Tomorrow at this time, my family will be somewhere between here and Kansas, in the middle of the first leg of our 18-day cross-country road trip.

The last time we took a similar trip, two years ago, I had all these grand plans for all the productive stuff I’d get done during my hours and hours in the car.  I’d read!  I’d write!  I’d edit! I’d make lists!

Those plans were quickly – and unabashedly – abandoned when I realized that what I needed wasn’t time to DO more, but time to just…. be.  To appreciate the sites, to sing with my kids, to chat with my husband.  I love road trips so, so much.   And this time, I have no silly notions about being productive in the slightest.  For the next 18 days, consider me “clocked out.”  I’m going to enjoy the country, enjoy my family, enjoy the friends we meet along the way, enjoy the time away from the hustle and bustle of life.

It’s Easy Rider meets National Lampoon’s Vacation.

And I can’t wait.