Vacation Re-Cap...Week 1

It's been about a year since my last real vacation. I've taken a couple days off here and there but not a whole shift.. which gives me 11 full days off. Originally I had planned on going to Seattle this month but thanks to our lovely state budget, it was cancelled. Thinking back, I am kind of glad I didn't go. Sure, it would have been an adventure but what I realized what I really needed was some down time to just.. do nothing (or something if thats what I chose).

Day 1:

What better way to start vacation than to have breakfast with a good friend. I've been dreaming of IHOP pancakes for weeks now.. soooo yummy. I sometimes wish I didn't get full so fast so I could eat ALL of the pancakes. Good food, great company.. what else could a girl ask for? Thanks Nick! I look forward to our next IHOP adventure and food critique.

Day 2:

Volunteering for the Burn Institute over the past year has been fantastic. I headed to Mesa College for a health fair and spoke with people about volunteer opporunities. Everyone has a story.. I met one lady that survived a stroke and now works with a brain injury recovery group to help people get back into the work force and such. We talked for a good 15 minutes. I just wanted to cry.. her story was moving. I've never had such a strong desire to reach out and hug a stranger. I am hoping she follows through and starts volunteering with the burn institute!

That evening I had dinner with Brian, Katie and Peyton. That little one sure loves their new back yard.. playing ball and looking for bunnies!

Day 3: Sunscreen, Chair, Book, Ipod, Towel, Water.... that's all I needed.

Day 4: A day of beauty at the Carlsbad Flower Fields followed by a second afternoon at Carlsbad State Beach.

Day 5: As much as I would like to avoid the responsibility of cleaning and housework, I know it needs to be done. Plus, I got a new mop and I can't wait to use it again! My floors are going to sparkle!! I'm also hoping to re-organize my closet... we will see how ambitious I am after I finish cleaning everything else!

I look forward to the next 6 days and the things I have planned and the things I don't have planned....