Vacation, Clear Your Head

I think there are times in life when you can’t slow down. It doesn’t matter what you do, the world seems to keep spinning and you can’t catch your breath. I think many people feel that way in tough times and when they are under pressure and stress. I got away from everything for a week and it worked great for me.

My wife and I were going to close on a house early this month. That was no longer an option when I got laid off. I believe things happen for a reason, so the timing was great. With some money coming back, that in my mind was gone, we went on our honeymoon. We spend a week downtown Chicago. Our room looked out over the Magnificent Mile, or Michigan Ave. What a great view. We love Chicago. If you have never been, I would put it on your list.

While we were there, we went out to eat at our favorite Chicago style pizza place, Giordano’s , shopping, walking, a Chicago Cubs game and countless other shops, etc. It was nice to have quality time together and not have to think about anything. The biggest issue the whole time was where to eat. There are countless great places to eat downtown Chicago. We did find one place we had never been, but were very impressed with, Corner Bakery Cafe. The service and food was great and it was one block from our hotel. How can you go wrong with that?

The other great thing about going to Chicago is the hotel we like, The Allerton Hotel. When we arrived they had taken our hotel reservation and upgraded us. We were on the 22nd floor, the highest floor available for guests, and back in a corner. We had a big, quite room where we could relax. Walking out the door of the hotel put us right on the mile, and within reach of anything you could dream of, or ever need; not that we were pampered while on our trip. I think for the seven days we were there, we walked about twenty miles. I like to see the city that way, but some parts by taxi.

The best part about the trip for both of us was getting away. Taking the time to relax and regroup is important. It just happened to work out for us both. We both had a honeymoon on the list and needed to take time away. Being gone a week away from everything felt weird. It was even weirder when we got back, because it felt like we were gone for a day or two. While we were there, it felt like we had been gone for weeks, or even a month. I think that’s because past trips I’ve learned to do Chicago in three days. It’s nice to spread it out, take it slow and enjoy every moment. I think my wife said it best, “I’m trying to enjoy the moment, but it feels like a dream.”

Trust me, take the time and get away every now and again. Even if you’re going twenty minutes away. Take time to regroup and relax.