" regularly. It is one of our great library finds, but is also a sweet story about learning to take what life presents you with and making the best of it. But the greatest moral of the story is that everything you need and love is right under your nose, but sometimes you just can't see it.✦
After taking a record number of vacations last year, I started to notice that even though I enjoyed and was grateful for all of our travels, I'd come home with a "moody lodger" on my back. Although most people have experienced some level of post-vacation blues in their life, this was different.
At first I was happy to be home -- in my own domain, free from the confines of hotels, cars, the unfamiliar... but then I'd get sad and frustrated a few days later from having to catch up on everything I had neglected while away. The children had to get used to routine again and relationships often needed rebuilding or felt strained from regular separation, so I constantly found myself trying to make-up for lost time with friends, teaching, blogging, work, everything! Eventually, I'd get back in the groove of regular life, only to find myself feeling antsy to get on the road again. This happened month after month last year and it was starting to make me feel completely crazy!
After three trips at the beginning of this year, I started to evaluate what it was about travel that created such a yin/yang force in me. And it came down to a ridiculously simple concept: I needed to make regular life as spontaneous and open for exploration as I would if I were traveling to a different city.
Pretty easy, right?
But it's more than just learning to be a tourist in my own city. God knows we have enough of them! Truly, it means that I need to tear this place apart and look at it from every angle possible to really take in those last little details that make up where I live. Because one day, I won't live here -- and I don't want to be that person that existed somewhere, but didn't really *SEE* everything. (You know what I mean?) If I can scout out local gems (and dives) in other cities, I sure as hell can do it in my own. All it entails is a little planning and digging into the heart of good, old Sin City.
✦
Now there are two main camps of people when it comes to Las Vegas: Lovers and Haters. But most people that live here fall into a middle LOVE-HATE category. And to be fair, I know firsthand that there are a lot of things to hate about Las Vegas, but we're not going to focus on that today. (I'm keepin' it positive people!) Since this city is all about re-invention and constant change, it seems the perfect place to revel in the wide and truly random spectrum of exploratory options. I mean, come on! Not every city has an Erotic Heritage Museum, right?
We all know about the world class shopping and phenomenal new restaurants popping up everywhere -- not to mention concerts, nightlife, shows, and "entertainment" galore! But beyond the glitz of what Las Vegas is most famous for, there's incredible scenery a stone's throw away and it breaks my heart that most visitors never see that side. Hiking, climbing, skiing, natural wonders, a lake, a river, a mountain -- it's all much closer than most people realize!
So... I made a list of everywhere I had not seen and everything I have not done (in the 12+ years I've lived here/OMG how could it be that long?!) but wanted to do before I leave/die (whichever happens first!) I wrote down restaurants I've yet to eat at, and believe me, that alone could take years to accomplish. Outdoor excursions I want to complete - and although I hike regularly, there are loads more for me to do! Buildings I must. look. inside. Places to take my children. Random museums and venues that only a city as wacky as Las Vegas could offer. And last but not least, I'm going to see if the fine art scene that is rumored to exist here is worth visiting. I'll let you know what I find out and I do hope you don't mind coming along for the ride -- good or bad! I'm hoping to share my old and new favorites (something that I've found invaluably helpful from other bloggers when I travel).
In fact, tomorrow we're headed downtown to a SPECTACULAR building that has been under my nose for 6 years but I only just discovered last week!
Do you see where I'm going with this and can you see how this concept can translate anywhere? Where have you NOT been in your city? What treasures are under your nose that you've neglected or always wondered about? Will Sin City be as shallow as it seems or is there something deeper to dig into? And most importantly, can I break this cycle of feeling like exploring the world has to take place far away from home?
I will let you know...
.) Sundays will include photo posts of me doing gigantic loads of laundry. Wait 'til you see the piles I can carry! {GUN SHOW} Every other Monday will be my new segment called, "Gardening with 180360." (Me + a hoe + some whacking! Yeahhhh...) Other plans for the future include: live broadcasts of me in a French Maid costume tackling this beast of house (you best have a drink before that one!), Bill Paying Basics with Kim, Organizing Your Closets & Desk Before You Light Fire To Them! and many more.
