I used to think I’d hate having Max off for an entire month in April for Spring Break, but I’ve changed my tune. I love the fact that we don’t have to cram in all sorts of family fun in a single week.

This year, we visited The Discovery Cube in Santa Ana, Legoland (an overnight trip for the two), went camping in town, visited the Safari Animal Park, went to the beach, and lazed around playing video games. Yes, I did get some work done too! We’re going kayaking tomorrow to close out the month.

Doing just a few things a week took the pressure off of me to take off a week straight, and it kept everyone from snapping at one another from family overload.

When we travel, April is a great time, as most kids are in school and theme parks and cities are empty. Prices haven’t yet risen for the summer, but the weather’s still good.

And I like that his summer is just 6 weeks; having 3 months stretch out endlessly just isn’t imaginable anymore! Hooray year ’round!

Because I’m traveling to Ireland in a few weeks (yes! I know! Exciting!), and because Max is out all of April for Spring Break (yes! I know! Long time! Year ’round school!), I got most of my work done for the next few months back in March.

So that means I work a few hours a day now and then have the rest of the day free. For some reason, I feel guilty. I feel like I should be working. But I’m still getting paid, and I got the same amount done, so what’s the issue?

As the Hub says: I run a lifestyle business. What that means is I can work for 2 or 12 hours a day as needed. I can take off in the middle of the day to shop or pick up Max. I can take on projects that I like, and decline ones I don’t. I make enough to support my lifestyle, and I’m not breaking my back to do so.

Jealous much?  

I’ve come to realize I don’t want to build a million dollar marketing firm, at least not at this point in my life. And that’s ok. I can be aspirational in my own way, helping small business owners grow their companies through content. I don’t have to have a giant office with 20 employees to justify my own success.

I’m just telling myself this; not you. Don’t mind my talking to myself.

Photo: Torley on Flickr.

Most people don’t get to attend their mother’s wedding. I, fortunately, had that opportunity a few weeks ago.

I arrived a few days before the wedding, not because she needed help in prepping for the wedding itself (she got a lovely all-included package at the bed and breakfast where her new hubbie works), but to take some of the stress out of having more than a dozen family members descending on her home. I was glad I went early; I helped with tasks around the house (Mom, you know how much I hate dusting, so you know it was an act of love) and generally trying to make her job easier.

And when the family came? The fun began. I love my family, and don’t get to see them all enough. My grown nephews came with their girlfriends, making me realize it might be oh-too-soon before I’m attending one of their weddings. My pre-teen niece loved playing with Max. I loved drinking with my brothers and sister-in-law. Throw in a few pounds of boiled shrimp and wine and you have yourself a Cajun party. My new stepfather never knew what hit him!

The wedding itself was absolutely perfect. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, a better ceremony or better food. Everyone was so happy to see how glowing the newlywed couple was!

I’m so happy for my mom, and I welcome Len to our family. If you can eat crawfish, you can certainly hang with us!