Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. With the first of the “summer” holidays behind us, the vacation season is about to explode. So, for now, have a relaxing weekend, enjoy the rainy weather, and do something fun.
Happy Birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week. And Happy Anniversary to you and your loved one for reaching another milestone year together.
Quote of the Week: “Some of your best ideas come when you’re on vacation.” Gautam Singhania
Joke of the Week: Why don’t mummies go on vacation? They are afraid to unwind.
Song of the Week: Since we are speaking about vacations, one of the songs I like to use to make fun of traveling all over is “I’ve Been Everywhere.” The only version of the song I am familiar with is the Johnny Cash cover, apparently from 1996. The fun fact about this song is that its debut was much earlier…in 1959. An Australian country music writer named Geoff Mack first penned the lyrics to the song, which features popular Australian towns visited by the singer. This song has had a host of changes through the years, specifically, the names of the towns, causing at least six notable versions: Western Australian, North American, New Zealand, Great Britain, and Ireland, and a Texas version. No matter what kind of vacation you may take this summer or over the course of the year, you can say, “I’ve Been Everywhere.”
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: Vacations. We all need them. We all want to take one. But sometimes the funds are hard to come by. Don’t worry about a thing! I want to talk to you about the thrill of doing a Staycation. There are at least two ways you can do this. Let’s take a look at them.m
The first way to enjoy a staycation is to actually stay at home. But don’t let staying at home make you feel like you fail at relaxing. Plan a schedule for the week and include things like family board games and puzzles. Consider playing some yard games, such as badminton and croquet. Cook the family’s favorite meals together. And finally, have a favorite movie marathon-get one movie for each family member. Grab the pizza and popcorn and have a great time.
The second way to enjoy this time off is to plan day trips to places within a few hour’s drive. During the 2020 pandemic, we celebrated our thirtieth anniversary by visiting certain towns with a touristy feel. Of course, we followed the social distancing and mask-wearing protocol, but we ate at local restaurants and did some antique shopping. It’s a good way to pump money into the local economies.
Whatever vacation you end up doing, be safe and have a great time!
Food Tip of the Week: To re-emphasize what I mentioned earlier when you are out there vacationing, be sure to google the best local restaurants in the area. I can only think of one time that we were disappointed with either the food or the service. You’ll find that when you tell the restaurant staff you are visiting, they bring their A-game and treat you like family.
Shout Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to everyone needing a bit of rest and relaxation. Take a moment to plan your time, then enjoy it to the fullest. Carpe Diem–Seize the day!
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent and lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She is a freelance writer and blogger, having written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.