On the Stroke of Twelve

Today is my last day of vacation. I’m currently trying to figure out if it is cheaper to add a carry-on bag to my flight home tomorrow, or if I should mail some of my clothes and purchases to myself. If I end up mailing, I think I might leave myself a note.

Dear Future Catie,

Here is our stuff. Must be a real bummer to know that I’m still in Florida and you’re not.

Love,

Present Catie

Though by the time I get that letter, Future Catie will be Present Catie and Present Catie will be Past Catie. Time travel is confusing like that.

For the past few days I’ve been battling anxiety and dread because my vacation is almost over. I used to get the same feeling around July 4^th when I was a kid because I knew I only had about a month left before school started again. I was optimistic even then.

When Cinderella goes to the ball, she doesn’t worry about having to go back to work. She’s so caught up in the moment (aka the prince’s charming eyes) that it takes the chime of a clock to strike her back into reality.

I really envy Cinderella’s ability to just be in the moment. That poor girl really gets more of a lunch break with a pretty dress than an actual vacation. If I was in her place, I would be looking at the clock every few minutes to see how much time I had left. I would miss the spectacle of the ball and those charming eyes becuase I’d be too worried about the time. Or lack thereof.

Cinderella is not only able to stay in the moment and enjoy it, but she’s able to take what she has been given and simply be grateful.

If you don’t believe me, take a look. (Don’t want to watch the whole carriage chase? Skip to 1:44)

OK, Cinderella, I understand. Don’t break the spell before the spell is broken. I have one more day (and technically tomorrow too) to enjoy being away from my normal schedule. Why exactly am I worrying about that normal schedule, when it’s two days away?

It isn’t midnight for me, yet.

So, I’m going to enjoy what I have left of my vacation, take (or mail) my souvenirs (see I even get more souvenirs than Cinderella) and simply be grateful.