Take a look at that photo, of Gina's dogs Ben and Heather, swimming in the creek that ran through my property, on a sunny summer day around 6 or 7 years ago. The day was so perfect Gina still talks about it, usually while lamenting how I sold that house to move back to San Francisco.
But even on that glorious summer day, when Gina was tucked into bed upstairs, her dogs beside her, I was sitting at my computer, working.
I was trying to remember last night just how long it has been since I took a vacation without my laptop, without e-mailing a dozen people to tell them how to reach me.
I have edited articles in airports, blogged with my laptop perched on my knee on a bus, pulled my rental car to the side of the road to post something to Facebook. I've gone back to my hotel room while everyone else I'd gone somewhere with was out on the town, and spent the evening working. I hosted the opening night of PetHobbyist.com's Chat Month last February from a hotel room.
I think it's possible it has been 15 years since I really, truly cut the cord and took some time off. Just me and the dogs, hanging out. No deadlines, no e-mail to check, nothing to write or post or edit or even think about.
Vacation.
Starting tomorrow, I'm taking two weeks of it. I'm going to wake up every morning and ask myself, "What do I want to do today?" If I spend the whole time reading the 50 books sitting unopened on my Kindle and drinking tea, I'll be fine with that. If one morning I pack up the dogs and go rent a cottage by the ocean, I'm fine with that too.
Sometimes I think what I need most of all is room for options, for spontaneity.
I'll probably drop in here from time to time. I might even post, because how long can I expect you guys to go without seeing photos of Rawley Deerhound? But I'll be doing it just because I felt like it, because I love to read and write and blog, not because I had to.
And Gina? I know you'll miss me, but thank you for all those summer days (and a few winter ones!) at my old place. I keep thinking about the gazebo overlooking the creek, dogs sprawling around in the shade, and you and me talking about everything from dogs who don't like the water to the amazing dog camp we wanted to start.
I need me some of that!
Photo: Ben and Heather by Gina.
Have a wonderful, relaxing, fun, lazy time! You have SO earned it.
Posted by: David S. Greene | 25 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Get gone and don't look back for three weeks.
No cell phone, no computer, but do take a camera.
Find a house without a number on a road without a name.
And when you get back, everyone you love will be waiting. Three weeks without the din of civilization is the antidote to quite a lot. I know; I need it myself, like parched ground needs rain. Have fun!
Patrick
Posted by: PBurns | 25 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
You deserve it, Christie!
We'll be a little light on the blogging and social media for the next couple weeks, but it's summer, so we all should be enjoying the days outside anyway. :)
Posted by: Gina Spadafori | 25 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
It sounds wonderful, Christie. Enjoy!
Posted by: MizShepherdist | 25 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Have a wonderful time, Christie!
Posted by: Kasie | 25 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Have a wonderful one.
Posted by: Mary Eisenhart | 25 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Bliss. I hope you get you some of that.
Posted by: Rori | 25 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
enjoy! you're so lucky.
Posted by: ericka | 25 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Have a wonderful vacation. Unplanned vacations are the best kind.
Posted by: Ingrid King | 26 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Christie, your new deerhound will not let boredom sink in, that's for sure.
I am sure you will find plenty of fun and rewarding activities--wishing you plenty of good times in the next two weeks and beyond.
Posted by: Evelyn | 26 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Oh. and by the way ... it's still fun to visit San Francisco, so as long as you keep moving to places I like to visit, we're cool.
Posted by: Gina Spadafori | 26 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Have a great time Christie !
Posted by: Leslie K | 26 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
With all the changes in your life recently, Christie, you deserve time off. Enjoy.
Posted by: VJ | 26 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Turn it all off and then don't look back!
Posted by: dottie | 26 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
Don't you dare drop in! Cut the cable.
Posted by: H. Houlahan | 26 June 2010 at 08:00 PM
LOL, well, maybe I won't drop in! I don't know. But I do know everyone's warm wishes... even Gina's, who I know is ready to haul me back by my hair... mean the world to me. THANK YOU, everyone!
Posted by: Christie Keith | 27 June 2010 at 08:00 PM