Is it just me or have the expectations of vacations changed over the years? I hope it is not a sign of aging, but I used to get all hyped up for a vacation full of "ride 'til ya puke" roller coasters, death-defying water slides, and high-def techno-savvy show extravaganzas. However, this past weekend offered the same sense of the word "vacation" without all the aforementioned criteria. Instead, I enjoyed a serene view of the beach, laying out in the sun doing absolutely NOTHING, getting up to witness the sunrise without a moan or grumble or pressing of the snooze button, and spending quality time with two of the best friends a girl could ask for. If this is a sign of aging, bring it on Father Time because I wouldn't pass up weekends like this for anything!
What happens when three best friends from college get together for a weekend on the beach? Alot of fun and alot of laughter....that's what! If you don't believe me, just ask Jackie's husband, Tito, who actually braved the trip with us. I would just like to say that it takes a true man to put up with all of us together in a remote cottage for three days. I'm sure he initially thought he would be enjoying a nice relaxing weekend, but he actually wore many hats over the course of the last three days. You make think it odd to invite a man to a girls getaway, but I personally think it was quite ingenious! Let me introduce you to Tito aka chauffeur, grill master, fire starter, personal chef, and cabana boy. Luckily he found a way to remain secluded from our antics and "girly" conversation. Turns out that boys never grow up....give them anything with the word "video game" in the title and they are content.
The car was packed to the brim with all the essentials for a weekend getaway including meat for the grill, towels, sunscreen, bug spray, all the components for smores, and of course adult-beverages. Poor Tiny was shoved between mounds of luggage for the road trip up to Wisconsin. Luckily, his name is very literal and he was content in his assigned seat. Upon arriving to our Door County destination, it took no more than five minutes for us to be pouring adult-sized glasses of Bahama Mama and heading to the beach. There is no one word to describe the view from the back yard. Some would say beautiful, some would say incredible, and I would say just outright ridiculously awesome.
It would have been a perfect moment in the sun had an annoying little creature not decided to take a plunge in my sugary mixed drink. Tell you what, Bee, I see no better way to go than drowning in a pool of vodka and Kool-aid. You lived a short life, but at least it ended peacefully.
We enjoyed drinks, conversation, and a short model shoot on the beach before deciding it was time to put the suits on and catch some rays.
At this point, I learned one of the greatest lessons of the trip. Fat Mexican girls do NOT kayak. Jackie is an adventure-loving water sport enthusiast who thought it would be a great idea to pick the windiest wave-crashing day to teach Aleesha and I to kayak. Keep in mind that I am only describing the hurricane-like winds just to help increase the chances of the following story not sounding too pitiful. Aleesha was a true athlete and took to the water with little effort and flawless technique.
I, on the other hand, battled with that damn bleeping kayak for 30 minutes just to position it in a way to get my larger than life behind adjusted in the seat. That position, however, lasted no more than 30 seconds when after the first wave hit, I was flipped upside down, kayak floating away, me gasping for air. I believe it was at that moment that I shouted "I QUIT!". Chubby chicas and aerodynamic water death traps (also known as kayaks) do NOT mix. While the other girls enjoyed a cardio workout paddling to their heart's desire, I soaked up the sun and took a leisurely swim through the scummy waters of Lake Michigan.
By the time we had carried the kayaks back up the shoreline, Tito had cheeseburgers fresh of the grill and Coronas waiting for us at the house. The rest of the evening was spent bitching about relationships, roasting marshmallows, and sippin' on delicious Mexican beer.
Another sign of aging......Day 1 of vacation and we were in bed by 8:45pm. What is happening to me?
It was decided that we would get up for sunrise in the morning in order to truly take advantage of the rad view from the rocky beach. The alarm went off at 5:30am and we were on the shore, coffee in hand, waiting for Mr. Sunshine to make his grand appearance.
It just so happens that no one informed me or my fancy cell phone of the apparent time change. As a result, I had actually greeted the day at 4:30am and waited two hours on that damn beach. The stressed-out tired, cranky old me would have complained very vocally of this mishap. However, the optimistic, perky, loves-catching-up-with-old-friends me took advantage of the additional time laughing with the girls. Mr. Sunshine graced us with his presence and offered a breathtaking photographic opportunity.
The sunrise was followed by a long walk and an even longer nap in the hammock.
After a few more beers on the beach, we spruced up a bit for a road trip into town.
Destination? Anywhere with free wine. Chauffeur Tito drove us to a quaint little winery/bistro where we spent the majority of the late afternoon/evening. The bruschetta and beer combo made for a great appetizer followed by a Divine dinner of exotic mushroom pizza and Razzle Dazzle Raspberry wine.
Jackie and Aleesha: "Here's to classy ladies!"
Big Boca Bob: "I can't toast to that."
Poor Tito than drove us around the quaint little towns of Door County as we laughed and chatted in the car making him stop at every opportunity for a picture. As I stated, there can never be enough photographic documentation. Our drive ended at Peninsula State Park where we made it just in time to witness Mr. Sunshine's dramatic exit from the sky. I could not have asked for a better day filled with good drinks, great views, and even better company.
The last day of the trip, Chef Tito spoiled us with pancakes, omelets, and bacon for breakfast as we took advantage of our last chance laying in the sun. (Like I said....he's a good man)
It also served as a momentous occasion when I took my first puff of a cigar. I tell you, there is nothing classier than three grown women sunbathing, beer in one hand, cigar in the other. For all you cigar smokers out there....what the hell is the point?! You don't inhale and it tastes like shit. Needless to say, I don't plan on picking up the habit anytime soon.
The ride home was quiet and filled with mixed emotions as we all knew our short time together just wasn't enough. We discussed several potential sites for Girls Getaway 2011, and I am already preparing for next year's vacation. This time, however, it was suggested that Tito get the year off and Officer Bob substitute in as chauffeur, grill master, fire starter, personal chef, and cabana boy. I haven't yet informed Officer Bob of this arrangement, but I know it will most likely result in much hesitation and compromising. (That...and I'm not so sure how he feels about aprons and speedos)
I miss you girls already! Thanks again for the memories!
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