“Some folks like to get away; take a holiday from the neighborhood.”
Billy Joel, “New York State of Mind,” 1976
I’ve never been one who is in favor of travel.
I’ve done my share, that’s true; I’ve carried a half-asleep toddler through EPCOT (Hi, Norwegian ladies); and I’ve watched the sun set over the horizon of some of the most beautiful beaches the southeastern part of the country has to offer. I’ve even taken a day trip across the nation to spend a few hours in Tijuana and San Diego (fantastic margaritas, by the way, if you ever get the chance).
But, by nature, I’m a homebody. I guess I have too much Junior Nunley in me. Because when I get ready to get back to McMinnville, I’m finding a transport and heading back to McMinnville. So, if you see me on a cruise, call the authorities because I’m there against my will.
Around a month ago, however, we were invited to take part in a little weekend getaway, courtesy of some good friends who were going to be celebrating a birthday in the Smoky Mountains.
Initially, I didn’t want to make the trip. It’s such a drive, I complained. I won’t be able to get to anything newsworthy while we’re gone, I feared. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are just money pits, out to suck everything they can out of tourists’ wallets; we’ll be broke in a day, I predicted.
Fortunately, wiser heads prevailed, and we took the trip last weekend.
“We’re getting a cabin, we’ll hang out, we’ll watch the Super Bowl, and we’ll relax,” I was told. So, despite my trepidation, I decided to turn the scanner off for a weekend and head for the mountains.
What a relief. What a glorious time we had, while doing absolutely nothing. I can’t recommend it enough.
Starting Saturday afternoon, when we arrived and enjoyed some take-out from the back deck while looking out at a million-dollar view, my weekend was made. In fact, that’s where we spent much of our time – out on the deck, watching the fog come in to the point we were barely able to see past our own property. Even looking at the fog was beautiful.
But I don’t intend this week’s column to be about me and the joy I had spending just a few dozen hours away from the hustle and bustle of the newsroom. I intend it to be a suggestion for you, to take the time for yourself and not always worry about your current situation.
If you get the chance – and I hope you do, soon – take some time. Get away. Go somewhere close, or far away, and do nothing for a day or two - or a week or two. Whether it’s Rock Island, Gatlinburg, Florida or Timbuktoo, go somewhere and recharge yourself.
You’ll be glad you did.
Standard News Editor Rob Nunley can be contacted at rnunley@southernstandard.com