I know that sounds silly, but I grew up saying that I didn’t want to be stuck in a life or a world where I only got one vacation a year. I didn’t want a life where people took one week off a year and went to sit on the beach and then at the end of the week, everyone is miserable about going back to work and back to everyday life. 

Now, this isn’t me saying that I didn’t love those vacations growing up. I did, but it stunk to watch my parents not want to go back to their jobs. This instilled in me the thinking that I wanted two things — to enjoy my job and to love my life. I wanted to take trips at any opportunity and see the beaches and the mountains and anything in between, so when asked if I want to go somewhere, assume my answer is always “Sure do!”

This past month we ventured to West Virginia where we went to Seneca Rock, Eagle Rock, and Smoke Hole and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes that a still photo could never replicate. Just standing below the mountains to fish or driving through the wooded paths to look at the view from the top was so incredible and something I didn’t expect from West Virginia.

Exploring is not necessarily hitting the tourist spots, although I do love those as well, but more so finding the local joints and the hole-in-the-wall or the “gotta know a guy who knows a guy” type of places. Those make every trip more real and more memorable. You might end up eating hot dogs out of a bait shop or gyro at what looks like a converted gas station. Those experiences make for much better stories and memories. 

This week I am driving five hours to Greenville, North Carolina to see some of my favorite people and then driving from there to Virginia to see a concert. I thought the concert was a different date but then my best friend texted this week saying she couldn’t wait to see me. I replied with, “Yeah, next weekend is going to be great!” As we realized we had miscommunicated the dates she felt bad thinking I wouldn’t be able to come. My only response was that of course I would be there. We are seeing the Jonas Brothers. Obviously I wouldn’t miss that for anything (although I’m a Sophie girl. If you know you know). But again, when people hear me say that I’m doing all of this on my own and in a five-day span they’re like, “Oh, you’re always busy.” or “You’re always on the move!” 

To that I can only say, “As it should be. As I should be.” There is too much to do and too much to see to not say yes to every adventure that comes your way. I think you have to take every opportunity to carve an adventure or a vacation out for yourself. Even if it’s in your own backyard, take the time to find something new in your area. Take time to appreciate your life and your time off and go somewhere new and unique because one week on a beach a year is not enough vacation time!