Vacation

Have you ever taken a vacation and literally shut off every responsibility you have? We were lucky enough to be able to do that this year.

I am a beach girl, and haven't been there for many years. We did spend a day at Virginia Beach a few years ago after a book signing in Norfolk. But one day is nothing like an entire week, which still isn't long enough!

We chose to go to Ocean City AFTER Labor Day, thinking the crowds would be less, and the kids would be in school and not at the beach. Too bad we didn't realize lots of things would either be closed or have very limited hours since it was now the off-season. Naive me thought, it's the beach, it's always "open".

But, we did find some restaurants open (FYI, most of them close early after Labor day, so no late night meals in OC.) And we randomly found things to do.

Not having a single care is an amazing feeling. No plans, no itinerary, no one to check with or see if everyone agrees... you wanted to do something, you just got up and went! I guess it's like when we were kids. Being carefree and just being in the moment. Sadly, I also fell asleep most nights early! Which I guess I really can't do at home, because I am busy cleaning up dinner, sometimes finishing laundry, taking care of the dog (who likes to get rowdy as soon as Mr G turns in for the night), and whatever else I do that keeps me awake, lol. And I got up early. I never do that at home, thanks to the dog keeping me up late. We actually watched the sun rise almost every day. Having a hotel right on the beach, we were able to sit on the balcony, drink our coffee, and be part of the new day.

Not to mention, I don't think I have ever seen Mr G so relaxed! It was nice.

I didn't even bring my computer! I figured if I had any ideas (which, of course I did) I could write them down on paper or log on my cell phone.

I guess that is what empty nesters feel like? We kind of did the opposite though, leaving our son at home, he was kind of the empty nester for the week, lol.

But, now we're back and trying to acclimate back to responsibilities, lol, and getting back to eating healthy. That's harder than you'd think, after a week of eating whatever you wanted (and only having restaurants to choose from - and I did not find a ton of salad choices at the beach, and never a grilled chicken option, which I went into this planning on eating most days.)

Now...if we could just hit the lottery, this could be our way of life!

Life is better at the beach...