So sad to leave it...see you next year!

Bye, bye Oak Island! Thank you for a wonderful week full of sand, surf, seafood and sunshine....and maybe a couple beers :)

So, one of the best parts of this year was the fact that I didn't have to do any driving. After a sleepover at my house on Friday, the Neyer's and I hopped into their car and sped off to the beach. Addie and I had fun in the backseat while "mom and dad" drove us!

We arrived, had our celebratory corona's and hit the beach!

My week was spent reading, beaching, cross wording, watching the Tour De France(my team never won), being entertained by 2 year-olds (and watching the movie Cars multiple times), eating chacho's (ask Toby)...and maybe a little texting :)

We all played in the sand and made a Sand Bar.

We had crab night complete with yummy shrimp and clams casino.

The boys and Kelly played a very long game of beer surfing which was hilarious to watch.

Michael was able to join us the last few days and to drive me back home.

We even went on a evening boat ride and dreamed of the houses we would buy when we hit the lottery!

It was a wonderful week and I can't wait to do it again next year.

Beach...here I come!!!!!

OMG...why do the last few hours before vacation go so slow. My head is full of thoughts and ideas...none of them relating to work. Here is a snapshot of what has been going through my head for the past 5 hours:

• Did I pack both swimsuits?


• Should I bring three or four books?


• Wonder if we will make fru-fru drinks served in cantaloupes this year?


• Are Andy and Jess getting close to NC?


• Wonder what games Renata will create this year?


• I can't wait to watch the Tour de France every morning.


• Am I really going to workout while I am on vacation?

Well, there's one hour left...time to begin the process of closing up shop (transferring pager, changing voicemail, etc.). I cannot wait to lay on the beach for a week!!!

Reflections on the past...

So, last weekend I made a trip to Chicago. I flew in on Thursday evening and out on Monday afternoon. I hadn't been back in over 8 months so I wanted to give myself plenty of time to visit and so all the things I love to do in Chicago summertime. I have photo documented many of my favorite things.

Favorite: The toilets at O'Hare...I love that they are covered for me and in a wave of my wrist, I can get a fresh new cover again...and they have instructions. Brilliant!!

Least favorite: traffic. I can't believe that I used to sit in commuting traffic to AND from work. Now, my 15 minute commute is tree lined and beautiful!

Favorite: My old roommates!

Getting ready was hilarious in my old abode. Both Emily and Kelly were notorious for having strict "getting ready" behaviors. Emily always had her curlers in her hair or was self tanning at odd hours. Every morning I would look down the hall to see Kelly curling her hair in her bathroom. She is the only person I know who elevated getting ready to an art form. I miss them!

Favorite: Chicago Foods

I managed Chicago's Pizza, Southport Grocery, West End Cafe, Daily Bar and Grill, Purple Otter, and Beans and Bagels all in one weekend. If I would have had Indian Food and a trip to the dairy bar in Glenview my weekend would have been complete. But I did get a yummy cupcake at Southport Grocery!!

Favorite: Musical Friends

Brian has begun fiddle lessons and entertained us with his rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star after just one class! We were very proud. On Saturday, Deb and Angie jammed for the group and sang. I myself have no musical ability and must live vicariously through my talented friends.

There are so many other wonderful things about the weekend: Indigo Girls concert, seeing Robbyn's 2 week old son, Dexter. Coincidentally being in town at the same time as my childhood friend so hanging with her and her baby Drew! Watching the pride parade, visiting the Harry Potter exhibit, attending fundraisers with friends, and seeing so many wonderful people are just the highlights. I do and always will LOVE Chicago.

But...

flying home to new friends and Michael, enjoying the trees and sunshine, eating at my favorite sushi restaurant and walking into my own home is just as wonderful and even a little better!

Thanks for a GREAT weekend everyone!