Just getting back from vacation is always a brain fog...you walk back into work and everything on your desk is pretty much the way you left it (unless my editors eat at my desk..that's another blog) but it seems that the time off gives you a different view that you didn't have before you went on vacation.  I took the entire week off last week but instead of jetsetting to Monaco or Spartanburg, I enjoyed most of my time right here in the Lowcountry. I wrote a set of 10 things I wanted to accomplish during my time off...but I didn't want these things to feel like an obligation, so I didn't put any pressure on myself to get them done, I figured, if they get done, they're done. Some of the things I chose were pretty small like sprucing up my house and others were a little more detailed like "Enjoy Mt. Pleasant's waterfront park" or "run the bridge" ..and I did all of those. I scooped up some very cheap house accessories, candles and more to make my home a little more cozy...then got the gumption to run the bridge...yes, I am shocked myself...it was quite an adventure but it made my day being able to get over that monster. The best part of walking or running on the bridge is the great view and sense of belonging you feel to the Holy City, even on the hottest day, the breeze cools you and gives you that full breath of salt air. Now please don't think that I have never exercised over this bridge, I've walked it tons and even do the bridge run every year, but to actually say I ran it makes me pretty happy.

I also got the chance, along with my husband Darren, to stroll the Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park and I've just got to say...wow! Seeing the ladies at the sweetgrass pavilion and the smell of the sweetgrass was the first sight (and smell) when I arrived. Each artist waved and said hello all the while creating a masterpiece in front of my eyes...what a talent. We then checked out the War Memorial, which held a special place in my heart because my dad, Paul, recently bought one of the bricks to honor war veterans. After reading each one we came across my grandpa's and I became teary-eyed. I was so proud that my grandpa fought for my freedom... he was one of the most proud servicemen I've ever met --beside my dad and uncle Jack--of course! We washed off the brick and took photos for everyone to see. I'm sure it made all of my family's eyes misty as well. So that also made me pretty happy.

The only thing I didn't cross off the list was to parasail. You would think living right by the beach that I would have parasailed but I haven't! Everytime I go to places like Maui, St. Thomas or the Caymans, I see the parasailor and think "I want to do that!"...yes, it's VERY tourist-y but how can I go through my life wanting little things like parasailing and not give myself that opportunity. So I figure I still have time...it's warm until November.

So overall this was probably one of the best vacations I've had in a while. I didn't have to rush around to a foreign city, sleep in hotels or get caught in airline delays. I suggest everyone take some time just to stay home. I will say when I started the morning, I started it off with a new co-anchor, Erin Colgan. It was sad to see Kristen McFann go but at least the lowcountry is familiar with Erin's big grin and since she knows the lowcountry pretty well, it's like we have another native on Lowcountry Live. I look forward to her ideas, opinions and for the opportunity for the LCL viewers to get to know her.  Thanks for watching and I hope you take the time to breathe in our salt air and just do "nothing"....cheers!