Summer is here…finally…
I teach full time at a community college in Sacramento, California. It’s a wonderful, rewarding job, but my favorite perk is that I get the whole summer off. These days I actually need all that time off to stay sane–the combination of the drain of teaching, having two small kids (the younger one is only 15 months old), and having a husband in grad school means that my life feels like insanity most of the time. It may seem like someone who blogs has lots of free time to sit around and write, but in my case, that’s far from the reality.
For these reasons, I cherish my summers. I think about them long before they arrive and during the long, hot days of summer, I never feel an ache to get back to the busy-ness of work despite how much I love my job. I am still finalizing my plans, but one thing I know for sure is that there are a lot of things I want to do! Here is a look ahead but with a slightly different spin.
1. Press trip to Napa, California (How will I handle being away from my boys for 3 days?)
I am very excited about my first press trip. I am currently spending three busy days in Napa. The trip focuses on all that the city of Napa has to offer, including an art walk, wine tasting, the Napa Valley Wine Train, fancy meals, and more.
I have not been away from my baby for more than one night, and I feel a little guilty about it already. I know he will miss me and that my husband will have his hands full. However, I hope to appreciate the time to myself and rejuvenate a bit after what was an incredibly busy semester. I also look forward to making some new connections in travel and PR.
The Oxbow Public Market is one of many places I'll be checking out this week.
2. A family getaway in Sonoma County (Will we be comfortable?)
We will be taking a family vacation near Healdsburg in the northern part of Sonoma County, a.k.a gorgeous rural wine country. We will stay in a log cabin, and my mom and her husband will camp near us in their Airstream. One of the challenges of traveling with children is having the right set up so everyone is comfortable, and with a baby, every detail is important. I hope to commune with nature a bit, spend quality family time, and find out why everyone loves that area.
3. A week somewhere in California (Can we find something affordable?)
Destination undecided, but as summer plans start to fall into place more, the budget is getting smaller. San Francisco? The coast? Lassen National Park? We will see, but no matter what, traveling in this state means we can’t go wrong.
I never get enough of the California coast
4. Lots of work to do here at home (Can we get it all done? Does it matter?)
I have enough intentions to fill up a year of vacation. It won’t all get done. I’m trying to accept that.
Getting our garden going again is one of many goals
5. A month in Brazil (How will baby’s first big trip go?)
In Brazil there is a big family waiting to see us, some of whom have not met our younger son yet. It will have been almost 2 years since I was there last. I actually can’t wait–architecture and markets in São Paulo, the beaches at Guaruja, time to do nothing and enjoy the animals at my in-laws’ house, and lots of love from the family. My younger son will be 1 1/2 then, which is such a hard age for long-distance travel, but I am trying to remind myself that we will get there, even if there are tantrums involved.
Time to relax at my sister-in-law's house in Brazil
What are your plans for the summer?
I’m so happy to know you are having a great time in Napa right now, and that you’re getting some rest, too. Summer is time for all of us to take a deep breath and relax a bit! We are very excited about our getaway with you & your family to the hills above Healdsburg. The Dry Creek & Alexander Valleys are absolute heaven!
You are going to have a busy summer. I think I may end up doing most of the things you are doing this summer. I will be in Sonoma at the end of June (with Spencer) so we may possibly go to Healdsburg. I have Mount Lassen on my radar as well and will spend three weeks in San Francisco. Beyond that, I don’t know but I i will continue to explore California.
Have fun on your press trip. The first time you leave them it is really hard. However, you will be incredibly busy and that will help you take your mind off of things. If you have your own laptop, use Skype. You can talk to them before you go to bed and you will be able to see their faces.
Have fun!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..8 things to do in Kauai when you’re not lying on the beach
It was great meeting you, however briefly, Jenna. Sounds like you are enjoying Napa. If you need help in Northern Sonoma, the folks at Wine Road will happily assist. I have also put together a post on Healdsburg Insider TIps on my blog: http://www.nancydbrown.com/2011/08/05/best-things-to-see-and-do-in-healdsburg-california.html
Can’t wait to hear what you have to say about Napa, I don’t know much about it but I do love wine.
Ayngelina recently posted..I’m so over hostels
Well, I know you will love the area, not only because of the wine but also because of the amazing food!