Final weeks of freedom

Summer is so much more fun someone else has the same non-work schedule. J. took last week off as a final vacation before skewl for both of us starts. We trekked across the state from the mountains to the beach, soaking up the free time. He was a total star, indulging my perpetual infatuation with bookstores (6 visits, 5 stores), entertaining my niece & nephew, and even enduring a highly non-masculine lunch at the Tea Room with my mother (it probably became more tolerable when my dad made a surprise visit & joined us.) To be fair, I busted myself on one of our runs and vowed to keep up with his pace, the entire run. That boy can kick my booty on the trail; it's just not fair. I'm proud to say I kept my promise.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

Best meal out: George's Garage

Best meal in: Salami, Havarti, crackers, & bread (plus 2 hungry tummies) ... or pizza with P & G & their 2 munchkins

Best buck spent: the $1 cone at McDonald's, shared between us while NC's finest PWT watched

Best run: Making it to the top of a hilly trail w/o stopping (thanks, J!)

Most overplayed CD: Etta James' At Last

Best J-tune (to date): His countrified satire inspired by Boone's double decker Wendy's

Saddest realization: Our 1st 2 joint fast-food experiences occurred this week. We're not fans. It won't become a habit.

Best decision: To re-read the Narnia Chronicles together

Favorite discovery (revealed while browsing in Mast): J's 1st job was at Piggly Wiggly. What a stud. He'll now proudly re-live the memories with this find.

Best laugh (this is a tough one): Collapsing in the Regulator while reading the TOC of Why Do Men Have Nipples?

2nd best laugh: Collapsing in the Atlantic as breakers destroyed our best attempts at balancing the unexpectedly strong ocean currents.

Most misunderstood comment: "I like it up here. Life is slower." (by K.) "Sure, because everyone here is basically two steps away from the tomb." (replied J.) (Sure enough, we were surrounded by adorable slow-moving elderly couples, not to mention one gentleman who happened to need help hoisting his pants & crossing the street.)

Worst movie of the week: Be Cool

Needless to say, it was fun to play for awhile. This week it's down to business, preparing for next week. Thankfully it's raining, so I'm not tempted to bake myself by the pool. I've plenty indoors to keep me busy ~ packing, planning, cleaning, brainstorming. Hopefully I won't get too sidetracked by The Magician's Nephew or Blessed Returns. Rain is such perfect reading weather.