My first vacation of the year is coming to an end and in spite of mixed feelings, it was a good week off. My week was also productive as I downsized my wardrobe, enough to fill three bags of clothes to give to Goodwill. I spent a lot of time in the pool this week as well, and the water was very warm. In the twilight days of this week off, I’m in the process of planning my first trip to a beautiful beach town. It’ll be part of my next vacation this October.
It’s back to Giant Eagle Monday night and this reset was very needed. Keys to victory this week and beyond as I roll into summer include getting back to basics.
1. Focusing on my work and keeping my eyes in the prize. Whatever we can get done, we get done.
2. Between now and the next vacation in October, I’m going to enjoy the summer months and make the most of what I have available.
This Spring really tested me. It proved unsuccessful though.
3. Don’t overthink things. Simple as that.
Work aside, I am going to enjoy summer and get out as much as I can. In Toastmasters, I’ll be settling into my new role serving as Vice President Education for both of my clubs. I’m going to continue exercising and try to get my numbers down. As we go through summer, we’re going to finalize our little beach vacation as well.
My aunt and I had brunch this morning at Brady’s Restaurant. This was my second trip here, having gone the first time in April. She mentioned that we should try it when I had a free weekend, and so this was the perfect day for it.
The spread was nice, with a make your own omelet bar, as well as pancakes and Belgian waffles. There were also biscuits and sausage gravy. The buffet was worth the drive and the money and we got to catch up on my aunt’s recent beach trip to Bethany Beach. While at Brady’s, we began to put together our October trip. It’s four months away but I’m already excited. I don’t want to wish away summer though.
I’ve been due for another beach trip for a while. For me, this will be the first time I’ve been to this beautiful Hallmark Christmas beach town since before COVID. I want to go to either Bethany, Rehoboth, or Cape May next summer. In the short term, my aunt came in and piqued my interest in going to the Jersey Shore this Fall.
My next vacation week is October 11 to October 17. The family reunion (and most likely Annabelle’s birthday) will kick it off. I may do a Cranberry High Noon visit Columbus Day and then it will be beach time. Midweek, it’s off to Cape May. Even better, I may even get a good deal on the suite I’m staying at.
Last time I was at Cape May, it was on my dime and I didn’t get paid for that week off. Eight years later (and older), I will have had plenty saved up. I also didn’t have this blog in 2018, so there will be lots to write about and post on the socials.
We parted ways just before 1pm and while the Somerset Gaffrons headed home, I had a decision to make. Do I follow suit and go to Somerset, possibly making some time for the hot tub? Do I pick up PA 711 near Donegal and hang out in Ligonier for a bit? Or, do I go to Mammoth (15 minutes away) and take a walk?
I chose number three.
While the first two choices were tempting, I didn’t bring swimming attire. Also, I wanted to close my rings. Therefore, I decided on Mammoth Park. I walked around the lake twice and got two miles in. I left around 2:30, my cup feeling very full.
I was tempted to stop at Caleese on my way home, traveling through Pleasant Unity and West Point. PA 130 provided easy access to the main highway. Coming to an end, my week off is starting to win out.
Stylish 🍒 