So when I was laid off a little more than a month ago, I talked openly about wanting to take a vacation, but that vacation was contingent on where I was financially once my severance package had run its course and whether or not I had found new gainful employment by then.

As luck would have it, my severance has run its course AND I have a job that, while not permanent, is certainly gainful. This has left me in a fairly comfortable financial position for the time being, which was my hope.

My original plan, if the stars were to align as they have, was to take my vacation sometime in September. But between my CPL fellowship starting this weekend, the new interim position and the Wingspan Dinner on September 29, an autumn vacation just doesn't seem quite possible, at least not so early in the season.

Then it occurred to me tonight that my favorite time of year to travel cross-country is around my birthday. This birthday in particular will be especially noteworthy.

I turn 30 on December 24^th.

I think I should take my vacation to New York to celebrate the start of my third decade. I may not get to spend my actual birthday back east (depending on airfare), but I could definitely make a go of it pretty close to the actual day.

I'm not holding my breath on the surprise party I've always wanted (especially now that Miriam, the only person to ever try, has moved away), so I might as well celebrate myself in a big way.

I've had what can fairly be called a challenging year, but thanks to a solid yoga practice, a supportive community and the love of family and friends alike, I'm coming through it in pretty damn good shape. I deserve to celebrate myself in a big way!

It's so perfect, so obvious, I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner.

Labels: personal