My great escape to McCall, Idaho

For the first time in almost a year, I read a magazine from cover to cover. My life, like most people, has me running from sunup to sundown. I cram as much as possible into each day, and still feel like I don't get enough accomplished.

I had forgotten how much fun it was to dive into the pages of a People magazine and relish in the lives of the stars. Reading about their trials and tribulations made my less glamorous lifestyle a blessing.

To read this magazine, I had to travel 400 miles and consume a full bag of homemade molasses cookies.

My family's vacation destination was a remote cabin in McCall, Idaho a short six and a half hour drive away. Nothing beats cold mountain air to revitalize the spirit or encourage curling up next to the fire.

Even on vacation my life's theme of craziness tried to catch up with me. There were so many activities to enjoy I found myself being torn between the need for relaxation or going snowmobiling, tubing, shopping, sightseeing and the list goes on and on.

While the rest of the crew bundled up for a snowmobiling excursion, I decided to opt out for the long awaited chance to read my magazine next to the fire in my pajamas. That was one decision I don't regret.

With hot chocolate in hand, I checked out the Golden Globe's best and worst dressed, learned about Britney Spears' new beau and pondered a few more serious stories.

I decided that next vacation I should try to one-up myself and read a book. Maybe a short story … with lots of pictures.

While I stopped for a moment to smell the roses, I also took in the local festivities including the McCall Mardi Gras and a hockey game.

To our surprise the game was between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Idaho Vandals. Who knew Gonzaga had a hockey team?

In true Washingtonian spirit the 16 of us stood up and cheered when the dogs made their first goal.

As the five rows in front of us turned to see who was cheering, we realized we weren't in Washington anymore. Gonzaga went on to win the game giving us still more to smile about.

Looking back over my vacation it was everything I needed for a short escape from reality. Sadly every vacation comes to an end. Whether good times or bad, there is one thing I look forward to in my world of chaos. Snuggling back into my super cozy bed and getting a good night's sleep.

Jonda Pingetzer is the Columbia Basin Herald design chief. With her efforts to shepherd page layouts and great danes, she is the top candidate for deserving a good night's sleep.