Julie Wolfson: Inspired by Marge Simpson's trip to Rancho Relaxo, it was time to take a break and have an adventure.

Before I had kids, I loved to take vacations. Since we have had our two daughters, we tend to visit grandparents who are only 400 miles away, or travel locally. Big trips have not been in the family plan. So now that my kids are both in school and my husband is quite excellent at handling them on his own, I decided to take a vacation.

Keeping the budget down is important, so I decided to visit my cousin ... in Japan. Yes, that's right, I got on a plane and flew halfway across the world, and had an amazingly fun week staying with my cousin and visiting friends in Tokyo. My trip was full of fun adventures, quiet museum exhibits with no one tugging at me, time to eat lunch, and the chance to stay out late with friends. To pay homage to Marge Simpson's visit to Rancho Relaxo, I even splurged on a luxurious facial at the Ritz-Carlton Spa. Oh yeah, Mommy feels much better now.

When I returned, my family was just fine. They really can make it a whole week without me. I arrived a bit jet-lagged, but full of energy and excitement. My kids had adorable welcome-home signs waiting for me. They were amazed that I was happily saying yes to trying the new cupcake-maker toy, playing the tea party game, and reading a really long book at bedtime. Feeling refreshed never felt so good.

Sometimes making time for yourself is the best medicine of all.