Power cord finally came in which only means one thing… I can finally post the much-anticipated beach recap!!  This is going to be long because I am suffering still from beach withdrawal, but I included all of the pictures at the bottom of this post =).

Thursday
Jake showed up at 4 to load the car and then we rolled out at 4:30.  We swung by the gas station to fill up the tank, by Food Lion to get mayonnaise and deli ham for lunch sandwiches, and then by McDonalds for some dinner.  We could definitely have had that done but Jake is 100% type B.  Then we were on the road.  The trip didn’t seem nearly as bad since we were both wide awake.  We also avoided essentially all traffic.  It rained a little but it wasn’t bad.  The weather was actually fairly warm the more south we got, so our spirits were high.  Tolls on the Chesapeake Expressway are still $6 even on a week night off-season, by the way.  Finally, we hit KDH/KH/NH and could smell the salty air.  Everything was closed except 7-11 (it was about 10:30 - 11:00 pm that we rolled through).  We then crossed the Bonner Bridge (that Jake wanted to note is eerily creepy at night), and hit Hatteras Island.  The manufactured bridge in Rodanthe was definitely not what I expected – it’s hardly long at all and is composed of a lot of little squares.  The inlet is still pretty big though, considering there shouldn’t be any inlet at all.  Everything was pitch black and we didn’t pass but maybe three vehicles the entire time, and that was only on the stretch past Bodie before the bridge.  We were surprised by how dark it was.  Certainly the off-season (even it being a weeknight) couldn’t be that vacant, right?

When we got to the house in Frisco, we pulled the car up the garage ramp and went into the house to check it out… but the lights wouldn’t come on.  We tried to turn on everything in the house… and nothing.  I quickly called the realty office night-time maintenance and they told us that the island had an hour long scheduled power outage at midnight to do some work.  It was approximately 12:35am.  How ironic!  It would have been nice to know that the one random hour we check into a beach house in the middle of a night in the off-season is having a power outage, lol.  We began to unload with flashlights and then the power quickly came back on.  The air was warm even though it was a bit windy and we couldn’t help ourselves.  We decided to take a walk and ended up on a dock on the sound.  It was really nice and surprisingly comfortable for January so we stayed out for a while.  I slept well that night.

Friday
I woke up early and read some Twilight and watched The Nanny while Jake slept in.  When he got up, he made us coffee and eggs – I love having breakfast made for me lol.  Friday day was definitely colder than it had been earlier when we were walking around the sound in the early am.  We went to the lighthouse for pictures and I could finally take pictures without any people in them!  Then we went over to the beach at the lighthouse and took a walk.  I wore flip flops and stepped in the ocean so I could feel it… it was freezing lol.  Then we drove down to Avon to check out the house my family and I booked for our summer vacation.  We swung by Conner’s to pick up a few groceries (and I got my Conner’s buy one-get one free reusable shopping bag) for the evening then went back to the house to watch a movie and play some cards.  By the time evening rolled around, we had been calling all afternoon to local restaurants to see what was open in the off-season.  More are than you think but what I wasn’t prepared for was that many of the places usually open were closed this particular winter because of Irene.  We decided to try Pop’s Raw Bar & Grille down the road and were extremely pleased.  The atmosphere was neat – just a little local bar, and everyone was super friendly when we walked in.  I ordered steamed shrimp and I am not kidding when I say it was the most delicious steamed shrimp I have ever had… I mean it was just seasoned perfectly.  We then went home and I tricked Jake into watching Twilight.

Saturday
Saturday morning was a little warmer than Friday but not warmer than Thursday.  We went to an overlook in Frisco that we really like to see the sound and the ocean but it was still pretty chilly.  We spent most of the day watching movies and sitting on the screened in porch.  I also tricked him into watching New Moon, lol.  For dinner, we went to Avon to try Oceana’s Bistro.  Since it was our last night, we thought we’d go crazy and so we got some steamed clams for an appetizer that were done deliciously.  I then got steamed shrimp again which were jumbo so I didn’t enjoy them quite as much.  The restaurant was nice but I probably wouldn’t go back when there was a great place like Pop’s open.  We tried not to dwell on the fact that we had to drive home the next day so we just had a few drinks and enjoyed the evening.

Sunday
Sunday was rough.  When I woke up, I couldn’t make myself even think about what I knew we had to do in just a few short hours.  Despite it being winter, and the coldest/windiest day yet (wind gusts up to 31mph!!), it was harder to leave than usual.  We were just having so much fun… it was quiet, relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful.  Who wants to leave that?  Later, Jake got up feeling the same way.  The worst part was that I had checked the weather and it was supposed to be in the mid 50′s Monday and hardly windy at all, and just after we’re gone!  I showed Jake the weather and he said, “Too bad you have to work because I’m sure my aunt wouldn’t mind us staying a little longer at the house.”  And suddenly my schemy little mind kicked into high gear.  Before I knew it… I was texting my manager and asking her if it would be possible that I stay one night longer.  Her response was “Of course… have a great time and I’ll see you Tuesday.”  (I love Janie!!)  Jake was in the kitchen drinking coffee and starting to gather a few of the food items up when I told him we needed to talk.  I stated the proposition and both of us tried to remain rational until we checked with his aunt.  He texted her and I sat on the sofa, waiting impatiently.  She quickly and gladly cleared the evening for us and suddenly, we didn’t have to leave that beautiful place!  We couldn’t believe it.  We even did little dances everywhere we walked and deemed the evening, “Unexpected Night.”  It was so refreshing to have thought you were leaving the whole time… and then find out later you didn’t have to.  I called my mom to tell her the news and she mentioned that she had a sneaking suspicion that I may call to tell her I was staying an extra night.  I guess anyone would expect it of me, lol.  We took a walk to the sound afterwards (it was so freaking cold with the wind that we had to bundle up in the warmest winter gear) but couldn’t stay out long.  We went to Conner’s to get some more water and soda for the evening and were both completely, fully relaxed.  For dinner, we went to Cafe 12 in Avon.  I got a cold wrap that I didn’t like (I had mistaken it for one of their flats cooked on a press that I would have liked), but I also got some seafood bisque that was incredible!  We’d definitely go there again as well.  We had a great evening and were pretty much up until 5am.

Monday
Waking up knowing you are still at the Outer Banks instead of having to go to work was a great feeling but of course it was hard to leave.  We packed up (but took our time), and then left the house and went to the beach at the lighthouse for a while.  It definitely was warmer, as it said it would be, and we walked on the beach for about an hour and I took more pictures.  Then, we knew it was time to say goodbye.  The trip was rough because we were so tired, but we were very satisfied with our weekend and can’t wait to go back.  I know I can barely stand it… and at anytime (weather permitting), we are planning another spontaneous weekend trip =).

Please, enjoy the pictures =).

Apparently a new ruling will go into effect Feb. 15 requiring that any ORV will require a permit.  (And a 7 minute video… wth is that?)  I think a few details are still being ironed out but the permit rule stands.  I’m sure everyone has their own opinion on this ruling (my personal one being not so positive).  This has been an ongoing fight for the last few years.

The ORV access is one of the main selling points of the OBX to a large group of people/fisherman and at such a bad economic time… this will harm the local economy and paychecks of toursits and locals alike.  Now don’t get me wrong, nothing in the world could ever stop me from plotting every second of my life towards enabling me to move visiting the OBX, but not all visitors feel the same way.  Between gas costs, the high costs of lodging, all sorts of fees and passes and permits… hell, even the toll road has gone from $3 to $6 dollars in the last 12 months.  It’s becoming more economic to take an all expenses paid trip out of the country!

But obviously, going to extremes to protect certain species that are just absolutely not found anywhere else in the world is far more important than citizens being able to buy groceries or pay their mortgage.  And seriously… the bird habitat that exists around the area of the Bonner Bridge just absolutely won’t come back after building a new bridge!!!!  They may have done it the first time but they are fickle creatures!!!  Anyone who actually promotes ORV’s wants to kill all the sea turtles and ospreys!  (Side note – there should be a SRCSM button the same way there is a Shift or Caps Lock).

Anyway… form your own opinion.  Here are a few articles if you are interested in further reading.  And hopefully, my charger comes in the mail tonight so I can actually update about my wonderful trip earlier this month=).

• Come The New Year, We Will Pay To Drive On The Beach (Island Free Press)
• The Seashore’s Offroad Vehicle Rule Is Now Final (Island Free Press)
• New Limits Planned for Hatteras Beach Driving (Blue Ridge Now)
• Final Rule Posted For Viewing on ORV Use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (nps.gov)
• Hatteras Beach Drivers Will Have To Pay Fee, Watch Video (Virginian Pilot)

For more general information about the beach access, please visit: 

Also, check out the following video:

Piping Mad: Fair People at the Mercy of a Government Gone Fowl from Kevin Hicks on Vimeo.

So… anyone have any good suggestions for us?  The concert isn’t until April, but you know me… I am a planner.  We need some good museum/activity suggestions as well as lunch/dinner… and some commute tips!

PS: Beach post still coming, I swear.  Laptop charger cord not in yet.  But as soon as it is… I can’t wait to post pictures.  It was absolutely stunning.

PS2: Anyone else think that Mondays are some sick cosmic joke? 

Luckily, there does seem to be some relief to Mondays… the new How I Met Your Mother & Two and a Half Men come on Monday evenings =).  And I’m even starting to not hate Sundays so bad (which are 2nd worst, losing only to Mondays in my opinion) thanks to my Sunday evening line up: Once Upon A Time at 8pm, Rachael VS Guy Celebrity Cook-Off at 9pm, and Finding Bigfoot at 10pm.  Or… is it actually just really sad that I need this 4 hour block of TV to get me through these 2 days?  Hmm…

Oh well.  You know what?  I don’t care.  I love TV.  In fact, Mom and I paid $24 dollars to go see Beauty & the Beast 3D in theaters Saturday afternoon, hahaha.  A little insane I guess, but it was my first 3D movie and her favorite Disney movie.  As soon as they do a 3D Hercules, I guarentee we’ll be there.  Disney movies are truly classic.

Instead, I thought I’d entertain you with some of the things that have been on my mind lately/more things that irritate me:

• Beach Withdrawal.  I believe it is a real, legit thing.  And I have it again.  And I can’t shake it. 
• It’s impossible to regulate the temperature of your vehicle in the winter.  It’s too cold.  It’s too hot.  The heat’s blowing on your face.  Your hands are freezing.  It’s just impossible.  Heated seats were definitely an invention I’d like to get my hands on.
• Fitted sheets don’t fit right.  Like ever.
• Sometimes people ask me why I don’t care about politics as much as I once did.  (I once even considered majoring in political science and history!)  I used to be super passionate about it but then I realized something: politicians and people who are psycho-into politics (we all know someone like that) all suffer from the same disease that I just don’t want to catch.  Foot-In-Mouth Disease.

Anyway, it’s finally Friday (thank God), and I have no idea what I am getting into this weekend, but hopefully it will be trying to figure out how to win tickets for the upcoming Nickelback/Seether/Bush concert.  Bazz & I have been desperately trying to listen to the radio but with classes & work, it’s nearly impossible and we miss the giveaways EVERY time!  Tickets are nearly $200+ so buying them is out.  Another event coming up is a Jeff Foxworthy/Bill Engvall/Larry the Cable Guy show.  The whole family was looking into going but Mom & Dad aren’t really down for the ticket price so I’m considering treating Garrett because I really don’t wanna miss the show.  Gotta love Blue Collar Comedy Tour =)

End Piracy, Not Liberty (Google)

SOPA Strike

When this is all over, and assuming there is enough protest that our Government doesn’t get away with something so ridiculous and imposing… tomorrow I will post about my extended beach trip.

Haha, just kidding.  At 4:30 this afternoon, we’re rollin’ out of here, heading south, and not stopping until we hit the NC coast.  Everyone have a good weekend… I know I will =)

I just absolutely loathe winter.  January and February are the most depressing, long months.  And then these spurts of 50 degrees one day and 20 the next?  Everyone gets all sick.  That doesn’t happen in summer.

I also feel that it’s completely unnatural to get up early just so you can start your car before you even get in it.  And no one likes bundling up in all of that extra clothing.

Additionally, it hinders my vigilant “wear flip flops always” policy.

I really think geese are onto something.  Even the birds refuse to adapt to this strange, dead, depressing, virus-filled time of year.  I believe it’s time I migrate south for the next three months as well…

Speaking of migrating south… two days until I’m in the Outer Banks!!!

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photo credits: geese | blizzard | penguin

This morning, I was updating my countdown of my updated events and realized two things.

1) I’m going to the beach this week!!!!!!!!!!
2) I have no more upcoming events at the moment!

Some people probably think that looking forward to things is somehow limiting my ability to enjoy the present but you know what?  I enjoy every day but every day I am somewhere I do not want to be and having something great coming up in the near future keeps me motivated and excited.  Anyone else who hates their job can attest to this – sometimes knowing you have an upcoming trip/vacation/party/etc. is the only thing that can get you through a Monday afternoon.

Luckily a lot of things are on the potential roster right now such as weekend in Richmond with Mom, a possible beach trip next month, a cruise in the spring, a beach trip in the spring, etc. etc. etc.  Also our annual family summer vacation to the OBX has not yet been booked (debating on a house/working out the budget has hindered things a little this year), but we are most likely doing it next week so I am going to go ahead and jump the gun a little and add it to the countdown.

I know, I know.  I’m really taking care of #1 on my resolution list.  Maybe I should add stop planning ahead so much?  Speaking of… this weekend I made my beach list and bought everything.  Now I need to make a packing list.  Jake won’t even go to the store until Thursday – the day we leave, and had no interest in making any sort of list stating that “we’d get it figured out” which very nearly gave me a brain aneurysm.  (What can I say… I’m a natural planner). 

That got me thinking – isn’t that a personality trait of a type A personality?  I had never thought of myself to be one but to make sure, I googled it.  Wiki told me this:

“The theory describes a Type A individual as ambitious, aggressive, business-like, controlling, highly competitive, impatient, preoccupied with his or her status, time-conscious, and tightly-wound. People with Type A personalities are often high-achieving “workaholics” who multi-task, push themselves with deadlines, and hate both delays and ambivalence.

The theory describes Type B individuals as perfect contrast to those with Type A personalities. People with Type B personalities are generally patient, relaxed, easy-going, and at times lacking an overriding sense of urgency.”

Aw, crap.  That’s me.  All of those negative words like “impatient,” “tightly-wound,” etc.  And I’ll be the first to fully admit to it.  Ironically, my brother is word for word the wiki description of a type B.  Maybe I should have added “be more like Garrett” to my resolutions list?

What personality type describes you best?  Is it bad to have a type A personality?  I personally fear type A’s are perfect candidates for early heart attacks.

On a side note, I wanted to wish my cousin, Brandon, a happy big 3-0 today!!

I also heard on the radio that you are like 40% more likely to keep your resolution at least until summer if you write them down.  Might as well give it a whirl!  Mine ended up looking a little something like this:

Oh, and I think I’m off to a good start with the first item on the list… six days until my trip! =).

Do you make New Year’s resolutions?  Have you ever been able to keep them?  What are some of your resolutions for 2012?

It’s always a tradition that Garrett and I go first so we did.  I got a Thirty One insulated lunch bag, a new purse from Kohls, Taylor Swift – Wonderstruck perfume, Christmas dinnerware set for my new place, 2 hard plastic cups with the lid and straw (I love those), my favorite scent candle, earrings, a new board game.  Garrett got a new Xbox360 game, a new headset for the computer, a dock for his iPod, some clothing and a cd.  Then PaPa opened his gifts – a frying pan, some cash, and a new leather belt. 

Finally, it was time for Mom & Dad to open their gifts.  Dad got Mom a $100 gift card to Eddie Bauer which he left the receipt out on the counter for (so it was no surprise).  He also got her a navy blue sherpa throw and a travel neck pillow.  Then they opened their presents from Garrett and I which I was more excited about than anything else.  I admit I went a little crazy this year but they deserved it.  Mom got a new purse and a heart necklace she’d been eyeing for over two months, the newest Nora Roberts book, an Angry Birds coffee mug, Christmas wine stoppers, and a picture framed from the wedding of Garrett & Brandon.  Dad got a new LED flash light, a custom coffee mug with pictures of us and the dogs, a headband flash light that has spot light and night vision mode, a new buck knife and leather sheath from his favorite knife company, and a daily white-tailed deer calendar.  Finally, I made them a photo book on Snapfish.com with memories from the last couple years.  After a nice breakfast of ham toast and scrambled eggs, we all got ready for David, Brandon, Donna, and NaNa to arrive.

Then the fun really began when the rest of the family arrived.  After unloading and setting out all of the food (macaroni salad, cookies, more peanut butter balls, brownies, meatballs, cheese ball, pimento cheese, chicken salad sandwiches, veggie tray, cheese and pepperoni tray, etc), we all sat down in front of the tree and began opening presents.

I got sheets, How I Met Your Mother season 6, a How I Met Your Mother calendar, Twilight Illustrated Guide, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (I know, I know), and cash.  Everyone got gifts this year instead of gift cards which made it more fun.  NaNa even said it was the best Christmas ever.  Later, Maria arrived and she opened her presents and then we ate dinner.  After a delicious meal, we sat down to eat cookies and play games.  After trying my new games (Mad Gab & Name 5), we switched to Taboo which was hilarious, and then we finished with a few more heated battles of Dominion.  It was a great night.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!