Crisco Vs. Baby Oil

Ah, summer vacation! It’s almost here and boy I could use some time off. How can that be? I am unemployed, it’s like I’m on vacation all the time, right? Uh, no, it’s not.

Darling, Webster describes a vacation like this:

 Noun

1. A period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday: Schoolchildren are on vacation now.

2. Freedom or release from duty, business, or activity.

Verb (used without object)

3. To take or have a vacation: to vacation in the Caribbean.

Now, let’s discuss. Noun: I am in a period of suspension of work and study, and yet I am not on vacation. I am not released from the duty of caring for my children or my bills, though I could count the very act of looking for work (and believe me, I do) as a job in and of itself. Verb: Is a vacation only real if it’s to the Caribbean? Damn that elitist Webster, doesn’t camping and long drives up the coast count? Sleeping in? (That may be a reach.)

What about taking a break from my job search? It feels really off the mark, but that’s what I plan on doing this summer, even if it’s only for a day. If I can get over the guilt of feeling like I actually deserve one (and believe me, I want to), what is there to do without money and resources? If only I still liked “laying out” in the backyard like when I was sixteen and my sister and I would have tanning competitions: Who doesn’t love a good ol’ tan-off? Who would win and be the darkest in the battle of Crisco vs Baby Oil? It may not be the Caribbean, but it’s free.