On Momentary Escapes

December 15, 2012

Hunches

Life has a funny way of reminding us of when we need to get away. It tells us when we need a break, and learning to listen to those queues is possibly the hardest thing for people really enjoy their work. I write this from Miami. No, its not Cuba, but its close enough when you need to not worry about snow. Its ironic that I live in the snowbelt of Southern Ontario and don’t like snow. Don’t get me wrong, I snowboard, and make the best of the season, but driving in the winter makes me anxious.

There are reasons for that. I was T-boned by transport truck on the highway 4 years ago in the winter and that feeling still comes back from time to time when I’m driving in a heavy snow or heavy rain.

We haven’t had much snow yet, but I’ve been overwhelmed by deadlines, and plans, and pondering about my future. That seems to happen every year. I look back at all that I’ve done, and all the things that I meant to do, and either get really excited or really sad. I’m somewhere in between right now, and needed my space.

So I decided to look for a flight to Miami on Thursday night, found one and left this morning. This weekend will be spent doing nothing productive. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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  • krantcents December 15, 2012 at 4:22 pm

    My wife and I took off for a weekend at the beach (southern California) in November. The weather was perfect and it was very relaxing. It does wonders in rejuvenating yourself. Great move!

    • Marissa December 16, 2012 at 10:41 pm

      That sounds perfect.

  • Michelle December 15, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    I’ll be in Miami tomorrow, but only for a layover. And then I’ll be in St. thomas! Fun 🙂

    • Marissa December 16, 2012 at 10:41 pm

      So jealous.

  • Elizabeth @ Broke Professionals December 15, 2012 at 4:52 pm

    Wow, love the spur of the moment decision to travel! I think the most spontaneous I’ve ever been was an overnight trip I planned about ten days out…

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:14 pm

      Ten days is pretty good if you have kids.

  • Janine December 15, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    Glad you are taking a break. We all need those so that we don’t burn out. Enjoy Miami!

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:14 pm

      Thank you. It was fun, but cloudy.

  • Lance @ Money Life and More December 15, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    I don’t think I could ever be that spontaneous… maybe I should try it sometime.

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:15 pm

      You should. Its a great feeling.

  • KK@Student Debt Survivor December 15, 2012 at 8:26 pm

    I definitely used to be much more spontaneous, but now with the pets we need to plan a little more. Hope you’re relaxing and soaking in some sun.

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:15 pm

      This is why I own birds.

  • Rod J. Rogers (@FreeAgentRogers) December 15, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    I used to be too ‘broke’ to do anything spontaneous that cost money. Now that I can afford to do things, I’m still too ‘tied’ to situations and commitments. Trying to change that.

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:15 pm

      I think it comes down to shifting priorities.

  • Budget & the Beach December 16, 2012 at 11:50 am

    I can imagine that experience has left you anxious about driving on the roads with snow. I don’t blame you, but how awesome you can just jump on a plane at a moment’s notice and have a relaxing weekend. Enjoy!

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:17 pm

      My mom still doesn’t approve of it. On second I should tell when I leave the country.

  • My Own Advisor December 16, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    Good for your Marissa. Paying down debt, saving and investing and all that is good….but you gotta live life while you can 🙂

    Enjoy FLA.

    Mark

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:17 pm

      Thank you!

  • Grayson @ Debt Roundup December 16, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    I hope you are enjoying Miami. There are many times when I feel like I need to get away, so I usually go camping and get away from technology.

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:18 pm

      Camping is also awesome, although we stay in a cabin when we go.

  • DC @ Young Adult Money December 17, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    I hope you are enjoying your time in Miami! I usually am more excited about the New Year than sad about what I DIDN’T accomplish in the past year. I’m a sucker for setting unrealistic goals and resolutions, so I am not too upset when I don’t reach all of them.

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:18 pm

      I try to set goals that are attainable (expect when I wanted to grow 2 inches), so I generally take it a bit harder.

  • My Money Design December 17, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    Sounds like a great getaway! I’m from Michigan and I had to go to Texas a few weeks ago. I was so happy to see blue warm skies and not have to wear a jacket! Then I got back home and had to put on two coats while I scrapped ice off my car. Me and snow are done …

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:19 pm

      It hasn’t been too bad up here, which is really strange since I’m in Toronto.

  • Tackling Our Debt December 17, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    Have a great time in Miami. I love it there.

  • Country Girl December 17, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    Enjoy Miami! I know exactly how you feel about winter driving. I’m awfully tempted to ask my carpool buddy to drive all winter (and I’ll drive all summer).

    • Marissa December 19, 2012 at 8:19 pm

      It might be worth it.

  • Audra December 28, 2012 at 1:59 am

    I’m gonna to celebrate this New year in Miami beach along with my friends and family. Happy x-mas and New Year to you.