It's been almost a year since I took any substantial period of time off work.
The last time I took a vacation was December when my then-boyfriend and I were in the midst of a (brutal) break-up and I did the only think I could think of to do at that time: packed up my belongings and ran home with my tail between my legs to seek comfort from my parents. It's almost hard to acknowledge that as a vacation, in retrospect.
While it's true that I'll only be heading back home to spend the week with my family next week, this time I'll be reading, relaxing and recharging my batteries. It's a much-needed, well-deserved break from life in Monson. As much as I love it here, I can't wait to escape.
Last night I went to the Monson town meeting and despite the fact that I was covering it for work, I found I actually enjoyed myself. (That right there is an indication that I am in desperate need of a vacation.) It was fun listening to the different points-of-view from people I've come to know very well during my four years here. Having an understanding of who these people are definitely adds a certain (entertaining) element to town meeting, that's for sure. But while I was sitting there, absorbing life in what has become my favorite small town, I felt a longing for familiarity; for what used to be home.
Dracut has a certain attraction for me. I once made the excursion cross-state (more than three hours round trip) just to get a Tiramisu from my favorite Italian restaurant, Mamas. I've ventured back home and spent hours watching the cows graze at Shaw Farm or lost amid the stacks of books at The Book Rack. And one of my good friends from high school has opened a bakery in town that I've been dying to visit for at least three months. I'm looking forward to going back and enjoying all those things that I took for granted while I lived there.
Over the last four years, I've come to regard Monson as being home, but it will never quite replace Dracut; I will always compare the two in my mind. It's great living a life of my own away from my parents and struggling to survive and all, but sometimes a girl just wants to give up the good fight and take a breather. Certainly, I'll appreciate my life here after spending a week or so there. I'll miss my friends and the comfort of my apartment, but that will just make vacation all the more worthwhile.
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