifecta.

You can probably see the challenges I face with getting outside and alone more often (see above: Kids. Husband. Job. Etc.). So I have to figure out a way to keep this simple. I have to figure out how to slip away for a night here, or a weekend there, with very little gear and very little expense. It has to be easy. This blog is a way for me to document my attempts at doing just that. You may see some posts about traveling with my family, a few about camping, several about me learning about wine, and then a few cross stitch projects thrown in for fun.

Don't get me wrong, I love the kids, the husband, the job, etc. But I care for all them best when I'm not tired and run down. I care for them best when I'm recharged and happy. Sometimes, mom just needs some time alone, even if that means hanging out in her car.