Even travel bloggers fall prey to the saying “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” (To A Mouse by Robert Burns)

Last weekend, it dawned on me that it was the first weekend in five consecutive weekends that I was not traveling. I had been in Spain and Greece for the first two weekends, then Connecticut for the third weekend, and New Jersey for the fourth weekend.

I reassured myself that it was okay to stay local and NOT travel sometimes (like I really believed that one, ha!). Plus, I was very excited for the trip to the Carolinas coming up this weekend, including one night in Greenville, SC and two nights in Asheville, NC.  I booked the flights (using Avios) months ago, and the hotels at 3 different Hyatts (on my perpetual quest to requalify for Diamond Gold Passport status). This was to be my first time in Asheville, and I was really looking forward to exploring the area.

I was also excited for some events during this week, such as the annual get-together organized by the Flight Deal.

But, sometimes plans change, or circumstances arise that take precedence and require us to change plans, no matter how much we are looking forward to the plans. And sometimes this all happens in the snap of a finger.

Life happens.

And that’s what just happened this week when a family member took ill and was hospitalized. My travel plans are gone, I’ve only worked intermittently and most of my thoughts and activities revolve around my loved ones. Life has been chaotic, and I have hardly had a chance to run, let alone exercise (This morning, I ran for barely 20 minutes while listening to a meditation program by Deepak Chopra). I’m also sorry to say that I haven’t put pen to paper much this week, so if you notice an absence of blog posts from yours truly, that is the reason.

I’m very disappointed about the broken travel plans but my paramount concern is with the well-being of my family.

Peace and good vibes please.