I for one will be going to Lake Tahoe for skiing and generally having a good time. Everyone I talk to will be like, "So how's the application process?" After telling the story for the 50th time, I may start making stuff up.
Plus, I plan on drinking beer with my (almost) mother-in-law. What else could be better.
And yes, you seriously should wait a little on your 2006 apps. Otherwise, you add ANOTHER 6 months to this already drawn out and exhausting process.