Vacation?
Posted by Candace Havens in Candace Havens, tags: Anniversary, Books, Crystal Beach, Family, Vacation
It has been 15 years since I’ve taken more than three days away from work, but I won’t be able to say that much longer. My in-laws are celebrating their 50th anniversary and wanted my husband and his sisters’ families all together. In one place. All of us. Together. Sigh. For an entire week. It’s not that I don’t love them, I do. They are all good people. But I’m usually good after about four hours of their company, and I’m sure they feel the same way about me. You know, like at Christmas? We get together, we eat a meal, we open presents, and then we go our separate ways.
This isn’t the first time they’ve done one of these big family things, but I’ve always had to travel for work during them. Sheer dumb luck, I promise. The phrase I keep telling myself is, “at least we are on the beach.” 
Crystal Beach, Fla., which I know is beautiful. They’ve rented a McMansion and my husband and I will have the carriage house all to ourselves. So that will help. A week from today, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary (Yes, I married very young. And yes, I can think of many, many ways to celebrate such a milestone that don’t include my in-laws.)
So… It’s been a really long time since I’ve had time off. I will have to do some work, but only about a day’s worth while I’m there. My plan is to sleep, eat, play in the ocean, and read — a lot! I’m downloading the June Blaze’s to my Kindle, and I’m open for suggestions as far as books. I’m in the mood for humorous reads, and anything paranormal.
Are you guys going on vacation this summer? Where are you going? Do you have have suggestions on how to handle these big family vacations? I asked my mom how she survived when I was a kid and we traveled with my dad’s family. “Valium, lots of Valium,” she said. I told my doctor this, and she laughed at me. But she wouldn’t give me a prescription. Sigh. It’s okay, knowing me I’d fall asleep on a floaty and drift out to sea where a handsome sailor…. Hmmmm.
Do you have funny vacation stories? I want to hear them. Book suggestions? Coping with large family gathering suggestions? Tell me!
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What a great discussion, Candace! I’m so sorry you have to spend your 25th Anniversary with your in-laws. I can’t IMAGINE! Thank heavens you have the carriage house to yourselves! I hope that will provide a nice escape for you
As for vacation, well, we were planning to do cruise right around now, but when I found out I was pregnant we decided a week on a boat probably wouldn’t be a good idea. So, other than Nationals and a few weekend trips here and there, I’m homeward bound for a while. I hear it’s worth it, though
And as for good reads, I read/write mostly Regency, so my suggestions will be in that genre. For humor, I say anything Julia Quinn and for paranormal, The Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason (Jane Austen meets Buffy – so great!)
Hope you have a great trip!
Congrats on the pregnancy, and I agree the boat probably wouldn’t be so great.
My youngest graduates high school on Saturday, and I have to say the time passes way to fast. Enjoy every moment!
Candace, if you’ve got a Kindle, check out the RITA finalists. I like to read all the finalists in a category and see if I can predict the judges’ favorite. And happy anniversary! (F) May I suggest jewelry shopping as a vacation activity?
What a great idea! I have lots of friends in the Rita’s this year including Rosemary Clement Moore for her YA Hell Week. I highly recommend it for all ages. Yes, she’s one of my best buds, but she’s also a fantastic writer. I also need to catch up with Gena Showalter and Yasmine Galenorn’s books. They are the loveliest of friends, and I love their writing.
I’m also trying to hunt down the Rita finalist books to read. If you like suspense, you can’t beat Harlan Coben. I’m reading ‘No Second Chance’. Its wonderful. For funny I adore Laura Levine. Her newest is Killer Cruise.
While visiting colleges in Colorado a few years ago with my daughter we decided to stay for a few days at a dude ranch because she wanted to ride. Dud was more like it. The air was thin, I was huffing and puffing and that was just unpacking my suitcase. I then decided to shoot some video of a few cute donkeys roaming the grounds. For some reason the donkeys turned diva on me and started to stampeed – at me. Needless to say I’ve been trying to tape over that footage for years. My family has it locked away.
Candace, enjoy your vacation. It sounds fabulous.
LOL. I sort of despise Donkey’s myself, but that’s a story for another blog. I will definitely check out Harlan. I’ve been meaning to for years!
If you haven’t already read them, I recommend Natale Stenzel’s Druid series, starting with Pandora’s Box — fulfills all of your wish list (humorous, paranormal, romance).
We were going to take a long August vacation somewhere, but have decided to be fiscally responsible for one more year (hate being grown up! LOL), but we will take that time off anyway, and we plan to do a lot of things closer to home — if the drat weather ever actually turns to summer.
I love vacation, and I love traveling, and I think your week away sounds fantastic, even with family around, the set up sounds pretty great! enjoy!
Sam
You had me at Druids. I’m so checking that out! Thank you.
I should have added, however, I do plan to make RWA in DC and NINC in St. Louis my away “vacations” this year, too — and dh has his own biz trips, so we’re still getting away, just not together this year.
Looking WAY forward to DC. 
Sam
I’m going to be in D.C. too! Hope to see you there.
Candy,
If I hadn’t had more than 3 days away for more than 15 years I’d be a basket case.
I love vacations. This year we’re going to spend a week at a lakehouse close to home and rent a big houseboat. My mom, 3 sisters and 3 brothers-in-law and all the kids and pets come up for several days and we all swim and play cards, and visit. Every other year we usually do this but at a Galveston Beach front cabin. Unfortunately that cabin is GONE. ;-( Hence, the lakehouse.
But I can see how this has helped you have so many books published! I think my work ethic needs to be more like yours. (I)
That’s so sad about the beach cabin! That was one horrific storm.
Hahahaaaaaaaa Took the kids to San Antonio one year and broke down in San Marcos. Spent FIVE HOURS at a KFC waiting for a ride. Worst vacation of my life-then had to pay for car repairs *sigh*
That’s a lot of chicken.
I would have just stayed in SM and rode the Guadalope on a tube with a six pack. Okay, I don’t drink beer, but it sounds like fun. Maybe with a bucket of margaritas.
I wish I could help with the extended family vacation but, seeing as the only time my siblings and I endured one, ti was many, many years ago, and I don’t really remember it at all, aside from that it happened.
If you don’t mind humorous fantasy, and if you have not read it already, I recommend Jim C. Hines. He has the trilogy with Jig the Goblin now, and it looks liek The Stepsister Scheme also has siblings (@) .
I have to check out Hines for the titles alone. How cool.
Ah, the outlaws. Yes, I’ve had many lovely outings with my own (each stretch is no less than two weeks, so yeah…I feel your pain
). I’m a real introvert and never liked taking vacations, so it’s a stretch. I feel sort of mean if I’m sitting there the whole time reading a book, or catching some quiet time in my bedroom, you know?
I talked to my hubs about it and we’ve started taking trips while we’re there. They live on the east coast so there is a lot I haven’t seen, being a wild west girl and all. It makes it a lot less stressful. And when they come to stay with us I make good use of the time and go do things with friends, or just chill at the coffee house with my laptop or a good book; it’s not every day you get babysitters
To handle stress…well, that’s become my specialty lately. I am a huge fan of guided meditation and journaling, which I use on a regular basis. Take long walks and work out that built up energy, and don’t be afraid to take that time you need to regenerate.
Good idea on the day trips, maybe even if it’s just a walk down the beach. I’m thinking my iPod is going to be very handy. Nothing like headphones to block out what you don’t want to hear.
We just moved to Austin, so I guess we are on a permanent vacation. It is beautiful here. I guess I just wanted to mention my cyber-friend Renee Giroux and her website http://www.Ijustfinished.com because she was very nice and curious as to when my wife and I were moving. She has a great website and has really good interviews. Probably there would be a good place to find some up-and-coming authors with some good books to read over the summer.
Jeff
Hey, Thanks for the web. And I hear you about Austin. I love it there!
But the traffic!! Jeff, for a special occasion, check out Hudson’s on the Bend. My son, the eternal student, works as a waiter there.
My family is pretty big. I have 9 brothers and sisters and mostly it drives me crazy. You can just imagine my family get togethers. My grandmothe had 8 kids so when we all get together it’s madness. ;D Usually I bring my iPod and a good book. When I feel like I can’t handle it anymore, I go to a spot by myself for a while and crack open my book. Or I put my headphones on and dance and sing like a crazy peson.
Mostly it makes me feel better. I mean, I love my family to death, but too much of them drives me batty.
I’m not really going on vacation this year, but I am going to a couple of concerts this summer. I am seeing Gavin DeGraw, and The Killers. I think we may rent a hotel and stay the night where they are playing so that should be fun!
I hope you have fun on your vacation and that you find ways to cope. I hope my suggestions help some.
I’m so envying those concerts!!!! Very cool.
Have never vacationed with dh’s family, altho’ they’ve shown up on our doorstep in Holland for their vacation while we were left cooking and cleaning for them, lending them our car, etc. I admit to not being well behaved by the time they left. I had no solution other than to lock myself in the bedroom with my baby and 3 y/o.
On a more pleasant note, when we vacation, it’s always just our little family. We don’t go often, but treasure our trips to Disney, our cruises, and Dude Ranches (next week!)
I hope you guys have fun!!!
Vaca what? Tee hee. I don’t really take vacations either (and the closest I’m getting this year will be attending Nationals for the first time–which should be fun, but NOT restful). My suggestion for dealing with the extended family? Long walks on the beach, much alcohol, and when in doubt, pull out the laptop and try to look very, very busy.
I’m sure you’ve read them, but if you haven’t, Mindy Klasky’s books are about a Witch (paranormal) and a library (intellectual) and a hunk (’nuff said) and very, very funny. I recommend them highly. My current book is also paranormal and very funny, so if you want a copy to take with you I can email you the ms
Humor, har.
Oh, and I should have said, anything you write would be a fun read!
Nationals is very fun, but you won’t get much rest. In fact it usually takes me a few days to recover!
Candy, I don’t think I’ve had a true vacation in a good while either. My magic pill for coping with large family gatherings is to do the dishes. That’s right, do the dishes. You do your part, you get away from the crowd, and you can focus on the dishes with only smiles and nods at anyone helping you. (And help can be rare!) Plus, when your good deed is done, you’ve “earned” time to yourself.
Have fun!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
I do need to find a chore, though with this guys I’m the last one to do the dishes. They have a certain way they like to do things.
Big Family Gatherings. Hmph…Candy, bless your heart, no vacation in 15 years? And when you finally do it’s ‘THE FAMILY GATHERING’ during your 25th ANNIVERSARY? Wow… What a trooper. I grew up as a military dependent for 22 years in SoCal & it was just my immediate family. THEN— my pops retires & the family relocates to TX to be with our relatives.
And believe me when I tell you, they have a reason to get together for EVERYTHING. EVERY BDAY, anniversary, graduation is cause for a ‘family gathering. Not to mention all the major holidays. — the LIST GOES ON AND ON–
The crazy part is— we still have the nerve to have an annual FAMILY REUNION- it’s like wasn’t that LAST family gathering a FAMILY reunion? AND they don’t PLAN for gatherings. I swear they just wake up on a Thursday and say- “Hey -so and so- is having a bday party for our 3rd cousin, twice removed on Saturday morning.”
I won’t even get into the family traditions, drama, wanna be Bobby Flays in the kitchen…WAIT a minute… you asked for any suggestions on how to handle family gatherings… MY BAD.
Just grin and bear it, because no matter what you’d rather do- it’s family! 
You’ll be in a carraige house on a BEACH, and maybe you & your husband can extend your time off to get a couple of days on the way back home to celebrate your special day in private. Happy Anniversary.
LOL. Thanks for the Anniversary wishes. And you know, you’re right, it’s on a beach. I can hear the ocean and it will be all good!
Just being near the ocean should calm and relax you. And you do need to slow down. I have never met anyone who does as much as you. Take your kindle and read some books. Don’t think about deadlines, things you have to do back home or things that will be in a mess when you get back home.
At least, you speak the language. Once when my husband and I were in South America, we wanted to visit a place called the Point. Well, we got lost and stopped to ask for directions. I kept asking where the Puta was. The man we asked gave me a really strange look. I later discovered the word for point was punta. Puta means prostitute!
Ruby, that made me laugh so hard. Thank you.
Usually my inlaws schedule their vistis when I’m at Nationals. They hear I’m going out of town and plan their visit. Works for me. (H) If one should have to endure a “family vacation” which by definition is an oxymoron, I recommend large quantities of tequila.
Robin
LOL. Robin you’re a woman after my own heart!
Ooo…family gatherings should be savored with a lot of barbecued steaks, ribs, beer, margaritas, watermelon, and a swimming pool! Ahh….nothing like going for a swim after gabbing all day with the relatives. Water is so relaxing! Jump in the ocean while your there for a relaxing dip. Or if you have a showerhead that has that adjustable spray that is always heaven also! Since you are close to the ocean sleep with your window open so you can hear the waves. That always lulls me to sleep.
You can always put some non-noticeable clear ear plugs in your ears at your reunion and just nod your head a lot! Ha,ha!
Books I would recommend are,
Stepahnie Plum series by Janet Evanovich
Nerd series by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris
I just read GREYWALKER by Pat Richardson and loved it! Very urban, gritty and unusual.
Have fun and get lots of sun! (D)
Watermelon! How could I have forgotten about watermelon.
And I love Sookie and Stephanie Plum, two of my favorites. :=) I will have to check out the others.
Candy-
Ahh the in laws, what an interesting breed.
We did the family trip to visit the family- it is not a vacation visiting family. We started by visiting the in laws in Northern VA, then went on our way to visit my Mom and Grandparents in Michigan.
When we travel we have a list of must brings: 1. DVD player and movies; 2. laptop with internet access of some sort; 3. Ipod; 4. knitting for me, it keeps my hands busy so I don’t use them as weapons; 5. a good book, I know where the bookstores are so I can buy as I travel; 6. homework/studying of some sort (deadline gotta work on it- sorry folks have fun without me); 7. Xanax- fresh bottle
To start with I made the travel plans, then I told DH that I don’t care that the Holiday Inn in Old Town Alexandria is run down- that is where we are staying- it is a great location. Lucky for me it is now a Kimpton boutique hotel that was fabulous. Granted we had 3 different rooms for 5 nights but it was worth it. We ended up in a suite with a bath tub that our son considered his private swimming pool. the other rule is we have to have our own car. DH grew up there and we lived there for the first 6 years there so we have a list of must go restaurants and had to sight see with Roo (he was 5 and we went to Air and Space out near Dulles Airport).
In Michigan it is more of a vacation because Roo spends most of his days with my Mom and we get to do what ever we want as long as we return at night. We usually have my grandmother’s car so we have freedom. Visiting her after the in laws was a good plan. We recovered from them- love them for short visits.
This year Roo and I will visit my Mom and Grandparents then at some point we will do a family vacation somewhere in Texas.
Have fun and carve out some time for yourself.
Marsha