10.10.2008

Busy Playing....on our STAYCATION.




Today is the last day of the school holidays for our boys. School starts back on Monday.


It has certainly been a busy time, hence the lack of blogging.


The holidays have been terrific. We had one overnight trip to Sydney, but the rest of the two weeks we have had a STAYCATION - that is, you holiday at home. A Staycation allows you to do some wonderful things. The STAYCATION family activity list has so far included building cubby houses under the dining room table and then sleeping the night there, playing tennis in the front yard, riding bikes down the road and being attacked by the nesting pee-wee and butcher birds, watching a family movie, spray painting a home made hut, making comic books, cooking, building bike jumps, making a smash up derby arena with a series of boxes, swimming in the local pool, waterskiing and swimming at the river, scrapbooking, going to friends' house for a play date, putting on a 'Star Wars Show' in the garage (lol!)

There are many benefits to having A STAYCATION. Firstly, it costs very little. If you calculate the cost of a week in a holiday apartment and then add meals,fuel or airfares and entertainment the cost can be beyond many families. Why not do the sums and then decide to spend one quarter of that amount during your STAYCATION. That money may allow you to do something special for the family like a restaurant meal, bowling, movies or whatever else is a 'treat' in your household.
The Second benefit of a STAYCATION is that it gives you the opportunity to explore where you live. Often we don't see advertising about our area because it is targeted elsewhere. If you go to your local tourist Information Centre you will be able to see what the area has for visitors. Pretend you are a visitor in your own region. There may be sight seeing walks, waterfalls, historical buildings, wineries, fishing spots etc. It may be a real eye-opener.

The third benefit of a STAYCATION is the total peace that comes from going nowhere and doing nothing! Have you ever have a great week's holiday, finally relax and then have to spend 10 hours driving home in ridiculous traffic only to have to front up to work on Monday morning ? You need a vacation just to recover! Having a STAYCATION will allow you to totally unwind, sleep well in your own bed and be at peace with the world!

Remember that the success of a STAYCATION depends on the mindset. Do something different to remind yourself that you are on a STAYCATION. Lay in the back yard with a book. Wear that Hawaiian shirt, make yourself a cocktail at dusk and watch the sunset. Turn the phone off and put the 'out of office' reply on your email. Paint your toenails, do some yoga or meditation, lay in a buttermilk bath with a glass of champagne.

 Think TOTAL RENEWAL.
ahhhhhh........... I am relaxed just thinking about it.............................

Give it a go ..................... you may just fall in love with the concept.

5 comments:

Tracie said...

Sounds like lots of fun I'm jealous.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Tracie XX

Anonymous said...

A STAYCATION is our standard holiday. You can be very creative when you have too.

libby said...

Sounds like a wonderful holiday. We were away this time (free in my parents van) but I love staying at home during the holidays and doing things you never get around to doing. I do find it harder to really relax though. It's something I'm working on.

Libby

Anonymous said...

Hi Michelle,
We had a STAYCATION this holiday too and it was great. My email address is
sunnycorner2340 at yahoo dot com dot au

Have a great day
Tracy

xo.sorcha.ox said...

Just came across your site, and I must admit that as a law graduate who ditched the city and a prospective legal career for a more quiet lifestyle in the country, I am intrigued to read more!
Will be back!
Regards,
~S.

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