"Got-to-get-it-done-before-I-go-on-vacation” syndrome

It is 6.00 a.m. and today’s my last day at work before summer vacation so I go into the office early. An hour later the obsessive “got-to-get-it-done-before-I-go-on-vacation” syndrome has kicked into overdrive. The feeling that today, before I go home, I have to have every contract finalized, digitalized and distributed, all policies & procedures updated to the day, all meetings planned right up until Christmas, my inbox cleared of any and all communications, my To-Do list … ha humm … clear of course, and if that isn’t enough, I feel the need to clean the automatic coffee machine.  Yes, a slight exaggeration I agree, but are you ever overwhelmed by the feeling that you cannot go on vacation until EVERYTHING is done or else you won’t be able to relax!?!?  And then there is the compulsion to give the house a good once-over so that I come home to a “clean” house after three weeks.  As if dust-mites realize no one is home, so they won’t come in …LOL. 

Now it goes without saying that there has been a suitcase propped against the wall in the bedroom for at least a week, open so that things that need to be taken on the much deserved vacation won’t be forgotten.  An Excel sheet is printed with a list of things that need to be organized, e-readers are topped up, holiday outing and or projects prepped and lined up.  And don’t forget a travel itinerary which includes every dinner, every grocery run, a first few days shopping list, where to pick-up tickets for outings etc. etc. etc.  And yes it is all under control, because there is a week at home before we go on the travelling part of the vacation.  I so, so, so need this vacation too by the way.  Busy in every area of life with many fantastic things, but a 24-hour day seems to be way too short. Cannot wait to feel the warmth of the sun, smell the tropical sun-screens and feel the sand under my feet….. bliss!!

Does anyone recognize this scenario?  I am even inclined to think it is a “Mum thing”, because as mothers we have this multi-tasking sixth-sense that knows no bounds.

Today however, it occurred to me that it is all too easy to get caught up in preparing to go on holidays, that I forget that although I have not yet arrived at the airport, the moment I walk out of my office building, I am on vacation.  And before I know it, a whole week will pass getting ready for a holiday that has already started.  So, another thing learned, another day wiser, and just that bit more chill-axed and enjoying holidays!