We are not weekend getaway people. I know that may sound like a falsehood, given that this past spring I posted about the nearly six weeks of back-to-back weekend travel we undertook to watch our college sophomore play lacrosse. But those weren’t vacation getaways. They were parenting trips, made with a purpose: To support our son (and watch college lacrosse, obviously).
This weekend was different. We (my husband and I) needed a break. A real break … So we took it.
As you’d expect, we went to the Jersey Shore.
It wasn’t glamorous or extravagant, expensive or high-brow; it was low-key and budget-friendly (just like me). It also wasn’t perfect or without issues (also just like me) — but it was exactly what we needed to recharge.
Sure, the room wasn’t particularly nice, but it was clean and we did have a partial ocean view. There was no hotel gym, but they did have a decent outdoor pool and a fantastic rooftop deck with hammocks and swings under a pergola. And even though I did get violently ill the first night because the restaurant clearly lied about accommodating my food allergies, we made it through and I was able to go out for an extra long run the next morning.
I can’t speak for my husband, but for me, the highlights were getting my much-loved beach time (despite my poor sunscreen application and the subsequent burn I now have on my back), playing pickleball for the first time (we were bad, but we had fun), and staying out past my bedtime to hear a so-bad-they’re-almost-good cover band (who we paid a cover charge to see!) play cheesy yacht rock classics on the pier while drunk 50- and 60-somethings danced poorly but with so much passion you had to respect it.
But what really made the weekend special for me was quality time with S.
I know, I know … what a sap! But it’s true. We had fun. Real fun. We talked and laughed and tried new things together. It was stress-free and relaxing — exactly what we both needed. And more importantly, it was easy.
That may sound weird, but we’re very different people. We have very different interests and hobbies, and sometimes that worries me. What does that mean for our future? Will we survive as a couple? A year from now, when our youngest leaves for college and we’re empty nesters, will we have stuff to talk about? Will we get along? What will we do together, other than binge watch Netflix and Hulu shows?
If this weekend is any indication, I think we’ll be okay. S is very accommodating and supportive, and I’m trying to be better at opening myself up to new adventures (and staying out past my bedtime). Work will still take up the majority of our time, I’m sure, but I foresee a future with more beach time, yacht rock, pickleball, … and laughter.
— LJDT
