vacation does a body good.

Well, normally it does.  This time around it took about 3 days just to blow the stink off and then once we got good and relaxed, it was time to leave.  Nevertheless, it was a much needed week on the beach with my lovely family {minus a sister}.  I didn't feel refreshed when I left, and to me that's a sign that one week is too short, which we say every.single.year.

The Alabama/Florida gulf coast is one of the most relaxing, beautiful, and comfortable places I've ever been.  We have been vacationing here for about 20 years, so naturally it's like my home away from home, even though it's a good 12 hour car ride.

Speaking of car rides, that's always the most fun part for me because we all pile into a big SUV, leave about midnite, snooze here and there while switching drivers, and just enjoy everything about it.  This time however, we took 2 different cars which worked out pretty well, especially since I had about 1/2 the gas cost as my sister in her big gas guzzler.

Once we got there we were so beat that we didn't even go to the Shrimp Festival to listen to Eddie freaking Money.  So sad I missed it, but none of us could bring ourselves to party that nite.  Actually, several of the nites we didn't feel like getting all gussied up, so we came in from the pool, got cleaned up, and chilled at the condo.  When I go to an all-inclusive, I'm all about the free drinks, going out til the wee hours of the morning, and living it up, but coming down here is always so much different.  I like it though because it can be such a slower change of pace.

Day in and day out we would watch the dolphins dance and play in the water as we sipped our tea & coffee in the mornings.  We had no agenda except to relax and keep our plans to a minimum.

Most days we went down to the pool and the beach, and other days we went sightseeing or shopping.  They have the best outlet mall that's always a major excitement factor in the trip.  I got a few things from Kenneth Cole, some new Toms, Gap, Eddie Bauer, and Fossil.  My bank account was crippled and told me I didn't need to go back another day.  

It was an awesome vacation, but like all, it went way too fast and I'm already planning my next getaway.
I have said it many times before, but the beach is the only place in the world that makes me feel 100% at peace and happy.  There is just something about the saltwater, sweet ocean air, and the glowing atmosphere.
I must move to the south one day.  I would just be a happier person all around!