The Conchy Republic

Sat on the beach. Listened to the ocean waves. Felt the sand between my toes, the sun on my face, and the wind in my hair. 75 - 80 degrees every day. Seven full days of relaxation and it was truly perfect. I am rested and have come back to KY a brand new woman! (I knew you guys all wanted to know that...) Tasted REAL cuban coffee in South Beach (the smack your mammy in the creek, teeth staining kind), decided my true-calling in life is to become a breakfast host on Ocean Drive, ate three kinds of Key Lime Pie (the homemade buttery crust with raspberry sauce on the side is definitely my favorite way), was a lounging pool diva, read two books - one crazy and one funny, bathed in strawberry margaritas, & heard roosters crowing from every single place I turned in that darn city (super freaky and I still need to research the migration of this FOUL bird to the Southernmost Point in Florida). Went to a Seafood Festival in Marathon, learned about the Queen Conch, ate soft shell crab & lobster (and left there completely ravenous, since every calorie I put in my body was actully being used during the wrenching task of extracting tiny bites from the shellfish with a white plastic fork and THEN putting it into my mouth). You'd think cheeseburgers and a McDonald's drive thru would be a good thing - right baby?! Sombrero Beach is a perky little place filled with old folk - but definitely beautiful. Had Sushi and Pizza in the same sitting!! Went running from our hotel to Smathers Beach one morning in Key West and bit the dust on the concrete (typical me, so brother, I know you are not surprised to hear this). Busted my new cute little brown wedge sandals while I was walking on Duval St., learned about Gorilla glue - a few times, watched MU basketball, helped a lost, drunk college spring-breaker call her someone from her cell phone, played Speed (I forgot how much fun this really is when you play a cheater), and dined outside at the most quaint Southernmost Cafe - one of my favorite moments in Key West. The other, of course, Snapper's Restaurant - they have a booming view of the Atlantic. I love you JJ (my husband to be).

Little White Dress

It's been close to a month. My new job is underway and I have to say the team of folks I am working with (training) are the best. My boss has been a little invisible lately, and in my job, I sort of assume her duties while she is doing other things (like making her own boss look good to the rest of the darn organization). So, I'm learning to be a big girl and make big decisions that impact little-big processes, yadi yadi yadi. I have more people leaning on me now, and the more I have on my plate, the better I work! It's definitely fun, but tiring. I shall rejuvenate my soul this week during my well deserved trip to sunny Key West with my red headed, freckled beau who loves to see and make me SMILE. Day One (or night rather) - South Beach Miami and Ocean Drive..... the land of hedonism and a place where every job revolves around beautiful people and bodies. One of the night clubs, called Liquid (Madonna's), will no doubt require a VIP pass, but I understand there's a gentleman at the Bel Aire who can help me get a pass to get in? $$$$$. At least that is what I read on a blog. F-U-N. Then, after a night of ZERO sleep from club hopping and dancing to electronica re-mix and doing the salsa & some latin disco cha-cha-cha (yes, baby, this includes you), we will venure on a long, beautiful drive to the Southernmost Point in FLA and watch the sun-rise on our way - (with black coffee in hand, of course)! I am packing: litte white eyelet dress, brown bikini, pink striped binkini cover-up, a mystery novel, suntan lotion SPF 30, sunglasses too big for my face, cute brown flip-flops, a toothbrush, & some toothpaste. Yup, that's it. But, I still have to get my $10 french pedi at the local asian boutique before I leave and then I'll be ready. With 10 inches of snow here, do you think my flight will be delayed tomorrow?? I'll just plan on having some Stellas at the airport bar while I wait, with South Beach or BUST on the front of my shirt and Margaritaville set as my ring tone on my phone. (So cheesy, I know). Peace and Love. (Brother, I am always thinking of you, D, and the kiddos - love you).