Four weeks into summer and I’m a freaking train wreck.  I wasn’t prepared for it, even though I knew it was coming, even though I was forewarned. This was our first official summer break as my eldest just finished kindergarten. 

Honestly, I wasn’t  expecting it to be this difficult.  Believe me, I’ve learned my lesson.  Next year I’m taking a line from the boy scouts: “be prepared.”

All of a sudden, I had all three kids at home all the time.  By the time I’d realized what was happening, my home had transformed into a three-ring circus in a combat zone.  Clearly I was in over my head.  It was time to call in reinforcements, Nana and Papa.

Hold onto your coffee ladies, because I’m about to make some of you very jealous.  I’d apologize if I wasn’t so giddy.  My in-laws have been gracious enough to take the kids off my hands for the next week or so.  And guess what?  I get a break too.  I’m taking my first ever Hillary-only vacation.

Tomorrow, I’m heading down to the great state of Georgia, a place that produced iconic names like James Brown, Julia Roberts, and yours truly.  I’m dropping the kids off with Nana and Papa where they’ll ride tractors, swim in lakes and pick blackberries from the front yard. 

And what will I do?  Now that’s the million dollar question.  Living in Maryland surrounded by virtually no family, trips south normally consist of visiting my husband’s parents followed by whoever can make it to my grandparent’s house.  There isn’t much extra time to hang with old friends or venture into former stomping grounds. 

For the next week or so, I will become something of a nomad, roaming throughout the south connecting with former peeps, checking in with the grandparents, and hopefully coordinating a miniature family reunion with my sisters and brother. 

Beyond that, who knows what I’ll do.  I can go shopping without the necessity for cheese sticks and coloring sheets.  I can try on clothes in the store without having to chase a 2-year-old under the fitting room door.  I can go see a movie, get a pedicure (absolute necessity) or just have coffee with a friend.  The options are endless and to be honest (not like it’s not obvious), I can’t wait.

Sure I’ll miss my kids.  Who wouldn’t?  In fact, I’ll probably find myself having withdrawals.  Maybe I’ll even find that a week is way too long, but it doesn’t hurt to try.  Quite frankly, I could use the break. 

The argument could be made that I’m really not solving the problem for when I return there are still four weeks left of summer vacation.  While this is true, I do plan on coming up with a strategy, especially when I’m not surrounded by three bored children.  Thank goodness for the Internet.   

If any of you have any suggestions for the month of August, I’m ready and willing to take them. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying my short-lived freedom from cooking, cleaning and complaining.