Vacation over
Writing emotions, draining
The grass is greener
*****
I cannot believe my vacation and five weeks back home are finished already. They flew past me in a gust of regret, it seems. I mean this in the most positive of way, of course.
Left wishing I’d taken more time and less time, as well. Regretting that I did too much, yet too little, of everything.
Left words unsaid, and said words I shouldn’t have allowed out of my mouth. Basically, I lived, as we all do, wishing I’d tried differently without changing a thing.
I love my family, my hometown, my memories new and old, the best of new opportunities, and the thrill of this adventure. My hope for this trip was to come to terms with yesterday’s regret. I’m sure I didn’t do that, however, I found peace in knowing I never will.
Sadly, I leave Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma a different woman, yet again. Tomorrow I’ll drive the large state of Texas from top to bottom and then I’ll rest. Wave, if you see a white Dodge Charger. It’ll be me. The tired lady who stayed in the Midwest a bit too long, but even now resists the urge to turn her car back around.
Oldest Daughter & Red Headed Sister 
Audrey, I liked both the haiku and your thoughts about the visit home. You have a lot stories inside you, don’t you, Audrey? I can tell just from what your post implies. You’re a sensitive poet. I like the way you share your thoughts in your poems.
Forgive me for being late to comment; I’ve gotten a little behind in my reading of blogs. You know that I always visit you with keen enjoyment, eager to read what you’ve shared.
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Nothing lasts forever, too much and you would definitely tire of it!
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Never Willow..she could never get tired of home 😔 especially me haha
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🙂
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Haha. You kicked me out the door, Sister. 😉
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Yes, well tiring of them is a challenge, but I think they tire of me sooner. 🙂 xx
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There’s always regrets. Always… Every conversation I have leaves me thinking about thinks I shouldn’t have said. But I make a living off saying things I shouldn’t! *laughs* I know you had a great time!
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Yes, everything you say to me should have been said, I think. Plenty unsaid, too. *laughs with you* *makes coffee and tea* I did have a great time…
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Well, that’s good, then. *waits for his tea patiently* I remember when you first left! Boy does time fly.
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*hands you her favorite cup filled with cherry tea* It flew by. I’m sure your time goes just as fast.
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Thanks! Yes, it does. But I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t really matter!
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Ha! Smart of you..
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It’s the initial letdown. Don’t worry, vacation time will come again. =)
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Yes, how I let it affect me so… 🙂
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Know how you feel. Texas is better off for your return
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Thanks, John. Knowing I return to local boys like you helps me drive forward. Only wishing I lived closer to your blue water than mine, so we could have a margarita, and toast to this trip of mine.
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It’s a little early so here is a virtual glass chock full. No drinking and driving though.
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Thanks!! 🙂
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You never stop learning Aud, about life and yourself, and that’s why your words are so meaningful. You can rest some from your vacation, right? A minute or two once back home?
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I was blessed with a need to be constantly learning, Chum. Yes, plenty of rest time before the new school year, thankfully.
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Vacations are never long enough. At least we get good memories and some relaxation out of them. 🙂
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Yes, Charles. Agreed. If only I could bring it a few people with me, but they don’t like Houston. 😦 I had a great time.
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That’s a shame. Never been to Texas, so I don’t know much about it.
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Ahh…mostly its far too big for them and way too hot. Texas is great. Tons of history, great food, a lot to see and I’m there… 🙂 Most days I wake up in a small suburb of Houston feeling like I’m on vacation. A tropical beachy area surrounds me. Drive two hours or less and Texas loiks completely different. One fit for a cowboy and one for a redneck…you could never be bored.
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The heat is what would do me in. Not a fan of temp extremes. Interesting how it’s cowboy or redneck. What would you recommend for a NY suburbanite? 😛
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I would recommend stickin’ beside me and using your loud New Yorker accent as much as possible. However, that could be mostly because I dig the accent. 😉
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I don’t have that accent. I’m not from NYC. 🙂
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Oh come on…you have one. I heard it once over an interview. .. no one ever thinks they have an accent. Where are you from then?
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I’m from Long Island. If you look at a map of New York, it’s the forked island on the southern tip. So it isn’t the loud New Yorker accent that you’re thinking of. Though, I’ve been told my accent is rather mild compared to others.
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So you sound like Joey Buttawhat’shisname? And claim to have no accent…j/k. I still heard one. I’m sure of it.
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I don’t have much of an accent. At least not strong enough for people to easily pinpoint it. That’s what I was told in Florida. Why Buttafuoco? So many others to choose from.
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Because I knew that name would get a rise out of you… 😉
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Driving away (or flying away) from vacation can be quite sad, the opposite of the anticipation I feel driving toward vacation. I like how you mentioned that you’re coming away a different woman. Vacations can certainly shift us. I hope you have easy driving with no traffic on your way back home.
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Your words calm me, Gus. Thank you. No traffic? Highly unlikely, my dear. In four hours time I’ll drive through Dallas and then four hours from there home to Houston. Home for me and 4 1/2 million others…a strange coincidence for this country girl. My dad just sits back and shakes his head. He raised a cowgirl after all, I may not have horses living in south Houston, but I drive traffic like a champ. Never let’em buck ya off. A great motto to have… 😉 (slightly pervy lol)
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A very good motto 🙂
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I am, in two weeks, heading off for 3 days!
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Go and have a fantastic time, Rajiv. 🙂 Take some amazing photos, as well.
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I will, thanks! I hope no one picks my pocket!
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Fingers crossed 🙂
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That was a very thoughtful end to a break away. Sometimes the way ahead is the only way 🙂
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Oh, Richard, thank you. I’m always a stupid and blubbering mess when I drive away. Headed forward and marching.. (reluctantly 😉 )
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🙂
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Going home is hard. You aren’t the person who left. They aren’t the ones who stayed.
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I’m going to try and remember your words today, Shari. I didn’t realize how badly I needed to know. Thank you. ♡
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