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).