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Why didn’t I think of that? Well, I guess I kind of did, but I didn’t nail it quite like that. My daily readings both reminded me of the power of gratitude. I know so well what an attitude of gratitude can do to improve my life. I forget sometimes. Isn’t that sad? But then, God sends something along to remind me, and I am so grateful!

We have decided to head home one day early from this vacation. We want to get our daughter home so she can meet her husband at the airport the next day. I also hope that by leaving one day ahead of the Saturday swap (those leaving vacation and those arriving), traffic might be a bit lighter. One can hope, even if it’s vain hope. LOL

That means we currently have two days left here at the beach. How to make the best of them? The weather was not inviting for the beach yesterday until afternoon. John and I did go down for about an hour and a half without all the paraphernalia to get a little more tan before our vacation ends. Who returns home from two weeks in Florida without a tan? Mandie also went down but discovered that the clouds had returned and it the breeze had quite the chill, so she didn’t stay long.

A bit more shopping, our favorite coffee shop, and as much beach time as we can squeeze in before we pack up to leave - that’s pretty much our plan for the remaining two days.

Although I had pretty much decided during the first week that I wasn’t sure I wanted to come back here next year (or any of the next...), I think I have found a different way of approaching it. This year definitely had its challenges, no doubt about it. But I think it was also the source of some very valuable lessons. Lessons I am so thankful for to be completely honest.

So rather than ditch the whole beach vacation idea for the future, I’m taking stock of some of those lessons for potential future trips. One thought is to plan only one week at the condo, and take two days each way for travel. No rushing. Young couples with babies should probably fly... and grandparents should probably be able to travel at their leisure and enjoy each other along the way. :-) Rather than just pushing to get from point A to point B on the way back, maybe plan to visit somewhere along the way, make it an extension of the vacation. That way I won’t dread the idea of 16 hours in the car and traffic in a single day.

Since we have been coming to this location for ten years, the things we have always done may have run their course for a while. Perhaps think of other things we’d like to do or see while we’re here. We really loved Sea World when we went to San Antonio; it would be worth it to take a day and go to the one in Tampa. The Florida Aquarium might be worth it if 1) I purchase the discount tickets from ITT before we leave, 2) the construction is completed and the exhibits are re-opened. It was a huge disappointment to those who went this year - so much so that the rest of us chose not to go because of their experience. And this weird pricing thing that they started at the beginning of July? WTH? I wonder if it will last. A different price each day depending on certain things such as weather and crowd flow, and the cost is higher if you wait to get them at the ticket counter there, but you don’t really know how much it will be. They said it was to make the aquarium more accessible... nope, not buying it. It’s just another source of increasing greed that we’ve notice this year. But if we purchase the tickets ahead we’ll know what we’re paying and by next year perhaps the construction will be completed.

I digress...

There is a wild bird sanctuary somewhere around here that might be good too... my point is that there are other things to be experiences and we should perhaps spread out wings a little.

Also, we recognized as soon as the crowd from the first week left that we really enjoy this particular vacation more when we are doing it with others. Yes, having so many people can be stressful, but it does’t have to be given the right approach. Considering the approach ahead of time will be helpful. Two extended families have already expressed interest in joining us next year - or at least vacationing again whether here or somewhere else or with or without us, don’t know :-)

Two lessons I am learning about myself that had an effect on this vacation: 1) I enjoy cooking for my family - and even for others too, but I have been worn out so I thought I didn’t want to. As it turns out, I am more in my comfort zone when I am doing so. We did not enjoy eating out this year - at all really. So, I need to figure out a way to motivate myself to get in better shape - lose weight yes, but strength training is going to be key. The decrease in my strength and energy has been very pronounced, and it needs to be addressed. 2) The tendency away from engaging with other people also was very pronounced, and also needs to be addressed. I’ve been aware of both of these issues, but have not been ready or willing to do what needs to be done to address them. They’re kind of like a mysterious, growing lump that at some point demands your attention if you plan to live well (or at all). And I do want to live, and I want to live well and for as long as my good Father in heaven will allow, so I will do what needs to be done.

I am so grateful for these lessons. I am grateful that although I had certain plans for this time away from our daily grind, that God had other plans for me. I think it will prove to be much more rejuvenating for my life and family than what we had planned, hands down.

Peace & Gratitude

Susan

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