Staycation

You ask what is a staycation? It is a period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within driving distance, sleeping in their own beds at night. 

Why a staycation? Why not a staycation? Not many people think about a staycation because a vacation is known for going and seeing new places. But have you ever toured your own state or city? It saves you money and time. Why not try it out for one of you vacations this summer! 

My plan was to go on vacation. A trip to Florida to visit my mom and sister. My flight was scheduled to leave Monday evening on June 24th. Ray drove me to the airport and walked me to ensure everything was on schedule. Immediately we noticed my flight had been delayed. It was only an hour thinking it wouldn't be a problem. I made it through security, with them taking my new face wash purchased at Wal-Mart because it was 5 oz instead of 4 oz. I didn't make a fuss about it but I was a little frustrated that it was only an ounce difference but just said okay and walked away. 

 I found my gate A3, it was hot, stinky and sweaty like the air conditioning wasn't working. So I walked further to air conditioning and a better smelling environment. Later I received a phone call from Ray saying he saw online that my flight was delayed till 7:20 PM, then he suggested that I should get dinner since I wouldn't have time in Atlanta. I ventured around the airport finding the best food an airport could offer, which was fresh sushi! I sat alone eating my spicy tuna roll while listening to live music played by a man on the piano in the food court lobby.

Shortly after I finished I ventured back to my gate thinking I would be boarding soon. Little did I know that dinner was going to be the best part of being at the airport. The new time for take off said "8:20" being that I would land in Atlanta at 9:20 meant I would miss my connecting flight. I made my way in line at the kiosk to get this straightened out hoping I could get on another flight and make it to Florida. The lady told me that everything was booked or delayed or cancelled and she couldn't do anything. So I resorted to making a new flight for Tuesday morning, early leaving at 8:30 am and arriving in Florida by 1 pm. Luckily Ray hung out at his friend’s house in Charlotte so he was able to pick me up with no worries. 

On our drive home we discussed my family coming sooner instead of us driving back to Charlotte and me trying to make it through security again and on the flight with no delays or cancellations. My mom discussed it with my sister and they agreed they would leave earlier to see my place and visit the beautiful place of South Carolina. 

My family arrived Wednesday afternoon just in time for lunch. I talked them into trying the best Mexican place in Camden called Salud. I normally order the same thing a chicken burrito but my sister and mom took the plunge and ordered something different. It wasn't long till the chips and salsa arrived, we covered them with salt dunked them in salsa and they were mouth watering. 

Afterward, we went to one of the local thrift stores. We browsed through the clearance racks. I helped my sister find some treasures for her and for her kids. Since they had driven all night with no sleep it was time to head back to the lake for relaxation before dinner. We were able to do some light fishing before the storm rolled in that knocked all our deck furniture in the water and breaking our new umbrella. Ray was able to recover all our furniture but is still trying to fix our umbrella. The evening was spent playing "Just Dance" and relaxation. 

Thursday was a fun filled day with thrift store shopping. Each of us were trying to find our new treasures we couldn't live without and without paying too much. Our first stop was the Goodwill Clearance Center. This was my sister's first time encountering this store. I tried to get her ready for this but I don't think you could get anyone ready for it. If you've never been, here is a little bit about the store. Nothing is organized, everything is in bins that you have to dig, all clothing is mixed together, and can be overwhelming. The best part about it is you pay by the pound which is $1.29 lb but is way better on Sunday's since it is half off. 

We ventured to 2 other thrift stores then it was time for a late lunch at Ryans. It was the best place for all of us since there was a big enough selection for all of us to choose from. We were all fueled back up for more shopping what brought us to Ross. I was the fashionista finding new clothes for my mom and sister while being the judge of how good it looked on each of them. 

After our long day of shopping it was time to head back home to the lake for a late dinner and relaxation  We all were tired and went to bed early. 

Friday morning came and my family was packing and ready to head back home. They had a time set when they were going to leave but I didn't want them to go. I gave them both pedicures hoping this would stall time and they would change there minds and stay one more day. But duty called and they were on a mission to get back home. We took our last pictures, said our goodbyes, there was no tears shed but I sure do miss them already. I hope its not too long before they come back to visit. 

Love you both very much,

Bubba Jean