Going on vacation can be a time to realize how much you really are doing to make a difference!

This past weekend, our family of three ventured off into the world of Dallas, Texas. Along the way we encountered airplanes, screaming kids, the need to run up and down the same hall fifteen times, delays, snacks, coffee, falling asleep in awkward places, hotels, strange beds and nighttime routines, family, conflict, trash, waste, and going out to eat for every meal. To say the least, it was a shock to our family.

Being thrown out of my comfort zone often puts we in a weird mood and often leaves me, well... shall I say, crabby. I am very much a home-body and would prefer to be home with my food, bed, routines, and space, but to see family is very important to me too. That being said, I am grateful for the trek down to the Big D (and I do mean Dallas), even though there were some things that were a bit out of sorts for us.

Our plane was delayed a bit so we ended up in our detestation city about an hour late (which isn't bad at all, I know). Our little one was asleep by the time we made it to baggage claim. There's something about a sleeping baby while waiting for luggage that makes everything seem much more positive. Try looking at a peaceful little one (especially your own) and being upset or frustrated about anything. I really can't do it. By the time we got from airport to car to hotel, it was fast approaching my bedtime. I made a cup of tea and settled in for the evening.

When we ventured downstairs the next morning to greet the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-aunts and uncles, the real trip began. I had used the same cup for my tea just before we went downstairs and planned to finish it upon my return. After breakfast I ran back up to the room to find my cup gone. The towel I had used that morning was also gone. We have not been in hotels much lately so I forgot the diligence of housekeeping. I realized that it was going to be very hard to carry out my normal practices in this environment. There was nowhere to compost, recycle, or eat my local foods. I felt a little out of sorts.

I realized just how much we do in our house. To see how many people drank water bottle after water bottle by the pool and how much went into the trash cans I felt so grateful for the practices we are teaching our little girl. To have a first hand experience where I have the chance to see what I was like before really brought me perspective. Before I never would have even realized that someone took a paper cup I had been drinking out of; I would expected someone to bring me fresh towel after one use. I was a consumer in a consumer world and had no regard for the Earth and its parts I was USING.

As a whole, our trip was great. We spent some great time with family, celebrated our Nation's and Grandpa's birthdays and had an overall good time together as a family. I definitely learned a thing or two about myself and traveling. This summer as you and your family take vacations, see what YOU can do to make your destination a home away from home. Be aware of something new you may not have thought of prior to realizing just how cool you really are! We would love to hear your stories.

Happy Travels!

3 others have done this "5 minutes of caring" To date, you've cared for 0 minutes on CoolPeopleCare.org

Comments

Michelle commented, on July 8, 2008 at 11:18 a.m.:

Kim, I love it! We drank from our Sigg containers the entire trip (except for my tea, of course). We did everything we could to stick to our usual routine, but it was rather hard.

Thanks for sharing!

Post a comment

You must be a registered user to post comments.
Log in or create an account.