My Mom texted me the other day asking if I had already bought my tickets to work from her house for 2 weeks this summer. I replied that it’s only 6 months away so of course I have 🙂 . She said that she’d like to treat me to a long spa weekend in Phoenix during my time there.
Surprisingly the second I heard that my heart sped up – and not in anticipation. My first feeling was actually closer to fatigue mixed with a little dread. Her offer was so incredibly sweet: a free spa weekend flying business class (on American, which is pretty yuck, but still…), but my first reaction was “No please!” I told her how nice it was, but that I’d have to turn her down. She asked why.
I explained that doing that would mean I take 4 cross-country flights in 2 weeks (business class on 2 legs or not…) It would mean that I would have to find a way to work at the spa since I am not taking days off. I would be dealing with work stress while I’m supposed to be relaxing. It would also mean we would have to fly at very inconvenient times on a weekday since those are the only times I’m not working that could allow for a cross-country flight time. All that combined made me think that it would completely defeat the point of trying to relax. It actually stressed me out just to think about.
I explained to my Mom that I would prefer to not travel more during my time on the East Coast and don’t actually like spas very much. I just go because she likes them. I would be completely fine just going to the pedicure place we love that has insanely comfortable chairs we often fall asleep in and relaxing before work that way. She agreed. Despite my frugality and love of travel I turned down a free vacation. I guess I value reducing heart palpitations more.