Friday, May 17, 2013

Planning for plans

Josh has been pushing for the summer in Europe thing for a hundred years. A third of my hesitation was paying for the trip. I mean just getting there is like a million dollars, and then you have to get home too. Then while you're waiting for the flight to get home, you have to like ... pay for random shit.

The other third that causes stress is if you're traipsing around Europe, you're not working at home earning the money you so desperately need. Not so much because your boyfriend is a dick who contributes nothing and your bills are piling up beyond anything you'll ever get a handle on but more because you are convinced the floor will fall out from under you at any moment and those things will happen so you need to be prepared for when they do.

The last third of the reluctance trifecta is where are you going to put your sisters? Sure one is in college and thinks she's capable of taking care of herself. But that is the same sister who has gotten half a block from home before realizing she forgot to put on shoes. It is also the same sister who does many other absent-minded things. She is very absent-minded professor-like. It would almost be less worrisome if her nerdy boyfriend was staying with her. Then there's the other sister who is ... well, we don't know what the fuck she is but it's not good and shouldn't be left alone.

I have decided to go crazy and go to Europe. I have convinced Josh that we are going to sublet (sublease? what is the difference?) our apartment. It's big, it's really nice, somebody (or a few somebodies) will want it. Danielle, who is always looking for a chance to go somewhere, is going to be a counselor at science sleepaway camp. The second I floated Europe past her and made it clear she was not welcome to come she told me she's been working on this since February. When was she going to tell me if I hadn't brought it up? I had a long talk with Josh's parents, and Laurie has promised to find a live-in nannying position for Alex for the summer with someone normal.

So. We are all going. When I said something to Josh about backpacking through Europe he laughed at me. "We are NOT backpacking through Europe. We do NOT backpack, and now that I have finally convinced you to do this, we are not slumming it. There will be air-conditioning and reliable showers involved."

Now if you'll excuse me I need to go find a brown paper bag to breathe into.

10 comments:

Lisa @ Lisa Moves said...

I know change is scary, but this is a good thing for all involved. You get a serious vacation (yay!), Danielle gets to be on her own, and Alex will get some independence and work experience. I think this is a great idea for you all. You can do it :-)

Anonymous said...

Absolutely fantastic .
Your solution sounds great for everyone.
Good Luck and keep posting when you go
Kind Regards
Cathy

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for a while (a year or so?) now, but this is the first time I've commented, I think.

I moved to Europe almost 8 years ago now, and since I get to travel all over for my job, I've seen quite a bit of it. I sure hope you enjoy your trip, because it's amazing -- the food, the scenery, the architecture, the history, the food, the wine, the ability to hop on a train and be in another country in two hours, did I mention the food?

I assume Italy will be on your itinerary -- once you get there, you'll never want to leave. So much sunshine! And food. :)

Abby said...

Yay!!!

I'm sure Josh will be on this, but you'll need a data plan for your iPad for Europe. We will want updates!

Oh, good for you... :)

Anonymous said...

This is perfect! Josh is right about this being your only chance for freedom before your careers keep you from taking more than two vacations at a time.
Hopefully the family Alex works for will have a pet. That would probably help her enjoy her summer more.
Danielle's camp experience will be great for her resume and she will be doing something she is passionate about.
I'm sure Josh will get an international phone/service package so you guys can check in with each other.
Enjoy Europe. It is a wonderful place full of great food and history. Don't worry about what it costs. This is your time together! Amanda in ATL

Karen said...

Awesome plan!

Kizz said...

I like the way you plan, girl. Make sure you add the following item (yes, in all caps): HAVE FUN

Anonymous said...

There's this poem about a knight who was going somewhere, and so he packed for every contingency he could think of. Then he fell into a river. I forgot if it was because he was weighed down by what he was carrying or because he didn't pack a lifesaver.

Anyway, you can consider the trip as therapy or training. Things happen, they always do, and maybe you won't be as stressed in the future when you trust that you have the ability to deal, and that there are people you can turn to.

Enjoy!

Nina said...

what a great plan Sam. I'm so happy for you - I know it's scary, but I hope you have so much fun. And Danielle will enjoy her summer, and Alex will hopefully grow up a little bit.

Suzanne said...

Good for you! Enjoy preparing and planning!
And don't take any guff off of anyone about going. Seriously, you are young, you deserve this.