Anyone who desires to travel but can't afford to visit every farflung locale can get a taste of her desired destination via vicarious visit -- a book! (DVDs can be helpful too.) Of course, there's no substitution for setting foot in the land of your dreams. Not even the best movie filmed on location prepared me for the energy and thrum of New York City. Can't wait to visit Hawaii and Egypt!
I dream of taking a sabbatical from my job of 20 years to continue my education (specifically: earn a law degree) but I can't afford to quit and I know I don't have the fortitude to both study and continue working.
How I wish the holiday feelings could be sustained the whole year through! I do my best to retain the spirit of the holidays and maintain goodwill toward my fellow human beings. When that's not possible, say, when a day is particularly challenging, I'll turn to holiday romance stories.