Jeff and I are still a bit giddy over our recent accomplishment of seeing all 50 states. I guess "seeing" all 50 states isn't enough to describe it, really. We didn't just "see" every state; we went out of our way to venture to every state. Most of the travels came easily, but let's face it: Kansas is not in the most direct path between Texas and Massachusetts. And those bridges in Madison County, Iowa: not exactly on I35.
Okay, and there was that time we crossed the border into Alabama to eat lunch at a Captain D's, partly because Jeff had never been to Alabama, but also partly because Jeff was really nostalgic for the trips he used to take to Captain D's with his family in San Angelo and partly because it was lunch and we were hungry (And we did make an effort to see more of Alabama on our next trip east, so I really should be able to let go of the guilt. Ha!). Short little ventures aside, we really did make a planned excursion into each of the states.
I'm not sure we actually have bragging rights to seeing all 50 states, though. Lots of people do it. But for me it started with a long-shot dream in college, and it's taken some actual effort. I'm so fortunate that Jeff has been willing to play along, and we're both excited that we've been able to accomplish this goal together.
But there was something very bitter-sweet for me about crossing the "finish line" after our recent trip to Alaska. My first thought was, "Now what??" Well, duh. The end date for the 50-states goal for me has always been before I have children. And it's exciting that we succeeded in the nick of time, but now I must question whether our traveling days are numbered. THAT is very sad for me. I know people (mainly my cousin Gina) who have been to more countries than states.
Sure, it's very patriotic that we've been to all the states. But last year's trip to Europe (We had planned to see all 50 states and then go abroad, but opportunity presented itself. When in Rome, right? Well, we didn't make it to Rome, but we got pretty close!) meant we were just getting our feet wet. After faithfully seeing all 50 states we should be getting ready for that safari in Africa, right? Yes!
Until it dawned on me that we can't take an infant--or a toddler, or really even a preschooler for that matter--on a plane ride (or a safari) to Africa. Granbury, TX, maybe, but not Africa. Bummer! Jeff keeps saying we're not done traveling, and my mom has all but offered to pay for our first trip if she can have an entire week to babysit (Okay, not really, but I know she's very excited about the thought of being left in charge!). And Jeff's mom is so in love with her grandkids that I know we are in excellent hands either way we look at it. I'm not sure I'll be one of those moms who can leave her baby. Maybe I'll try it.
Then there's that other issue: money. The one part I won't miss about slowing our vacation schedule is the month after the trip when Jeff grumbles about all the unplanned incidentals that somehow made their way to the credit card and yells with such wrath that I'm convinced there will never be another trip (The best one so far: "Your trip to Europe was so expensive you could have paid for another degree." Ouch!).
But there always is another trip. Or at least there always has been. And don't get me wrong: I am very, very, very excited about our upcoming little arrival. He will be reason enough to consider slowing down. But even if we have the gumption to travel (time? money???), our life together will never be the same. Sure, it will be better, I know. And that makes me very happy.
I'm guessing it's normal at the start of the third trimester of pregnancy to start mourning the loss of things that may not ever be the same again. And as much as I rejoice each and every moment that Jeff and I have the opportunity to become parents, I can't help but say, in advance, that I need a vacation.
At least there's the chance to dream about the places we can go. And, thankfully, I know my mom has probably already started searching for trips to DisneyWorld. Hey! That's one place we haven't been. :)
You are totally right - things will never be the same after the baby arrives. No one ever really tells you that! Some things aren't as great - like traveling, sleep schedules, eating out; many, many things are MUCH better - you get unconditional love from this tiny being that you created. But take heart! You will still travel, because that is something you enjoy, and trust me, you can take baby along with you; he will enjoy it as much as you do. It will just be a different kind of travel, to see different kinds of things.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Tell Jeff to quit griping about the money spent on trips - the experience is priceless, and you can't take the money with you when you are gone!