I headed to Pawley's Island, SC for an old fashioned family vacation during the first week of August. We didn't do much other than sit on the beach all day, go swimming, take long walks, sleep in, and eat delicious and sometimes unhealthy food. It was exactly what I needed after a long school year with my 2nd graders and a June and July filled with babysitting.
The whirlwind is what came after I returned from Pawley's Island. Amid flight delays and sitting on airport runways in various cities, I finally made it back to Baltimore on Thursday, August 6th to start wedding weeked festivities for one of my very best friends Katie. We did her bachelorette party Thursday night, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Friday night, and then hair, makeup, and wedding on Saturday. Such a fun weekend and it was such a treat to be a part of her special day.
The next morning I hopped on an early flight to Providence, Rhode Island and then headed to Nantucket, MA. I'm still here typing away... I'm here babysitting for 3 boys. It's a gorgeous island and it has been a true treat to spend so much time here.
While here, my friend Melissa who lives in Westport, MA was nice enough to hop on the ferry from Hyannis, MA and travel to Nantucket to spend the day with me. I think she could tell from my voice that I was craving some girl time and would love nothing more than a day shopping, eating, and talking our way through Nantucket. So that's exactly what we did! And it was just what I needed! Melissa and I met in college... during a horrendous technology class for our education major. (We're both 2nd grade teachers) Melissa is married to Kevin (I was in their wedding 2 summers ago in Scituate) and they are currently renovating their new house. I think Melissa was just as happy for the escape as I was to have her. It was the perfect day. Shopping has always been a favorite hobby for the two of us and so when in Nantucket, we shopped... I have been eyeing the infamous Nantucket sweatshirts the entire time I've been here but needed help picking the color and size. We had a ball! I also got my Nantucket Christmas ornament... this is a tradition I picked up from my Mom. Wherever I travel, I always pick up a Christmas ornament from that place. It's so fun to reminisce each year when I'm decorating the Christmas tree. We tried the famous Juice Bar ice cream in the homemade waffle bowls. They were to die for and were well worth the expense. Before we knew it, it was 4 o'clock and it was time for Melissa to head back to her house, her renovations, and most importantly to her husband. And I had to return to babysitting duties. We said our goodbyes and made plans for our next visit but not before I forced her into taking cheesy pics on the dock.
So while I've always said that I love to travel and love to be busy... this past month has taught me that there is nothing wrong with some quality time at home with very little planned. I suppose it really is all about the balance! I wish I could say that September is going to allow for downtime but with the upcoming school year starting and the September 19th wedding of my brother Matt and his fiance Maggie... I don't think there is downtime in that month either.
When I touchdown in Baltimore on Saturday afternoon (God willing that all planes and rides from the airport are on time), I'll hit the ground running. I keep telling people I need to get my "life together" when I get home. Ha! As if I could do that in the span of an afternoon, weekend, or week. But I'll try my best... and then I'll be off to meet my girls at the Towson High School Class of 1999 ten year reunion. Hard to believe!
So in terms of downtime, time at home, and finding the balance... Sunday morning has a little of that in the cards. But the rest of the week and month are jam packed with activities as I'll be catching up with everyone I've missed during my August away. And honestly as tired as I am and as nice as a weekend on the couch or snuggled up with my fish blanket sounds... at this point in my life, busy is just how I like things to be. I truly wouldn't have it any other way.
