Monday, April 25, 2011

Vacations

In the past I have had problems with using up vacation time. Well, not using it up (I've never lost a vacation day), but using it up for a purpose other than just taking a day off. Not so this year.

Two conferences (RWA Nationals & Dragon*Con), one cruise (to the Bahamas & Key West), and one trip (to TX) has used up more than my allotted vacation time. In fact, I have to take some days without pay. Then I found out I've used those allotted days, too. Who knew I was only allowed five days of time without pay. Gee – what happens if I get sick?

I don't have sick days. We have paid time off. 15 days to use as either vacation or sick or whatever. I don't normally get sick, and any doctor appointments I have are scheduled either early in the morning or late in the afternoon so I can make up the time during the week.

I wouldn't have been in this situation if I had remembered we wanted to travel to Austin, TX to see the US Australian Football Tournaments (in which my daughter will partake) before we booked our cruise (which was free since we cashed in our miles). But I guess I don't really care (I know – what an attitude!).

We're already planning vacations for 2012, too. Ireland may be a destination in the early Fall (provided our friend can go and her family doesn't mind a houseful). And it looks like I'll be heading to Chicago for the Romantic Times Convention (in April).

So this year is a busy year for me, vacation-wise. I've never had that happen to me before. But I'm not complaining. No siree. Far from it. I'm relishing it!

You going anywhere interesting this year?

5 comments:

Linda Leszczuk said...

Writing related, I'm doing the PSWA Conference in Vegas and Killer Nashville. Decided I just couldn't justify the expense of RWA National since my focus is really more mystery with romantic elements than romantic suspense. But I'll count on you to tell me all about it.

Mary Beth Engle said...

I wish I were going somewhere this year interesting or not, but it's not likely to happen. All of my vacation time is already alloted for with family obligations and while I can take as many scheduled unpaid days as I please I can't AFFORD to take more than one or two. Between property taxes, insurance copays, and regular monthly bills vacations are pretty much a thing of the past for us unless my royalties start coming in better than $20.93 a month LOL Right now I'm saving up to be able to afford to actually join RWA then I'll worry about actually attending the conferences again.

Enjoy your trips though and take lots of pictures so I can live vicariously :)

The Viking Princess said...
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The Viking Princess said...

Took my 16 year old daughter to London this last Feb. We had a great time. I would LOVE to go to Ireland. If you go please be sure to share you pictures with us.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Thanks for all the comments, it's much appreciated.

I did get a new camera, so hopefully I'll put it to good use and share photos here. When my husband takes pictures, I'm lucky to see any of them!!