SoapZone Community Message Board

I was telling bff the other day--and she said she's the same way--that as I age, my excitement and anticipation for any vacation longer than an overnight trip is increasingly tempered with trepidation. This trip is no different. I'm excited to see my nephew graduate from UNC law school; he has struggled with addiction and mental health issues over the years but currently seems to be in a really good place right now. I'm looking forward to seeing my niece and finally meeting the guy she's been dating for three years. They were supposed to come to Edisto Island in 2022 but my niece got COVID (and a week later, her boyfriend got it as well). I am anticipating some good food and I can't wait to walk on the beach at Nags Head.

BUT...

This trip is a lot in a very short time. It's only four days, two of which will be mostly driving. While I'm not happy about having to spend 8-10 hours in a car tomorrow and again on Sunday, I'm grateful that my good church friend, who's going with me, has told me she would be OK doing some of the driving. I didn't think she would be...she was in a semi-serious car accident a couple decades ago and has been reluctant to drive in unfamiliar areas ever since. Friday is going to be a bit hectic; there's the graduation, a small reception at the school afterwards and a family late lunch to celebrate, then gcf and I want to hit a nearby shopping complex before making the four hour drive to Nags Head. At least Saturday should be a nice, relaxing beach day...but of course the weather forecast right now calls for 63° and cloudy on Saturday*

* of course...we get a few sunny 60° days in the winter, we're blessed all spring with above normal temperatures and more sunny days and the ONE DAY I want it to be sunny and warm, it might not be.

There's also the issue of traveling with gcf. This will be the first time we spent any longer than, oh, about 12 hours together and the first time we shared a hotel room. I've traveled with bff for years...I know that she snores but not too much, I know she likes the first shower, I know she's fine with us doing separate things if we can't agree on what to do and when, etc. I'm reasonably sure gcf and I will get along just fine; she's VERY easygoing and honestly (she told me this), just being away from home and housework and yard cleanup will make her a happy camper. But she's also a little TOO excited about this trip, and she has a bad habit of constantly interrupting when you talk (though she always apologizes) which wears on me after a few hours spent together. The various drives could be...interesting.

Off to start packing! I'll check in here a couple more times today but then you won't hear from me until next Monday morning.