Today: The vacation before the vacation.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]In Jersey Shore speak, this week feels a lot like the vacation before the vacation.  Next week is tee shirt time, and this week is the tee shirt before the (even more gaudy) tee shirt.  Even though I am working like a maniac this week (so that I can be a Maine-iac next week), I feel like I may as well be sippin’ a fruity mocktail and wearing my favorite Snooki shades.

 

I think I have all the sun and fun I had this past weekend– between a glorious 2nd of July on the Cape with my family, people watching at Chowderfest, and a fabulous 4th of July 10k and relaxing with friends— to thank for this frame of mind.  Seriously, I love summer.  I never want it to end.  Before you suggest I move to Florida though, I am talking specifically about summer in New England.  It can’t be beat.  The city comes alive as we all adopt our warm weather personalities.  I’m a complete pill 9 or 10 months out of the year, but when summer hits… bam!  I come out of hibernation and am ready to party.  Sort of.

This is what a page of Oprah Magazine (yes, really) looks like through the lens of an iPhone.

I have more energy to work out and less desire to wear black-on-black, I smile at strangers (but not in a creepy way), I crave fruit instead of cheese doodles, my hair could star in a series call Curls Gone Wild and I don’t even care, I feel more social and less like a hermit crab, and generally speaking… I’m just more fun to be around during the summer.

I read somewhere (probably wikipedia, let’s be serious) that Americans not only get fewer vacation days from employers, but we’re also less likely to use them than our European counterparts.  While I rarely use all of my vacation days, just knowing I am going to be in a land where my phone will basically work only for Snood purposes for an entire week, makes me feel pretty awesome (this begs the question– why did I have better AT&T service in Haiti than I do in Maine?).  No email, no phone calls, no Dropbox.  There was a time not so long ago that this scenario would send me into a spiraling freak-out.  I am not entirely sure what changed, but this much I know for sure:

  • My work will be here when I come back.
  • Fresh air breeds fresh ideas.
  • My office likely will not implode while I am gone.
  • Getting burnt out serves no one.
  • I look better with a few extra freckles (don’t worry, I wear 50+SPF).

I’m so smart.  Now if only I could land a reality television show that pays me $30k per episode to go to the gym, sun tan (responsibly, aka… not at all), and fold laundry…

Also On Tap for Today:

What is your personality’s favorite season?

Comments (9)

  • Emily @ A Cambridge Story

    July 6, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Enjoy! I think a show called Curls Gone Wild is absolutely genius!

  • Michelle

    July 6, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Excited for you and your vacation! My favorite season is fall and winter is a close runner-up. I hope this doesn’t ruin our friendship.

    1. Elizabeth

      July 7, 2011 at 11:03 am

      As Paula Abdul once said, opposites attract, my friend…

  • Jane

    July 6, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    I am dreaming of my vacation, but its not for a month! I will have to live vicariously through you. Glad I found your blog!

  • fitinthemidwest

    July 6, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    Those statistics make me sad–what is wrong with our culture that we don’t use up all of our vacation days? I use all of mine and I am proud of it!

    Enjoy your vacation! I am looking forward to getting away next weekend because my personality’s favorite season is summer. 🙂

    1. Elizabeth

      July 7, 2011 at 11:04 am

      That’s what I like to hear, girl! 🙂

  • Chetney

    July 6, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    I used to live in Maine, my mom still does. I never call her cell phone (or can use mine when I’m there) thats a state for some SERIOUS unplugging! love it!

  • Jeff

    July 7, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    I feel that summer love, too. 🙂
    I hope you have a great time, Elizabeth –
    soak up every second!

  • Run Fast Travel Slow

    July 16, 2011 at 12:40 am

    I agree — I think there’s something really special about summer in Boston. I think we’re making up for all of those long, winter months. I know I’m cramming in more evenings outside and more long runs!

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