Here’s the power of points…

So, tomorrow is my birthday. I’m turning 29….again!  When my family asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I said what I almost always say, “Let’s pack a picnic lunch and go waterfall hunting.”  If you haven’t been around here for very long, you’ll soon realize that I am extremely passionate about several things.  Hiking in God’s great outdoors is very high on my list!  I came by that honestly as my dad is, and has always been, an avid hiker – completing the Appalachian Trail (from Georgia to Maine) when I was 16-years-old.  At the time, I couldn’t imagine why anyone on earth would want to do such a thing.  As every year passes, I understand him more and more.  Not only do I understand him, but I find myself longing to be right where he spent so much time – out in nature, soaking up the crepuscular rays as they shimmer through the trees, walking among trees of every variety, shape and size, and seeing every waterfall scattered throughout our beautiful country.  Just writing about it brings an exuberance and a joy that I cannot convey.

Immediately upon hearing this “not so unusual” birthday request, my husband said, “Let’s go find someplace to stay overnight and get up really early and hike all day long!” That was music to my ears.  In fact, I became giddy like a child on Christmas morning.  

For the past two months, my boys have been building a beautiful new deck in my backyard (present enough, right?)  Anyway, while we’ve saved thousands of dollars on the project (and amassed quite an arsenal of points by strategically maximizing the best cards, bringing in $.05 per $1 on the entire project), we still spent a little bit more than we were anticipating.  I say this because I didn’t thing that there was room for a frivolous hotel stay in our budget.  

But after doing some quick research, I realized that the Hyatt Place, in downtown Knoxville, which looks to be the most precious and quaint little hotel, offered their rooms for 8,000 points per night.  In checking our Hyatt account, I realized that we had, in fact, 8,437 points.  And the best part was that one room would fit all six members of my family.  Usually when we travel, we book two rooms.  I decided right then and there that the Lord, in fact, wanted me to go hiking for my birthday!

I believe that my family would say that I’m very easy to please – it’s the simple things that bring me the greatest joy.  We are currently driving from Nashville, Tennessee, to Knoxville, Tennessee, which is a very quick 2-hour drive.  I didn’t NEED to stay overnight in a hotel to feel loved and celebrated, but seeing the excitement in my kid’s eyes, and the joy it brings to my husband to make me smile, I’m happy to oblige! 

So, let’s get to the point . . . the power to be spontaneous.  The power to see all of the amazing destinations on this beautiful planet. The power to celebrate family. The power to travel well without spending an entire paycheck or dipping into savings.  This, my friend, is the power of points! 

If you have questions, feel free to contact me at erin@letsgettothepoint.com.