Vacations are too few and way too far apart..at least in my world they are. I have taken a day here...a few days there. But there is much to be said about taking a full week sandwiched between two weekends...and a real bonus when you can sneak an extra day in because of a Holiday...yep- 11 days off in a row. I am on day 5.
The past three days we spent in a vacation rental house at a nearby resort complete with jetted soak tub in our bedroom, next to the cozy fireplace...and outside hot tub. Uh, YEAH. 3 days of water-pruned fingers and toes was fine with me. 
The house was 2 bedroom...and was buy 2 nights stay a 3rd free. Add in the cleaning fee and taxes, $426 for 3 nights for two couples. We made all of our own meals, and had a library of movies, books and games to choose from. The resort has miles of bike and walking paths, and the house came with 4 bikes, passes to the pools and tennis courts...just lots to do. I think thats a great value for all the fun and relaxation we squeezed in.
So...I want to do this on a routine basis (At least one each qtr). But to do so, I will HAVE to budget better- so I got home today and cancelled my movie channels- which saves $36 per month. THat will go STRAIGHT into the vacation fund.
I am looking at everything I do to see what I can cut or scale back in order to afford these trips. Suddenly, wearing sweaters to cut back on heat and eating at home as much as possible have a real purpose again!!
My vacation time this afternoon was spent dealing with all those things I havent had time to working full time. Called the IRS about my refund...it was sent to our old address and retured to IRS...so waited on line almost 30 minutes to talk to someone and it took another 20 to get this resolved. Refund should arrive in 3-4 weeks... Had to file a claim for an accident- at the end of July a young lady backed into my car- that took another 30 minutes... Then, called Directv about receiver that hasnt worked in months...went through the endless trouble shooting list with them (for 25 mins) and they finally agreed that this would take a service call to fix...he will be here on Sunday. SOOOO...a good part of the afternoon shot while waiting on hold.
However, I got it all done!! Now just have to get the car by for an estimate on the repair and schedule the work.
Will spend some time this week working on a solid budget that includes a line item for vacations. Have an appt to get hair cut...and may use my pedicure gift card that I got for Mothers Day this year.
Loving the freedom to pick and choose the weeks adventures from now til Sunday....Life...is very, very good.
Vacation and an attempt to re-invent my frugal-ness
September 8th, 2010 at 02:41 am
September 8th, 2010 at 03:16 am 1283912184
September 8th, 2010 at 01:21 pm 1283948501
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September 8th, 2010 at 08:44 pm 1283975080