Florida

I spent 4 days in Florida earlier this month with 2 of my gal pals. It was more than I could have hoped for. Initially I was bummed that 3 of my friends were unable to make it. But I had a greater ability to relax by not worrying about 5 people having fun and getting along. After 2 interesting flights - Denver to Houston I had a guy who looked like a washed up hippy and was drunk sit in my row and announce that today was our lucky day because he was there. I'm thinking "Please, just ignore me." But of course he didn't. Anyway, then the flight from Houston to Ft. Myers, another drunk 30-something guy who weighed about 250 sits next to me. Nice. - So, I get to Ft Myers about 10:30 at night and see my girls, get our Chrysler 300 rented (what happened to a cute convertible for 3 cute 40-year-olds)??? We drive in the dark to get to the house we're staying at and are pretty impressed when we get there (well, except for the water pressure). Screened in pool in the back yard - yay! The next day we go to the beach - even after being lazy for hours on the beach, getting a henna tattoo and having some wine back at the house, I'm still not totally relaxed. Then Friday comes - we go to http://www.usalonanddayspa.com/ for some amazing treatments. I'm halfway through my facial when I realize I am TOTALLY RELAXED!!! When was the last time I felt this way? Why did it take me more than 36 hours to chill out? The gals and I grab a bite to eat and over our burger, salad and nachos I'm in tears telling my gal pals how much I dislike parts of my personality. They assure me (like anyone would) that I'm a sweet, caring person who always thinks of others. They tell me I need to take better care of ME. This kind of goes against my grain. On one hand, yes I totally agree that I have to take care of me so I can take care of others. On the other hand, isn't that a bit, well...selfish??? So for the next 2 days I decide to take care of me. Chris and I go to Sanibel Island on Saturday and I luxuriously lounge on the beach sipping on water, nibbling on snacks and soak up the sun. I have been so wary of getting any sun on my body for years that I am reveling in the heat. It's amazing. Why am I so strict with myself? Sunday is my day alone after the girls have flown home. I lounge in the pool for hours, drink a glass of wine, eat chocolate then get ready to go to the airport, fly home, and meet my man. I have learned more about enjoying life and letting myself be free. I didn't do the journaling and reading I promised myself I would do (except for reading People and O and Glamour) on the trip. I didn't exercise everyday like I promised myself I would, but yet it was more than I could have hoped for.