Me Time for Busy Women

Women are planning Staycations this year!

This must be the new buzz word, I have heard it several times since the memorial day holiday. Women are foregoing planned (sometimes stressful) vacations in favor of Staycations -- staying at home or opting for one-tank trips.

As fabulous as exotic locations are, they are commonly filled with schedules and deadlines -- similar to our work-a-day world. If you are looking for a staycation, look in your hometown and get some time off work to relax, enjoy and STAY.

FROM TODAY'S CNN "Having It All -- Work / Life Balance" site:

About 1.3 percent fewer Americans are expected to fly this summer than last summer, according to the Air Transport Association.

AAA Vice President Mark Brown says the slowing economy and high fuel prices "have pushed some Americans to what we call the traveling tipping point. It's clear that a small number of us may choose to stay home ... and relax with friends and family rather than take a vacation."

"5 tips for Enjoying your Staycation":
1. Take time off and unplug. If you have scheduled some time off, take advantage of that time to talk with family, play games or relax on the deck. No planned activities, just enjoy your home and family. Let your co-workers know you are out of reach and stay unplugged.
2. Visit grandmother, the home where you grew up, or look up school mates for a phone call or lunch. Visit those grandparents or relatives that you don't see very much -- you may wish that you did while you have the chance. You may say that you would like to go by the home where you grew up ... or drive the kids by ... but when have you really done that?
3. Review local events online and in the newpapers. Make a note of what is happening during your time off. If you normally go to movies for entertainment, take in a museum. Look for lectures and book-signings and tours of historic sites (if that is something different for you). Look up what the travel journals say to do near you, and you may be surprised at the things tourists do when they come to your area that you have never seen. Keep this list, but act spontaneously. If you don't end up taking in these attractions -- it is OK.
4. Invite Friends or Family Over for a casual evening or a neighborhood cook out. Grilled veggies, fruit salad, homemade cupcakes, and corn on the cob make a great backyard cook out. Don't send invitations, just call. Don't get too caught up in the planning. Make it a potluck if that would be something different for you. No special occasion, just some talking and getting to know your neighbors -- or even your family members -- better.
5. Journal, Write, Record or Listen to Music. This can be mental stimulation, relaxation and creativity all rolled into one -- unless this is what you do for a living. Get a blank journal and just start writing. Write like no one is watching -- then re-read it. Yes, that was really you. You may be more comfortable recording some family history on tape, working on geneology or wearing out the grooves on some vinyl or CDs. Any of these activities can keep you productive while staying home and provide those stories that you will tell when Staycation is over.
Last, but not Least: Take Pictures! of Everything. It will bring back memories of you, your family, your home or your hometown in years to come.

By the end of the Staycation, you might want to think about the cruise, beach, or location that you will visit on your next scheduled time off! There are advantages to both types of time off, but the re-charging you will get from a Staycation is priceless and stress free!

Enjoy