It's All About Me - at least for the next 3 days...

Bathing suit?  Check.  Yoga pants?  Check.  Munchies?  Check.  WINE?  TRIPLE CHECK!  Yep - that's right folks - it's vacation time!  For the next three days, my friend Natalie and I are leaving for our annual spa retreat.  Four hours of driving to a beautiful resort on the waters of Lake Michigan.  Ahhhhhh...

This year, however, we are doing something a little different.  We are unplugging ourselves and we couldn't be happier.  No e-mails, no Facebook, no social media whatsoever.  If you want to contact me?  Too bad.  You have to wait until Thursday.  That kind of sounded snobby - sorry about that.  I'm just really excited.

I don't remember the last time I went a day without social media.  In fact, I don't remember the last time I used my laptop for anything other than social media.  I haven't touched my next book since February, or was it March?  I am bringing my laptop but absolutely no internet!  Only inspiration for writing my next book.

When did we get this way?  When did we get so dependent on social media?  Is the world going to keep turning if we don't check out Facebook every day?  Is someone going to hate me because I didn't get back to an e-mail within 24 hours?  I'm actually behind on stuff.  I promised 2 book reviews and the authors have been extremely nice in not bugging me - but they're probably frustrated and I don't blame them.  

Here's the thing - I'm tired.  I stressed myself out this week to the point where I was in bed all day yesterday with a migraine.  If it's not marketing, it's the fundraiser I'm working on.  When is it my time to do something relaxing?  Why do I only give myself once a year for three days a time to relax?  My ex-husband and I used to take vacations every year - and we're talking about Mexico, Bahamas, etc. for at least a week.  Those were great getaways.  

Do you remember what life was like before social media and cell phones?  I do.  I remember when the phone rang and caller ID didn't exist.  It was actually exciting when the phone rang!  Who was it?  Was it for me?  YAY!  It's my high school sweetheart calling!  And so a two-hour conversation began even though I just saw him an hour ago.  Then of course, my Dad would get on the phone and start dialing even though I was already on the phone.  Then he would say, "hello?"  And I would say, "hello!"  Then he would ask, "Megan what are you doing at so-and-so's house?"  And I would say, "I'm on the phone."  Then he would say, "Well, this is your Dad and I have to make a phone call."  And I would say, "Dad, I know who you are."  Then he would start talking to whoever I was on the phone with.  Good times.

When did social media get in the way of talking to people?  Don't get me wrong - I love Facebook as much as the next person.  It feels weird, however, when I get a friend request from someone I knew in high school.  It brings back these teenage drama thoughts - "why does she want to be friends with me?  She was such a bitch to me."  Or "She wants to be friends with me!  She was in the most popular group in school!  OMG!"  Of course I friend everyone because I'm too nosy not to.  Then I go to town picture-stalking them.  Come on - we've all done it.  

You know what's really fantastically awesome this year?  That on Tuesday, August 26, Natalie and I will be at the spa from 9:30 - 5:30 being pampered.  The 26th was my wedding anniversary.  My ex is also getting sentenced that day for his latest domestic violence offense.  It's called sweet ole karma.  

So my e-mail automatic out-of-town message is set-up.  My bag is packed and ready to go.  It's time to blow this popsicle stand.  (Can you see why I wasn't in the cool group in high school?) 

I love all of you and I will "see" you on Thursday.  

To purchase a copy of my memoir, "Who Am I? How My Daughter Taught Me to Let Go and Live Again," please visit:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_seeall_1?rh=k%3Amegan+cyrulewski%2Ci%3Astripbooks&keywords=megan+cyrulewski&ie=UTF8&qid=1408902929