Right now, I don't want the hassle associated with leaving town, despite the fact that I'm being wooed by a Nevada casino to come to its Laughlin resort for three days and two nights. Airfare is even included in this ultra-cheap junket.

Instead, I'm taking a series of micro-vacations at the beach, mostly in Santa Monica, California.

Under ideal traffic conditions, I'm about forty minutes away, so when I need some ocean air and a beautiful sunset, I jump into the car for a 4-5 hour getaway.

Stopping at my favorite restaurant, one block from the sand, I'll have a shrimp Caesar and Oysters Rockefeller, and a glass of golden chardonnay. Then, it's time for a leisurely two or three mile stroll at the water's edge, allowing time to stop at a breakwater where the spray hitting your face, and occasionally soaking your clothes, is nothing less than completely rejuvenating.

Parking costs about three bucks at metered spaces, and the only other out of pocket expenses are lunch and a little gas.

And at the end of this sojourn, I feel I really got away.

I used to live a few paces from where I park, and what's fascinating is the feeling I have now that I'm beating the high rent and the hassles, but I'm still able to enjoy everything else.

I intend to do more micro-vacationing. With my laptop and cell phone I might even be able to do some work.

Nah!