I feel quite certain that a lot of us have experienced vacations that can be likened to the experiences of Clark Griswold and family, who are portrayed in National Lampoon’s box office hit, Vacation. All of the best laid plans go by the wayside and things just don’t come together. And of course all of us no doubt have a Cousin Eddie among the ranks of our family. I have a different idea for a vacation.

I suggest that we cast the image of Clark Griswold and family aside. Forget about trips to Wally World this year. My friends Terry and Druscilla have this vacation thing down to a science. It goes something like this: After leaving your home, you drive to the nearest major intersection. At that point, you flip a coin. Heads you turn left and Tails you turn right. This process can continue until you finally reach a stretch of highway that seems suitable. My friends ended up at the Grand Canyon on one occasion. A fun trip to Florida ensued during another adventure inspired by the flip of a coin.

A trip fueled by spontaneity is very appealing to me. There are new places to see, new friends to make, and new mom and pop establishments in which to eat. I love the idea of getting up each morning not knowing where I will be sleeping that night. Now my sweet little bride of almost 26 years cringes when I mention a vacation of this sort.

Jan is quick to point out that Terry and Druscilla had to spend the night in their car with their three small children during a trip to Florida. Apparently there was no room at any of the inns on that run. Of course I am quick to counter that objection by saying: I bet those kids have never forgotten that trip! I am still ready to fill my truck with gas and get a quarter of out of my pocket.

I recognize that we need structure and order in our lives. Mrs. Knox has provided structure and order for three very unstructured boys and a rather unpredictable husband for a long time now. She seems to take it in stride. She has not experienced a total breakdown yet. She has not even raised her voice to any of us over the years. We really should reward her for her faithful commitment to a house full of wackos. Perhaps I should book a cruise. Maybe a trip to a resort in Mexico… Traditional alternatives just don’t sound appealing. I think I will just encourage her to pack a few bags. When she asks where we are going, I can just flash a toothy grin and brandish a shiny quarter. If I survive that interchange, it will be the vacation of a lifetime!

In all seriousness, all of us need to let go and allow life to unfold. Even those of us inclined toward a more spontaneous way of life can be control freaks in our own way. We are so intense. We plan, control, structure, arrange, and prepare. It never stops. It seems to foster a self imposed kind of stress. Maybe it would be a good idea to get the quarter out on a fairly regular basis? I better stop there. I am about to send all control freaks over the edge! But enjoy the holiday weekend.  And enjoy some spontaneity along the way!