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Single parent vacation. 3 strikes?

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mom22galz
Super Member (250+ posts)

336 Posts
Gratitude: 148

Posted - 01/24/2008 : 12:23:50

I'm contemplating bringing my kids on a wee vacation during their march break.

Seems one can save a decent chunk o' change by simply going nowhere and doing nothing for an extended period of time. And finally getting around to filing my taxes, thus reaping the reward of a lump sum retroactive child tax benefit along with a refund was quite handy. Not that I'm advocating late filing

Anyhow, I got all pumped up about this and we checked out the venue's website together. Figured out train schedules. But I can't seem to book.

Why??

#1 I don't drive. We're dependant upon public transit. However it's a train-friendly location. That's why it was on the list of possibilities to begin with. And I know what to expect as I've been there before -- over a decade ago, on business, when confidence soared and every day way hypomanic (why they referred a young single gal to this very family-oriented place continues to baffle, but I marked it as ideal for folks who didn't think kids were great as long as they were someone else's). And now I am that folk, so wazzup?

#2 I currently don't have a credit card. Cuz I cancelled them all last year. Myself. Damn, I should have kept ONE for just such things. Ah, hindsight. And I'm afraid that if I seek one at the moment, the bank will realize I'm on disability, have an epiphany that not only am I not worthy of additional credit, in fact they need me to repay all my outstanding debts. Despite my continued ability to carry said debtload, and despite said debtload being secured. And despite already having the funds in my account to cover the journey I've planned. All that aside though, my mom offered to book the room on her card so it's not that we can't go should I be refused a cc; it's just that I can't get myself to apply!

#3 What if I have a meltdown? Or they do?? I've never traveled alone with them before. But no one to come with. As always. Which is why we haven't gone anywhere beyond day trips. Love the circular thinking...

So what it comes down to is a basic lack of confidence on all fronts.

I so suck.

Peace out,
m22g

Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?

Zep
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)

2298 Posts
Gratitude: 536
Very caring Very wise Very honest

Posted - 01/24/2008 : 12:39:13

Hi m22g...That sounds like such a great idea - I wish I could come too! :) Could you perhaps be trying to talk yourself out of it because it's rather scary?

I force myself not to make decisions based upon bipolar 'maybes'. That being said, I have a safety plan in place for when I go away to work, whereby my doctor/caseworker/husband can be contacted urgently if necessary, and basic medical history provided to interstate hospitals. Alternatively, could your mum or a friend come with you for some of the time?

Your kids would love this holiday, and so would you....just think of the feeling of achievement when you get back! I really hope you do it!

Zep

dizzydean
Super Member (250+ posts)

838 Posts
Gratitude: 294
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Posted - 01/29/2008 : 06:34:03

You know, I love taking my dd on trips. Very rarely does her father go with us. Usually it's just us girls. It used to scare the poo out of me...

Then I tried it, and it was definately worth it. I like Zep's idea of a safety plan. I started with just GNO, going to the city, then overnight trips, now we'll go anywhere on a moment's notice.

Sometimes it can really stress me out to have to mind my dd all alone, but I have learned to be ultra-prepared...portable DVD players, hand held games, books, coloring, lots of snacks, the list goes on and on.

anyway, hope you have a good breaak, no matter what you decide to do!

Dizzy

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.."
Og Mandino

Zep
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)

2298 Posts
Gratitude: 536
Very caring Very wise Very honest

Posted - 01/29/2008 : 09:59:06

Good for you, dizzy. I bet your daughter remembers these trips when she grows up!

You know, I have never needed to use my 'safety plan'....it has been sufficient to know that it is just there...

Z.

warblaster
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)