“Away is a place where it’s not about the money you spend, it’s about the moments you share.”
Two weekends ago, Holden and I checked into The Westin Galleria Dallas for an anniversary staycation. I had won a night’s stay at a Dallas blogger event back in December, and decided it would be the perfect (and much-needed) little getaway for us. It may very well have been the most alone time we’ve spent together since our honeymoon.
Holden and I are both workaholics, but not in the traditional sense of the word. We don’t stay at the office late, or bring our work home with us often– but we’re always busy. Last year, if I wasn’t working for my full-time job, I was out shooting or at home editing. Holden started a small side business last year designing a line of vinyl toys, so his free time was spent working on that, designing logos for people, or doing his own illustrations. Even when we’re home, it’s not necessarily time spent together.
It was so refreshing to eat three whole meals together (especially when it started with a healthy breakfast in the Westin’s Executive Club Lounge). I can’t tell you how many times Holden would call me when I was out at a shoot, asking if I’d be home for lunch/dinner or if he needed to figure out something on his own. Needless to say, he spent many meals eating Panda Express by himself last year. #wifeoftheyearaward
In our second year of marriage, I’ve learned from the first and realized all the moments we missed being together. I count myself blessed because I found a partner who truly supports everything I do, even if it takes time away from him. But I never want to take him or our time for granted.
This year, we’re finding ways to feed our creativity and inclination to stay busy by merging some of our interests. Holden recently started his own men’s fashion blog (and I’ve become an Instagram wife) to showcase his designs and the latest trends he has been researching for work. It gave us an opportunity to collaborate on the design of the site, and an excuse to practice my photography skills on him.
For me, the staycation wasn’t about getting away to do nothing. It was an excuse to turn my phone on “Do Not Disturb” and be present. We’ll never be the couple that can go on vacation and be still. Even on our honeymoon, Holden was sketching and I was taking pictures. We don’t need to spend a lot of money on a vacation to be happy. Holden is content with a pen and paper in hand, and all I need is my camera and a memory card. Some might think it strange to “work” on vacation, but to be honest… I actually kind of love that about us.