Can We Talk 2

Vacation Season

         I want a spa day, a me day, or whatever. I want a day off when I don't have to take anyone to the doctor or run around town doing errands or taking someone shopping to places I'm not interested in seeing. I want a selfish day when I'm not going to work and I'm not sick.

         My hair is overdue for a trim. I haven't had a professional pedicure in three years. I can do it myself, but it's so nice to relax and let someone else rub your feet and see your cuticles up close. I have soft nails that break or split almost daily, so a manicure is a waste. I tried the gel things once, but I was too rough on them. They broke and the polish chipped. I'd like to go shopping for shoes and clothes more than once or twice a year, but I've always done that best by myself. I certainly can't do it with my father who needs more attention on a daily basis.

         Next week I'm going to see Kristofferson in concert. I can hardly wait. We're having a family outing to see Cheryl Crow in June on our downtown mall Pavilion. (The mall is bricked in, no street traffic in decades.) We're getting lawn seating because of the kids, so we have to carry our own chairs or blankets. Younger family members can help me with Dad and chairs. In September I'm taking Dad to see Garrison Keillor under the Pavilion; we have accessible seating, which costs a little more, but we'll be close.

         I realize now that I'll never be able to take another vacation unless I find someone I trust to stay overnight with my father. He can no longer travel more than an hour or so. If I let one of my brothers stay, the house will be a wreck when I get home. So I'll settle for a spa day. Just picking a day that's obligation free will be tough.