Silent Sunday from St. Augustine, Florida

Awesome weather, awesome Air B&B house, awesome people, and an awesome wedding! Weekends with these friends show how as much as things change, so much stays the same. Congrats to Brandy and Dustin!

TGI...WINTER BREAK!

Some days I did not think this day would ever get here. Fortunately, winter break has arrived! This year I am so thankful for the break because it has been my first time working during the summer at the school. This week has been fun with a work luncheon yesterday and a celebration this afternoon with coworkers, but I am so looking forward to two weeks of NOTHING related to work. January is a very busy month for me at work, so I will enjoy the relaxation before the storm hits!

To further get in the holiday spirit, friends and I visited some (tacky) holiday lights in our area (Richmond's West End) on Wednesday. I have done Tacky Light Tours in the past, so it was nice to get back out and see some of the lights. It is so nice to have the internet and mapping on your phone to go and make your own tour! I always think about the neighbors, though. They must get annoyed with all the traffic and brightness on the street! And what is their electric bill?

I have some parties this weekend, but things wind down after Monday. I have loved all the socialization (and eating), but I have been lacking on sleep AND reading. I have about three books to read over the two weeks- I think I can manage it:) Enjoy your Friday! I am hopeful to get out of work early and get a good night's sleep before my COLD 12 miler tomorrow morning!

What are your holiday plans? Any tacky lights in your area?

Vacation Life is Great!

The past week and a half has been, overall, perfect. A perfect trip to NYC followed by a perfect trip to Duck (Outer Banks in North Carolina). I love traveling. I know I talk about it all the time and you are probably sick of hearing about it, but I do. It brings me to life. Even though annoyances undoubtedly happen during any trip, the overall feeling and experience I get from any out of town journey is the fuel I need for my life. It is like a really good tune up- it keeps me going with renewed energy. I wouldn't trade my cheap-o day to day life, saving anywhere possible, to not be able to travel. Ever. $1 pizzas from Kroger FOR LIFE.

Here is a photo tutorial of my trips...

Bachelorette wedding-dress-made-out-of-paper-towel shenanigans.

Me and the beautiful bride-to-be!

Meatpacking District in NYC!

Beer Garden!

Jess and Brandy- AXO's!

Hottt (literally).

Highline!

View of the Hudson from a boat bar/restaurant.

I love NYC:) Even in a heat wave.

Ready to go out!

Me and Marin!

Enjoying our Mexican all you can eat and drink dinner!

Cheers! We love Margaritas:)

Taking a break from dancing!

Our Australian friends!

FREE table and drinks:)

Best photo sequence ever.

A really good song came on...

LOVE.

Duck sunset!

Papa and I

Perfection.

Beach dunes before a storm.

Our neighborhood.

Me running up our street- yes, I run on vacation. Gotta burn off all that extra food/drinks:)

Our house! Mallard Cottage Too.

Joe napping with baby Andrew:)

Baby stealer!

Precious:)

My usual position at the beach!

Me and Nicole!

Our set-up.

Last night.

Posin'.

The parental unit.

Marg and I

View from dinner.

Tan, full and happy!

Post-vacation depression has already set in, but I have a busy few days with pool work, so hopefully I will get back in the groove! Only two weeks until my next trip!

Oh, and for those who keep looking at my "2013 in Books" list, I read 5 books in 10 days on vacation. Not my best effort, but hence why my list is getting out of control. Please message me any reading suggestions!! I am running out of books.