My Staycation

For ye socks unfamiliar with that term, a "staycation" is what many of us are having to resort to in the face of skyrocketing fuel prices and an otherwise-sluggish economy.

That means, staying at home instead of traveling for vacation.

And, that's exactly what I am doing this Memorial Day weekend.

Some tips for the uninitiated:

1. Set the date(s). Block off specific days, just as if you were going out of town.

2. Hide the welcome mat. This is your time. I mean, you wouldn't take your neighbors with you if you were going out of town. So, don't let them intrude now, either. In fact, close all the blinds and turn off the ringer on all your phones.

3. Set a budget. Even though you're saving on gas and hotel expenses, see how much more money you can save by eating at home. Even delivery is okay. Whatever you have to do to keep from starting the car!

4. Go to the movies. Not literally. Utilize your home theater instead. Catch up on all those recent movies you missed, and maybe even watch some of your old favorites. But, do it up in style. Turn off the lights, and make a big bowl of popcorn.

5. Take pictures! No, seriously. You'd do it on a "real" vacation. So, don't hold back now.

6. Take a bath. I am not impuning your personal hygiene. But, think about it. How many of us take the time for a bath nowadays?! I know it's showers 100% of the time around here, because they're expedient. Expediency be damned, this is staycation!

7. Read. Books, magazines, newspapers, whatever.

8. Rearrange the furniture. Even if it's only for the duration of your staycation, moving things around will make your place feel different enough that you may delude yourself into believing it's actually a vacation home. Worked for me, and the stuff is actually going to stay when I "get back."

9. Plan a real vacation. Hopefully, the staycation has saved you enough money to do this. Because, let's stop fooling ourselves, we all need REAL get-aways every once in a while . . .