We Need Some Help

So, we're looking at spring break, CDK has a whole week off, I have two days, so we figure we should go somewhere. I could easily take off three extra days and that would give us a whole 10 days (including weekends) to have a vacation. I don't know that we necessarily need it, but we're itching to travel. After all, we travelled quiet a lot the past two years, now it seems that we don't at all.

So, where to go? We don't know, so I'm asking for your help. I don't know how many of you are actually reading this, but now is the time to chime in. We don't have long to make plans and we need some good solid ideas. I'll list our criteria and other factors affecting the vacation destination.

1. Finances - We don't have a lot to spend on a vacation, but we're willing to make some other sacrifices to make it work.
2. We don't feel like it's a vacation or an adventure unless we actually get on a plane.
3. We don't want to go to any of the surrounding states. We're willing to vacation in our state, but the drive can't be too long.
4. We would love to go to South America! It's the only continent we haven't been to, minus Antarctica. We checked out tickets to Argentina, but way too expensive.
5. We are perfectly willing to vacation in the states, and that's probably what we'll do, but where?
6. Though a beach or a ski vacation sound nice, it will be spring break, so you know what that means. Overcrowded beaches/slopes, too many drunk people, not for us.
7. On vacation we like to be in a place where there are interesting things to explore (nature, cool cities, fun activities) but also where we don't feel like we're missing out if we just "hang out" a couple of days and relax.
8. We are not all-inclusive resort or cruise people.
9. We like to go places we've never been. Though there are places we'd like to return to (Hawaii, Australia, Switzerland, Israel), the list of new places is long and usually takes precedent.

Ok, so hopefully that helps. Let the suggestions begin, we're counting on you!

Chimin' in on the Cheap Dates

I realized yesterday that I hadn't posted in awhile. Then I realized, I had had nothing to post. Then today, four new ideas came to my mind. I'll spread them out, so you don't have to much to read in one week, but I thought the idea of collecting cheap date ideas was timely. Though in no way does this mean I support cheap Valentine's dates!

Through a blog "chain" I found someone collecting other bloggers ideas for cheap dates. Here's the blog http://shalees.blogspot.com/2007/02/let-cheap-dating-begin.html. And here's my list.

1. Start your own Book Club with your sweetie. Read the same book and set aside time to talk about it each week. Only cost, the price of the book.
2. Take a class together. Check out offerings at the university near by, they always offer continuing education classes, or the community center to see what's available. It might be a little expensive up front, but if you average it out over the number of weeks, it will probably be reasonable. Plus, you'll learn something new and meet new people.
3. Go to the planetarium. There is one near where I live and it's about $5.00 a show, and the show lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.
4. Go to the local rose garden, arboretum, or botanical gardens. Most are free, or cheap at least. Take a picnic and a stroll to enjoy the beauty of nature and each other.
5. Check out the plays at the community theater or at a university nearby. You can see live entertainment for less than the cost of a movie.
6. Concerts - again check out the nearby university and see what's available. Also, many community groups put on free concerts in the spring and summer.
7. Go out to eat for breakfast. The food is usually cheaper and you get to start your day with your sweetie.
8. Local community and recreation centers have all kinds of free or cheap programs. Check out the city website of the town you live in and look under the recreation department.
9. Go to the zoo. An often over-looked form of fun for adults.

OK, so check out the site and add your date ideas to the list. We should never run out! Also, for my overseas friends, I'd like to hear your versions of cheap dates and what you do.