Bringing new meaning to the term "Shop 'Till You Drop"

I haven't blogged in a long time, and as Longbottom just recently pointed out, she's been reading but I've not been writing.

Summer has been busy. I spent the first two months not only working at the theatre and the gym, but also continued as a Stats TA for the summer sessions. I didn't mind as it helped the bank account AND pass the time.

I've been spending a lot of time with friends, just relaxing and enjoying having time to myself. I expect a heavy course load in September so I'm taking the time to have fun while it's there. Last week I made 3 trips up to the lake. I love that place and I am terrified that one day all that land will be sold and houses built. I don't want to think about that though, and in the meantime I'm just going to enjoy it.

Sunday Leah and I went out to Crystal Crescent beach and spent the day getting knocked down by the waves and climbing over the rocks. The highlight was definitely the first time we were wading into the water and I was about waist deep. Along came a wave that was over my head and as it crashed over me I felt my hair lift up and go straight up with the wave and land over my face like Cousin It. I thought Leah might die from laughter, as I can only imagine what it looked like! The last time we braved the water was at the end of our day and I hadn't planned on getting my freshly dried beach hair wet so I left my sunglasses on. Out in the water again, Leah and I were getting used to the temperature when along came ANOTHER huge wave, this one knocking us BOTH down and under the water. What a sight we must have been!! In the excitement I was concerned about my ears that didn't have earplugs in, and my contacts. So concerned that when I emerged in the frothy aftermath of the killer wave, I did so without my sunglasses. I'm a genius. No loss though, as I had claimed them from the lost and found last summer at work. I bought a replacement pair yesterday from Reitman's that I actually like better! We went home and out to the Old Triangle after that for a much needed pint of cider and some good pub food! I think it has become our new favorite place and will be making many more trips back there!

Other than making the most of my summer home, I have been spending a lot of time shopping in preparation for my upcoming trip! It's so surreal that in 9 sleeps I will be boarding an airplane en route to England! I'm terribly excited about my task to not only clear customs but also change terminals in an hour and fifteen minutes! I know I can do it, however delays on either side of the pond may make it more difficult. I figure I'll just run it and if anyone asks, I'm training for The Amazing Race :). There are so many things Jody and I have planned. The first weekend we're participating in a charity event where we're strapped into a clear ball together and then rolled down a 200ft slide. Sounds terrifying but at the same time wonderfully exciting. I can't wait. The following weekend Brian will be joining us on his way to Russia, and will stay until GREECE! To say I am excited for Greece is quite possibly an understatement. I've never been anywhere tropical before, let alone Mediterranean! We're reading a book in our book club at work that takes place in Corfu, the island right above Kefalonia where we'll be staying. As I sit there and read the descriptions of the bright blue ocean, I feel the excitement bubbling inside me, threatening to boil over! The next 9 sleeps are going to feel like an eternity, but luckily I've planned a few busy days!

I have a bit more shopping to do. I have a killer bathing suit that I love, a few dresses that will be perfect for warm nights, some skirts, and of course, loads of tank tops. I laid everything out on my bed last night (minus one shirt and my bathing suit) and well, look for yourself:

The best part is, I bought EVERYTHING except the bathing suit on sale! Oh, and a white halter dress that I just had to have. I'm not picking up anymore clothes, but there are a few essentials that I require, such as a suitcase, a duffel bag, hair mousse, and some underwear.

I'm working all day tomorrow, and Thursday afternoon. Longbottom and I are heading out Thursday night, possibly for a movie so that will pass some time. Friday night Longbottom, Danielle, possibly Brian, and I are going to see Mamma Mia! I'm very excited about that and after talking to Jods on the phone, she told me my excitement for Greece will just increase after watching a movie filmed there! Friday night I'll be having a party at work. None of us want to wait to see The Dark Knight (wait until it's not that busy) and none of us enjoy the thought of a packed theatre so I decided to organize a staff party with pizza and ice cream cake (a cake decorated in theme of the movie of course!). I work Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, Monday will be to do some last minute picking up, and then work Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon. I'm hoping to find something to do Wednesday night so that I'm sufficiently tired on Thursday. Thursday afternoon will probably be our book club meeting before I go away. Then Thursday night I'm off! It'll be a packed week, but then 4 weeks to enjoy myself.

I.Can't.Wait.