So I was laughing at Sinbad, so what?
If you were sorting through Christmas photos, you’d want some background noise, too. Comedy Central seemed like a safe bet. Sinbad was on with his new HBO standup, and it was genuinely funny, if a little close to home.
Especially the bit about his son trying to foist the grandkids on him. Hilarious, except ouch.
If I make one completely reasonable assumption — Sinbad as the arbiter of parental behavior — then the winter and spring travel that I am anticipating so much is in deep trouble. I’m okay for the trips we’re taking with the kids (Orlando, Costa Rica), and I think I’m in good shape for the business trips (to some of my favorite cities like Chicago, Asheville, and Raleigh), but that junket that I was hoping the wife could join me for (New Orleans) and the big getaway (Sonoma) look suspect. I hope my parents don’t get the Comedy Channel.
Do you ever worry that you are asking too much of the grandparents? (And yes, mom, I know you are reading this, and, no, I don’t think you would even hesitate to take the kids, but this Sinbad guy is under my skin, and, no, he is not a pirate.)
Is it even legit to ask the parents to take the kids while you do a little marriage maintenance? And, if not, is an adult overnight out of the question?
Travel (with and without our kids) has always been a priority for my wife and me. We will put taking a trip ahead of a new sofa, clothes other than Kirkland brand, or custom flames for the minivan every time. But our ability to travel is premised on grandparents that are willing and able to keep the kids.
I wonder what kind of compromises we would choose to make if that wasn’t an option. Overnight babysitters? Well-compensated friends? Kennels? How do you do it? Should I cancel my trips because Sinbad said so?
I have a married friend that takes a babysitter with them when they go on vacations so that they can have some adult/couple time while the kids still get to have fun on the vacation too.
I’ve been tempted to take along my mom with us, (expenses paid by us of course) to allow for the opportunity of sneaking in a cozy dinner while in a foreign land. (Foreign being perhaps another state other than California!) I know, world traveler, that is me! Hey, with three kids and one on the way, a trip to Italy isn’t exactly practical right now.
A trip even just to see relatives out of state could be much more enjoyable if we had just a little bit of help from another adult. I say ask away and really grind home the fact that the kids are only this young once and these moments in time are so brief. Just really lay the guilt on thick!
Works for me most of the time! Ha ha.