The past couple of days have been stressful for me. The stress comes from making some decisions that I am really torn between. Having made 2 short 10 day India trips within 5 months gap to attend my parents 60th and my brother-in-law's wedding, there is a need for me to make another trip within the coming months. To someone who thinks that India trips are definitely not a fun vacation, since it involves the physical strain, jet-lag, adjusting to the different personalities, expenses etc. this comes as a hard decision to make. 3 India trips within a year!!! The airlines ticket prices with the increase in fuel have sky rocketed. A flight from SFO to South india via Europe costs $1910 these days. Also, at work, it looks totally unprofessional when I have to approach my boss (however flexible they may be) to grant me time off to go to India for the third time within a year's span of time.
While it is sure nice to meet parents, family etc. and enjoy mom and mil's cooking, the trip turns out to be packed with activities, temple/pilgrimage visits, without a day's rest and becomes so hectic. I am sure that this is the case for most of you where you have an agenda on an India trip, not to forget the back and forth between staying at your place versus in-laws. All this assuming you are on good health, imagine getting a viral infection, a stomach bug and add that to the trip, as well. The hardest part comes after I return, to get back to the routine- both at work and at home, getting caught up on the piled up work, jet lag etc.
If I decide not to go for the third trip, which is what I am leaning towards at this point, my family is unhappy, since it is for another festive occasion and they don't want to go ahead with the festivities without my presence. This puts me on the spot and am feeling guilty, since they are going to cancel the festivity because of my absence. If I make up my mind to go, everyone is happy, except me, since I feel that I've been forced to make this trip, which I don't want to go in the first place. So, ultimately, it boils down to whether I want to be happy or guilty.
Decisions, decisions are always complex, more so when family is involved.
What with all this on mind, I am looking forward to the weekend and my anniversary. Hope that blog is more cheerful than this one.
Have a fabulous STRESS FREE WEEKEND.....
16 comments:
First of all, wishes for the fun-filled upcoming wedding anniversary. :-)
3 trips to India in a year is very stressful, so you don't have to feel bad for feeling this way. I agree it is touch decision to make, especially if your family wants you to make trip.
In last five years I have been to India only twice but I have the same feelings. I was not keen on traveling last time but was dragged in to it.
Happy Anniversary!
Aww! That sounds tough! Here's to a Happy Anniversary and a guilt free decision.
Thrice in a year? Definetly though! I love traveling but not like that :)
Wish a Happy Anniversary and enjoy peacefully.
I am going to have an extremely stressful weekend, at work! and also cleaning up my house in the remaining time for freinds visiting next weekend! does that make your mood any better?!:)
don't worry, I'm sure an anniversary bash will cheer you up:)D make sure your hubby reads this comment!!:D
Thanks! I'll add your blog to my blog roll too :)
Advanced wishes for your upcoming anniversary!
I know how stressful it is to make so many trips in a short period. Enjoy a stress free anniversary. Happy wedding day!
Happy Anniversary!
Hope you make up your mind...what comes to me is what people tell me, you cannot please everyone :D ;)
First of all , wishes for the upcoming anniversary.Three trips to India too much girl!.Before kids, we go once in three years.Now after kids we make sure once a year.Again, mom begs to come for every other festives, but i somehow make them understand my situation..
hey! thanks for the kind words ... i'm sorry for the late reply - i was out of town for a few days. you have a really cool blog, and i enjoyed reading it. please feel free to blog about the article :). i'm really honored.
Happy anniversary, hope you have a lovely day ahead!
All,
Thanks for the words of support and anniversary wishes.
I totallly understand your point. I had to make 2 trips in 2006 and I thot that was too much! Living abroad makes it hard on us and our folks. As much as we want to be a part of festivities back home, I think we need to be able to draw a line. Of course, that is easier said than done!
Happy Anniversary Mitr, have a fun-filled weekend :)
I hope you reach a decision and feel relaxed by it, Hugs!
Amrutha and Priya-
Thanks for the pep words and wishes...
I totally get the difficult situation you are in... Even when I take a long break (4 weeks) and go to India, it hardly seems like a vacation. There is absolutely no relaxation and I'm expected to travel to so many places to visit everyone or they get upset.
3 trips in a year - just the travel part is tiring enough. Wishing you luck with your decision.
Post a Comment