One week into my two-week vacation and the vacay vibes dominate. Amazing weather, fun with family, blue sky, bright sun, lapping waves…it’s all good.
I’ve got ample material to write a screenplay for a Cocoon sequel or a spin-off serious based on George Costanza’s parents’ retirement community or some other nonsensical but very funny story. I also was lucky enough to get away on an overnight trip to Miami Beach with my mom, my sister, and my nieces. We left Tuesday morning and got back yesterday mid-afternoon—what a blast, what a gift. It was a surprise for my youngest niece’s 16th birthday and a surprise adventure for my mom. I truly cherish the time we have when we have it.
Anyway, here are some things that have crossed my mind since I left home:
Boarding a plane is still a positively primeval experience. Not many manners to be found in an airport terminal, and I just don’t get it.
When someone takes care of you and packs you beers for the beach, that’s really thoughtful. I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth, but two cans of Ultra? On a hot beach? If Zac Brown Band’s Toes is playing or Kenny Chesney’s Mexico or Dierks Bentley’s Drunk on a Plane (or pretty much any country sound now that I think about it), is playing, I can suck two beers down before the final refrain. 🤣🤣🤣
I’m warming up to Ken Jennings hosting Jeopardy. I don’t get why Mayim is introduced as “the host of Jeopardy” while Ken gets “hosting Jeopardy” and TBH I’m tiring of never knowing who I am going to get. I demand routine. Consistency. And while all the stats they have started throwing at us are (mildly) interesting, I have this bit of caution for the new Executive Producer (Michael Davies) behind it all: stats are ruining (ruined?) baseball.
When I get old(er) I wanna wear OG Spicoli Vans, ride a recumbent trike (to the 7-11 to buy beer), and then go cruising down the sidewalk (with the beer in the bike basket)…just like Big Lou (per the vanity plate) who I saw do just that the other morning.
Convo from the condo. Me: “What time are we going over to the beach for the fish fry dinner?” Mom: “4:15.” Nothing further. (Every year *everyone* likes to go to dinner a little earlier, though *no one* will admit they are the one…they *all* say they’re just accommodating someone else’s preference. 🤦🏼♀️)
The Birdcage is such a funny movie. We watched on Monday night as a pep rally for the trip to SoBe—my nieces had never seen it and did we ever laugh. They really don’t make movies like they used to. (We also had fun seeing where it was filmed and catching a little drag show a few doors down—so many more laughs!) Now we’re all anxious to (re-)watch The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, because, Miami Beach. Versace mansion. (It’s now a hotel and restaurant—great lunch!)
Sometimes, it pays to plan ahead and actually make a real plan. When I go away I like structure but not a full-on schedule, because otherwise a lot of time is wasted figuring out what to do and when, and I like to optimize my time. Like I t’s really worth having reservations for good restaurants at good times—not knowing where your next meal is coming from really can f-ck things up, especially if getting hangry is a risk factor. You can always cancel a reservation but you can’t always find a good seat at a good table. (And when you’re with your almost-80-year-old mom, it’s that much more important.) Very grateful for the two reservations we had on our getaway. Total sanity savers. (And great meals!)
One thing that makes Miami Beach great is that no one gives a shit. It’s so refreshing. Such great energy. The weather doesn’t hurt either.
Sharing one hotel room with your mom, your sister, and your two nieces is a special kind of special. 😂😂😂
I love not working. So much.
At least I taught Kerri the trick for starting our dodgy snowblower before I left. Sounds like she’s going to need it. (Sorry, not sorry.) (Miss you…see you soon!)
Five Crowns is a really fun card game. The fact that I just typed that goes to show that I’m ready to be elderly, so I probably should slow my roll.
We got our picture taken by this clock at exactly (and completely by chance) 2:22 on 2/22/22. Our dinner bill that night came to $222. Cray, right?
A Baker’s dozen feels like a good stopping place (I mentioned I don’t miss working, right?), and I have to go meet my sis for our morning walk. Thanks so much for being here. I appreciate it, and you, as always. Happy Friday Eve. Love you too.
Since we have been playing a lot of Will Smith down here (namely Miami, because…Miami), leaks crank this one up, because I am lovin’ livin’ and it is all good.