on hugs and the last day of vacation

I stumpled across this post this morning after a friend told me to check out NPR's "On Being" blog. Pádraig Ó Tuama, the author of the post, is one of my people...as in we both have roots in Co. Cork.

Hugs, for me, are essential. They are a hello or goodbye, sharing of love and friendship, a kiss of piece, an awkward moment, consolation, laughter, and everything in between. Turning down a hug is a sin in my family. You might as well spit on the person. 

Today's my last day of vacation. Technically, I don't head back until Sunday, but weekends don't count. I'm ready to get back to my "regular" life in a place that I call home. As much as I've enjoyed a lazy 2 weeks, I'm ready to not be able to sit around all morning in my pjs while drinking coffee and watching Will & Grace. I've spent the majority of this week going stir crazy. Yes, it will be good to be back in my normal routine.

more recently

Spent a weekend in Monroe, MI where I met some lovely people.

River House in Monroe. This is where I stayed. It overlooked the River Basin.
I'd love to go back and spend more time.

Drive home on the turnpike from Monroe.

I spent a week hanging out with these dogs (Cayleigh (L) and Maggie (R)).
Needless to say, I'm really not a dog person.

Kiawah

You Should Spend Your Summer at the Beach

You're a free spirit who is always thinking of new ways to have fun. And you don't just love summer... you live for it. So, you really should blow off your responsibilities and head to the beach!

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

We used to spend a week every summer at Kiawah Island in South Carolina. The entire family (mom's side) would go. When I was younger, my grandparents owned a cottage. A couple years after Hurricaine Andrew, Papa sold the cottage. We'd stay in various condos closer to the beach than the condo. My family stopped going when I was in middle school, but my aunts, uncles, and cousins still go almost every summer. This week, my cousin Sarah is spending her honeymoon in Kiawah. To say that I am jealous would be an understatement.

{l}

I'd love to go back to Kiawah - to see what's become of the island that I thought my grandparent's owned. Everyone says that it's become more tourist-y and busy. I miss the lazy weeks spent playing at the beach, learning to swim in the kiddy pool, fishing in the ocean, and dancing at parties.

Sometimes, I step outside and it smells like Kiawah. It's in the air - the humidity mixed with flowers and sunblock. For a minute, I think I'm walking to the beach instead of looking at the pot hole filled Glenwood Ave.

Summer Lovin'

I have a feeling that this summer will be fantastic and I have grand plans for it. Immersion week in July followed immediately by Sarah's wedding, a weekend trip to Notre Dame with the family, and a possible trip to Monroe, MI to hang out with some fabulous ladies. I'm unemployed and I feel as though I have summer by the fingertips. I want to take unplanned road trips and give my scheduled friends a shake. I want to fill an album with candid photos because they are real.

I found myself looking forward to this summer like I did when I was little - when my only worry was that my bedtime was an hour earlier than my younger neighbors. In all actuality, I should be searching for a new job and fine tuning the resume that I can't find. I like summer much better when I forget about the stress of "adult" life.

When I was in elementary school, my family used to take weekend trips with good friends. They had 3 daughters and I was best friends with Marie, who was 6 months older than me. We’d venture up to Niagara Falls for a weekend or Lake Erie. Anywhere. I want that again. Aside from a lack of income, nothing is holding me back.

 

Ready, set, go! (My 8 year old self at Niagra Falls.

Please ignore the spandex shorts and fanny pack).