There is a fond place in my heart for raunchy 70s and 80s comedies. Each, in its own way, stands out in my mind as I move through adulthood. As I embark on a traditional family trip, I can't help but think of Clark Griswold in "National Lampoon's Vacation." No, I am not going to tell you how my life parallels "Caddyshack," "Real Genius," or "Animal House." Use your imagination.
It is with some trepidation we head south this Friday. Into the eyes of a hurricane, I am guessing literally and figuratively.
- We hate the new car we leased back in February. Let me give you some advice: if winter car shopping make sure there is an air conditioner vent in the backseat. You forget those things when it's 10 degrees out and two feet of snow. nine-year-olds notice that the first warm day in April. Better yet, if you have a car that is fully loaded, I urge you to never take a downward step. That's right, even if you can't afford it. At this point I would rather not eat dinner for a week to get the trunk room we had on our last vehicle.
- Try to work in more than one vacation during the year. We had some getaways during the year, but not for a full week. We are headed to a giant house with four other families. It was not our first choice to head out the week before Labor Day. But when others are involved you must compromise, or make concessions. In both cases the vacation is already off to a rough start. Expectations are naturally high due to the unbearing drive to get the hell out of town. Now, we must fight questionable weather in addition to these lofty aspirations of perfection. You know the picture, wife and I indulging with alcohol with the ocean and majestic sunlight staring us in the face. Notice Corona never advertises 20 folks huddled in a living room watching weather forecasts and plywooding windows.
Gotta remind myself to go completely dumb. 95 South for 12 hours. No problem. Lousy traffic through Virginia. No problem. Fast food lunches and nasty rest stops. Bring it on.
Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Because when it is all said and done the end result WILL be a success. My daughter will be laughing with friends and getting spoiled by everyone around. My wife and friends will be laughing and boozing late each night, goofing on everyone's music selections on the iPod. It will be a break from the routine. I plan on leaving the portable devices behind a great deal. Think I am a bit tired of hearing about falling economies, laughable Republican nominees, Kardashian weddings, Yankees wins, Libyan rebels, DSK dismissals and natural disasters.
It's been a rough year. Let's be honest, we are probably in for many, many more. If you cannot loosen up and enjoy the little precious time we all have remaining, why even bother getting up every morning?
Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
You better believe when that talking Moose tells me something is closed this weekend I will be holding the overweight security guard hostage and riding the Colussus until the SWAT team takes me down.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, folks, and I will see you in September. Then you get to hear me gripe about all things fall.
For vacation updates you may want to read: www.guidetosomewhere.blogpost
For other goodies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY9xZoKiBgU&feature=related
Songs I will be listening to on the 40 hours I will be in a car and other occasions.
Foster the People, "Warrant" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smB9sfkqluA
The National, "Mr November" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzhNdCxhK28
Decemberists, "Calamity Song" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJpfK7l404I&ob=av2n
