Breathing room in Park City

    It's important to take time for yourself, a necessity for your mental health.  Well, at least it's true for me.  Don't get me wrong, I am OBSESSED with my kids but I recognize when we need a break from each other, when I need a little time to escape and just breathe.  It is VITAL for my family and for me, that I step away to collect myself.  As a mom is there is no real "vacation time" built into this 24/7 gig, and many of us moms utilize our free time to do the grocery shopping, clean out a closet, or sometimes we're lucky enough to have time to buy ourselves some new underwear or a new pair of shoes.  But it's a good thing when you can really get away.

     I spent the last 5 days at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah with 'Skinny Sister'.  I truly escaped from my 'job'.  I skied Park City -- the mountain air and the fresh powder were just what I needed.  It was both therapeutic and exhilarating heading down the mountain and I felt at one with nature, temporarily without a care in the world.   Plus, it was the best skiing I've ever done -tons of trails at various levels.  After a full day, my butt felt tighter and my thighs, my knees and my calves were sore, but it was well worth it.  Halfway down the mountain I stopped to get a beer and called my husband (who was in a meeting) to see if I could stay an extra day.  And he said YES!  I really love that guy. Typically, I’m ready to get back to the kids after a few days but I needed just one more day.  

     Besides skiing, I spent time in one of the Marriott Mountainside's six hot tubs and drank fine wine at the bar.  I didn't make my bed or anyone else's.  We watched films, partied and had some entertaining celebrity sightings.  Although I was sidelined for a bit with altitude sickness (we were at 7K feet above sea level), that didn’t stop me.  We attended the NFC Playoff party and sat next to the infamous host Terrell Owens, Steve Nash as well as my new boyfriend, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers (don't tell my husband).  Who knew that guy looked so good under that helmet?  We got the chance to see these four films where the cast, writers, directors and producers were present for Q & A: 

Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks - One of the documentary films in ESPN's "30 for 30" series.  It is really entertaining even if you're not a fan of the NBA.  Director Dan Klores makes it easy to get caught up in the rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks in the mid-90's.  The characters- Miller, Spike Lee, John Starks and Patrick Ewing are all controversial and comical as they duke it out in the 94-95 playoffs.

Holy Rollers  A film based on true events of the 1990's, as Hasidic Jewish teens get wrapped up in trafficking Ecstasy from Amsterdam.  The film stars Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland, The Squid and the Whale) and Justin Bartha (The Hangover, National Treasure).

 

Skateland- A coming of age story set in East Texas.  Ritchie, a 19 year old skating rink manager must deal with dramatic events including the closing of the rink and is forced to examine his life.  Although we've all seen this type of story before, actor Shiloh Fernandez brings it to life, is very easy on the eyes (a cross between Joaquin Phoenix and Emile Hirsch) and is one to watch.

The Extra Man- Based on the novel by Jonathan Ames.  A lonely young man (Paul Dano) moves to Manhattan and rents a room from an eccentric older man (Kevin Kline) who is an escort to wealthy elderly women.  Chaos ensues with a cast of quirky characters.  Also stars John C. Reilly and Katie Holmes.  Katie brought nothing to the film on screen or off when she was questioned about her experience.  Written and Directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (American Splendor).

     Some moms I know choose to read a good book, hit the spa or take a trip to the winery with the girls.  Other women just sit in a dark movie theatre by themselves to decompress.  It doesn't have to cost a lot, but the value of being alone can be very high.  It even gives my kids the chance to really spend time with dad.  They are THRILLED to have him doing the things I would typically do - drop them off at school, give baths and go to ballet class.  It gives him a chance to bond with the little ones and form their own special relationship.

     I came back with a greater appreciation and a fresh perspective and attitude for parenting.  Last night the kids sat and looked at me intently as I explained how I skied and what I did and we are now collecting change to go on a ski trip together.  We had a blast catching up on the past few days.  I am refreshed and back in action.

How do you take a mental break from your family or your job? What helps you to decompress?