Don't Think Of Anything

I ruin my vacations by wanting desperately for them to be over. I mean, what would you do if each day that passes brings you closer to getting a puppy, getting your own room, and seeing one of your best friends ever again. Well, all of them, actually. I also hate being uncomfortable. You wouldn't think it, but I don't like strange situations, places, people. It's more difficult for me than I think it is for most other people. When with relatives, that's one thing. I've known and trusted them all my life. But out here, out in Charleston, where I've already seen everything I want to see and really don't know where anything is, I just don't feel right.

Don't think of anything.

At least I'm feeling about ten times healthier, right? I mean, I can breathe (mostly) better and I'm not as physically exhausted as I was at home. Constantly. At home. And it's likely allergies set off by dirty dirty carpets and cats and plants and stuff. So I have all that to look forward to again. Feeling like I'm getting over nausea over and over and over again. And only three separating me from more of that.

Don't think of anything.

I've learned lessons, though:

1) Don't kick mushrooms on hot, humid days. They splatter.

2) If you do choose to kick mushrooms on hot, humid days, don't wear shoes with holes in them.

3) If you both kick the mushrooms and wear holey shoes, just go inside and put on a different pair. Don't desperately try to clean them in the two minutes before you leave on a very long trip.

4) No matter how hard you try, you are never going to be able to get a full nights sleep on the first night. Better just plan ahead and put yourself in a comfortable, quiet, entertaining place before you settle down for a sleepless night.

5) The door isn't jammed. It just hates you.

6) Forty bucks isn't enough for souvenirs, no matter how stingy a person you are, no matter where you go or for how long.

7) Sometimes the best days end in panic attacks. Just look over it and move on.

8) The shower doesn't only spray boiling or freezing water. It just hates you.

9) Always bring spares.

10) If you forgot the phone charger, go back and get it. Now. I don't care if you are already there. You won't survive without your cellphone. Rather, you will go insane. Because...

11) Family drives you crazy. There must be outside contact.

12) Go ahead and buy it--you /didn't/ spend 20,000$!

13) Lastly, you really can't help it. On every trip, at least one stuffed animal is going to find it's way home with you.

Also, just don't think of anything. This is your time away from reality, for better or worse. Relax.