Letter #3 - Commitment

Hello all,

Just a reminder that all of my letters up to this point, along with other helpful information, can be viewed at The Great Gerryts Clan Vacation Blog ( http://gerryts.blogspot.com ).

First, the results of the survey for those who are interested. Out of 7 responses, 71% said 1½ weeks would be ideal, while 29% preferred 1 week. 57% voted for spring, 29% said it doesn't matter, and 14% voted for summer. Everyone said they could easily save $0.50 to $1.00 per day per person. And the shocking result for Matt being a sexy cowboy: 100% pure, organic, grain-fed "You betcha!" Congratulations to me on this land-slide victory!

I've mentioned that the vacation isn't planned for 2007 or 2008. There are two equally-important reasons for this. I'd like for this experience to be enjoyed and remembered by the current newbies, Faith and the incoming twins. The other reason is budget.

I've mentioned the "$0.50 to $1.00 per person per day" mantra several times now, and for most or all of us, that's a breeze. Some of you won't have to bother saving at all, but the key to this vacation being affordable for the rest of us is the combination of those small savings, plus the length of time we're stashing them away. Our commitment to daily tossing a loonie into the vacation jar will be very important.

Here's your mission, and I realize this may be a bit of a shocker. That commitment to saving $0.50 to $1.00 per person per day will need to continue for the next 5 years… The Great Gerryts Clan Vacation will take place in 2012. That might seem like a decade away… but it's only half that ;). It's been over 7 years since we breached the millennium, and for me at least, it only seems like a couple of years ago. Most importantly, this is the key to the vacation being so easily accessible to everyone; small savings spread over the course of a few years. Regarding the kids on the trip, the youngest would be 5, and the oldest would be 12.

If this news has put a damper on your enthusiasm, stay tuned! My next and final letter will detail exactly what The Great Gerryts Clan Vacation will be. All will be revealed at last!

Matt