Escape to Wisconsin

Sometimes an economic downturn isn't such a bad thing. Robyn and I wanted to take some time off this year, as she loses her vacation time if she doesn't use it. We didn't want to pay for a full-blown vacation get-away, so we were looking for something local to do. As much as the term annoys me, we needed a "stay-cation".

Our good friends, Julie and Dan, have a cabin up in Crivitz, WI, and were gracious enough to invite us up there. In one brief conversation, not only did we get a nice weekend getaway on the cheap, but we get to spend time with two of the craziest people we know and love. And we get the distinction of being the first non-family members to visit their place.

For a little background, if you don't know Julie and Dan, they have been the willing participants in many boisterous evenings out. Whether we are at a local bar or at upscale restaurant like Morton's Steakhouse, we don't hold back. Typically, by the end of the night, there is a buffer zone of empty tables around us. On one occassion, as we were leaving, a table next to us asked if we were there celebrating something specific.

"Is it a birthday or an anniversary you are out celebrating?" inquired the elderly woman at the table next to ours, hoping to put our antics into some sort of socially acceptable framework.

"Nope. Our friends just got a baby-sitter, so here we are! Whooo!"

The woman was incredulous personified.

You can't wait for a specific time to enjoy your life. Don't wait for that birthday or anniversary. Call that friend. Make that opportunity happen. Don't feel like you are imposing. Odds are the people you are afraid to impose upon would be more than willing to do something, and glad that you asked.

To paraphrase the ideology of the "war on terrorism" - if you don't go out and do something, the recession wins!

For myself, the car is loaded with beer and suntan lotion, and we are off to the land of supper clubs, Friday fish frys, and deer ticks. Just another Illinois couple invading Wisconsin for the weekend. And if you see us out, don't move away and contribute to the buffer zone. Pull up a chair and join us!