Why is it that vacations can make you less productive? Maybe it's because I can't stop thinking about sand between my toes, of noon-time naps because you can, of the refreshing cool feeling of water when dipping in the pool. Case in point, there are far too many distractions to think about when experiencing a vacation hangover.
The two week extravaganza started off with my youngest sister coming to visit me in South Carolina. She stayed for a few days during which we floated the river in big yellow inter-tubes, as she put it "the laziest thing she's ever done", and she has a good point being that we tethered ourselves to the back of the kayak that my hubby was paddling so there was absolutely no work at all involved in our float down the river. Also on our agenda was floating in the pool on magenta pink floaties (clearly we like to float), indulging in a plethora of bad-for-you food including Southern BBQ, sandwiches dipped in thousand island dressing and at one such dinner, a side of lobster mac and cheese. It was a glorious few days where we got to laugh, play and just spend time together.
Our visit continued when we picked up my parents from the Savannah airport and headed to Hilton Head Island for a week. Hilton Head is beautiful with marshy scenery and cobalt blue skies. The only downside to a trip there in August is the intensely thick humidity that made 90 degree days feel like 104 days. To us, it didn't really bother much; we wiped away the sweat and enjoyed paddle boarding, swimming in the pool, bike riding, going to the beach, water skiing and once again indulging in delicious Southern fare.
At the tail end of the trip, my other younger sister and her boyfriend traveled back home with us and spent a few more fun-filled days soaking up the Southern sun. We once again floated the river with them on those huge yellow inner tubes; this time, actually paddling ourselves for a fraction of the way, an improvement over the first ultimate lazy trip. We sweated through a walking tour of the town and took part in even more gorging of delicious meals and treats. I absolutely loved and cherished my time talking, visiting and enjoying my sisters company. Moments that are treasured.
With everyone gone, I find myself in a state of post-vacation blues. I close my eyes and think of the sky melting into watercolors of pink and yellow as the sun fades down into the water. My toes curl under my desk thinking of tanned feet from the perpetual wearing of flip flops. The one plus I think of is that the smell of sunscreen and bug-spray are actually gladly replaced by the scent of my own sheets and towels now that I'm home.
