Wired

Well, my daily morning walk lasted all of 2 days. I completely overslept this morning and failed to get out early enough to get a walk in. Ugh. Not too good on my part, huh? I stayed up to watch Nip/Tuck which was over at 11:30 pm last night and that, added to the other nights of not enough rest, really did me in. Of course, I was then tired all day today and reached for a Dew at 2 pm. I kicked in about 20 minutes ago. So I'm high as a kite, yet I need some sleep. I hate these viscious cycles. I'm going to try to read a bit and hopefully I'll wind down.

Back from the Shore

Oy. Vacation is over already. John and I spent the past week in Manasquan on our annual Jersey Shore vacation. We always go the week after Labor Day. A very key week as the riff-raff has left town and the locals are out and about taking advantage of the wonderful shops and restaraunts in town. We had yet another fabulous week of weather....sunny everyday with temps in the high 8O's. A couple of humid days, but those were easily dealt with by sitting down by the ocean. And, I might add, I've never seen the beach looking so sweet! The water was incredibly clear; you could see your feet at 6 feet off shore. Really lovely.

It was the Girls' first trip to Manasquan. Unfortunately, poor Cami got sick Friday night and we had to delay our departure until Saturday. She was sick almost the entire week. I felt so bad for the little thing. She was not able to enjoy the beach at all. Barrett, on the other hand, took full advantage of the water. I think she may be part duck. No hesitation on her part. In she went! We didn't go to the regular Doggy Beach. John found a little area on the lagoon 2 streets over from our house where people drop their boats in the water. It was very calm and quiet, so the Girls were able to get their first taste of ocean water without the craziness of the Doggy Beach. It was better for Cam, but I don't think the Doggy Beach would have been too much for Barrett. Planet was in her own little world just hopping in and out of the water. As you can see in the picture, Barrett is looking for some action with the Kool Kong and Campbell is trying her best to tolerate the situation.

Our friend, Gretchen, spent the first couple of days with us and we did our usual Leggett's thing. Leggett's is a really cool bar on First Ave and has been a landmark in Manasquan for years. John, Gretch and I took in a few football games, had some drinks and did a lot of laughing. After Gretch left, I spent my time walking on the beach and collecting shells and sea glass. I just find the ocean so peaceful. In the immortal words of my friend, Ann, "I left my rage on the beach." I was a happy and calm camper for the week. Now I just need to hold on until February when I can leave my rage in the Caribbean!

It's back to my regular crazy life tomorrow. Hopefully things went smoothly in the office during the past week and I don't have to put out too many fires. I'm not holding my breath, though. I should probably plan on getting a decent night's sleep so I'm on my toes in the morning. Oh yeah, my goal is to get up a half hour earlier and get out for a walk each morning. Heh. I'm not holding my breath on that, either.

EDIT: Forgot to add a note about my big bad purchase while on vacation. I got a Rawlings glove leather business card holder for my desk and a matching key fob. Last year I purchased the Rawlings tote bag and just love it. I feel like I've got a baseball glove with me at all times.

And, P.S., I did make that 5:30 am wake up call for my walk. ; )

Feeling Better

I'e had to step away from things a little to get my head together. The disaster along the Gulf Coast has been weighing heavily on me, but I'm starting to feel a bit better. I exchanged e mails with Ann earlier today, and was not surprised to find that she was having the same difficulties as me. We are two peas in a pod. We shared some Bible verses that we found comforting and both of us have been praying for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. John and I discussed how we wanted to help and we came to the conclusion that we would suppport the animal rescues. So the donation goes to the AKC, as they are sending out every penny of donations to different shelters to help accomodate the displaced animals.

John and I spent the past weekend up in Boston. Our friends from St. Thomas set us up with tickets and we stayed at the Marriott Long Wharf which is right near Fanieul Hall. Great hotel and I would happily stay there again. We had a lot of fun. Boston is full of some really great people and fabulous history. I was not able to walk the Freedom Trail, but would put it at the top of my list for a return trip. Fenway was a lot of fun-the park was full and everyone was into the game.

After a short Labor Day week, John and I are heading down the shore for our annual September vacation. I've been needing this break. Can't wait to get out on the "island" (the fishing dock off the back of our deck that juts out into the lagoon) and take in some sun and some cocktails. We always get oysters and clams from Spike's in Point Pleasant and sit on the island and toss the shells into the lagoon. Good times. Gretch will be joining us for a few days, so I'm really looking forward to that. I love to spend the afternoon on the beach looking out at the water. My favorite time is late afternoon as the sun is going down and there are only a few of us holding onto the day. It's such a quiet and peaceful time. Great time for a walk along through the surf and to pick up some shells.

The Girls will be making their first trip to Manasquan and to the Doggy Beach. This ought to be fun. I hope B&C take to the water. They've really only waded into a stream, and Barrett seemed to enjoy it much more than her web-pawed sis, Campbell. Of course, anything new to Campbell is quite the source of discontent and worry. Bless her heart. If Cami could wring her little paws, she would. Barrett just hangs loose and rolls with it. What a pair. I'll be sure to posts pics of their first trip to the beach.

We'll be heading up to New Hampshire to visit some more St. Thomas friends at the end of the month. Can't wait to see the Rowe's. Fabulous people. I'll expand upon them after my return from the shore. Don't want to do a diservice to them as I'm rather tired.

Time to turn in. I'm off to bed.