3.6.08

Count all the bees in the hive, chase all the clouds from the sky...

Every morning before breakfast, I write down my schedule for the day. In the gaps I make lists of things I need to do. Fold the laundry, call the bank, clean the bathroom, go to the store, etc. The boys and I have spent the past week at my Mom's house on Isle of Palms, S.C., and I thought I'd post our to-do list...

1. Survive a tire coming off of our car in the middle of the freeway on the way down.
2. Wake up before dawn to watch the sun rise over the ocean and search for sea turtle nests on the beach.
3. Spend ridiculous amounts of time in the outdoor shower.
4. Go for early morning runs on the bridge that crosses the marsh.
5. Get sunburn on my pregnant belly.
6. Coin a new mantra and repeat it feverishly to myself each time a hot young thing in a bikini walks by (about every five seconds): "One day she will be pregnant, have stretch marks, and look as ridiculous as I do right now in a bathing suit."
7. Gorge on PBS cartoons (since we don't have TV at home).
8. Arrive at the neighborhood pig pickin' in a golf cart.
9. Attend an opera.
10. Eat she-crab soup.
11. Watch the ships unload cargo in Charleston harbor.
12. Attempt to discern my preference between Odwalla and Cliff bars (the jury is still out).
13. Eat Turkish delight (My mom, while not a great cook, can always be counted on for such staples as imported truffle oil and obscure Middle Eastern candies that your kids have been begging to try ever since they read The Chronicles of Narnia).
14. Go to the aquarium and almost get locked in at closing time.
15. Shop at the Piggly Wiggly (where they have not only free cookies, kid-size shopping carts and a juice bar, but special parking spots for pregnant women- yeah!).
16. Hunt for whelks and jelly fish at low tide.

As you can see, we've been busy, but not with the normal activities of daily life- and that has been so refreshing. I do admit to abusing Dr. Pepper just a bit in order to keep up with everyone else. There is just something about the sun and the wind and the rythm of the tides, though, that pumps life back into me. Stay tuned for the next post, in which I'll expound on the joys of an outdoor shower...

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have only one emotional response to your post: jealousy.

Elise said...

Katie - what a wonderful read! I'm so glad you're having such a relaxing time. Enjoy!

Elise

Andrea said...

That sounds fabulous. I share the need for Dr. Pepper when on family trips--it's really amazing how being on "vacation" and out of your element can be so tiring.

Andrea said...

Katie--I remember feeling like I would be "legit" at 25.

I was talking to a few moms (in their 40s) and they said that they loved their 30s. Like you said--they were comfortable in their own skin and they had a lot figured out about themselves and others.

I am sure I am going to LOVE them!!

Kate Alexis said...

See if you can find LARA bars! They're only whole foods and REALLY GOOD! My favorite one is the Cashew Cookie... you should be able to find them Whole Foods near the Cliff Bars... you should try those before you make up your mind!

OOOO, and I'm a little jealous of your beach fun too!
xo.

cindy baldwin said...

First off: I LOVE outdoor showers. I want to live in a place where I can have an outdoor shower. They are some of my favorite things...

Second: You have good musical taste! I love "Stolen."

Lindsay said...

Thanks for getting that song stuck in my head all day..

"....christopher robin and pooh - do doo doo do....."

I'm glad you're having such a great time!

Alicia L. said...

First off, I didn't realize you were pregnant! Congratulations. And a girl too! How exciting.

Your trip sounds so wonderful and carefree. What a great thing for your kids to be able to enjoy.

I love your posts. They are always so well written. Your school post nearly had me in tears. It relates so much to my life as well. I just hadn't thought it out quite so eloquently.

Hope you are feeling well.

team howey said...

In case you ever fondly think on the northwest, it has been in the mid 50's since January and I don't think it's stopped raining since last August. Wish we could soak up some sun in the South Carolina beaches!

Hillary said...

Ah, the joys of a non-scheduled life! Thus the true definition of a successful vacation--sounds heavenly!

Mercedes said...

I have this to say: I miss you, I miss you, I miss you.

cherlyn and family said...

my goodness, what a list. I hope you are doing well.

Emily said...

I just got to catch up on your blog, congratulations! I am so excited for you guys and your little girl on the way. And I loved your post about father and sons camp-out, I have had very similar thoughts and feelings myself.