Restore Sanity this Fall Break

Every morning after I wake up, I make myself a to-do list. I always feel accomplished when I can finally cross something off of the list, so I often put very basic functions on it, just for the satisfaction: sleep, wake up, brush your teeth, eat. Sometimes my instructions are very simple and direct, so I can carry them out with little impediment: do your homework, study for XYZ exam, go to church, go to work, work out. Sometimes, they get a little more complicated: GO FOR MAGNA CUM LAUDE, finish all your grad school applications, LET IT BE, watch the entire series of "The West Wing," stop thinking about boys—Colin Firth is not available.

At this point in the proceedings I realize that I may or may not have lost my mind along the way. We may be only a month into the semester, but there are only so many weeks one can go without one's mind turning to jelly. Thankfully, Wellesley schedules a fabulous and timely fall break: falling right around Columbus Day weekend (or as I like to call it, the day the Old World died via mass genocide), fall break offers the chance to run away, or at least get away from schoolwork. For those of you new to the area—or too brain-fried to remember your own name—here are a few options for your fall break adventures. Happy weekend!

1.) Boston/New York: Wellesley is an hour bus ride from Boston (thirty minutes if you take your own transportation) and about three-and-a-half hours outside of New York. Both trips are feasible, and both offer excitement for the timid or tenacious traveler. The Museum of Fine Art's American wing might not open until November, but there is an incredible Palestinian Film Festival going on. And the North End provides ample alleys and nooks to buy incredible Italian pastries. In NYC, the Museum of Modern Art has a fabulous Matisse exhibit, as well as one that just opened on Abstract Expressionism. While you're there, go to "La bonne soupe" for me. Bring me back a baguette too.

There are real clubs in New York as well, unlike the ones in Boston. You know, if you need to get away from Boston nightlife.

2.) Alternative Fall Break: Work for Habitat for Humanity. Join the on-campus group against mountaintop removal. Find a way to give back, even if it's just for a few hours. Sometimes, people feel more refreshed after doing something for others… just a thought.

3.) Newburyport/North Shore: My extended family is from the North Shore, so you'll excuse me if I gush for a few minutes: it's freakin' awesome. Newburyport has a spectacular Mexican restaurant called "Agave" and I swear, it is so fresh… just go. Right now. Also, there are incredible antique shops, as well as places to walk and enjoy the fall weather. Or go kayaking! It's so much fun to kayak along the Merrimac or in the bay. Just be careful for sharks. I'm not kidding. In the Rockport/Gloucester area, there are, of course, incredible shops and seafood, but check out Halibut Point State Park. The view is spectacular, especially now that there's a little chill and the rocks are starting to crystallize. If you go up Bearskin Neck, feel free to say hi to… my entire family. Most likely you'll meet one or more of them if you spend a few hours.

4.) Western MA: It's foliage season. Just rent a car and drive. Keep driving. Out to Springfield, the Berkshires, even to upstate New York. Bring a camera. Stop. Take photos. Breathe (…be careful for pollen).

5.) Stay in: I know, I know it sounds crazy. But sometimes, there is nothing nicer than just lounging around Wellelsey, knowing that you don't have to do anything. I always grouse about how I wish that I could come to Wellesley a few weeks earlier just to adjust and relax before the hoards arrive. This could be a miniature, belated version of this. Another perk of doing nothing is that, most likely, you'll also be spending very little. Save money for later: like the Oct. 30Stewart/Colbert rally in Washington. Or for a wicked trip to Plymouth around Thanksgiving (my friend just advised me that the latter is the dumbest thing she ever heard of… your choice).

Whatever you do, DON'T make any to-do lists. Just take a sticky note, place it on top of your computer, and write "Closed for business." Then take another one, place it on your mirror, and write "FUN." Then take another and…crap. This is going to be a total failure.