What I have learned about myself from taking almost two months off thus far:

Given any significant amount of leisure time, I will happily wile away hours reading. Kindle is my new best friend, along with the “buy with one click” on amazon. I have happily read many books plugged by guests on Mark Maron’s WTF podcast and even some more ambitious lit from top lists from credible sources such as NPR and The New Yorker.

I am a beach person, yes, but after an hour or so I am restless. I never understood this trait in my husband before but now I get it. I think one of the most enjoyable aspects of this trip has been exploring different urban areas – even though many have been tiny. Don’t get me wrong, the natural scenery has been amazing, but now I crave more activity – let’s snorkel, let’s fish, let’s kayak. I hope to do more of all these things in the remainder of our hiatus. This probably has to do with the expanse of time spent stuck on the boat waiting out bad weather. It’s part of the cruising experience that isn’t always talked about – hence all my time to read. The other great thing about exploring islands on foot is that you get that much needed exercise and walking through these islands is breathtaking – I’m always dully surprised to see majestic waves in varying shades of blue past expanses of lush tropical scenery, rows of mangroves lining clear shallow water looking almost white from the pristine sand below, vivid wild orchids, passion flowers dotted along sprawling vines and hibiscus.

I can now successfully type on my I-phone – wonders never cease! (Well most of the time as the typos on this blog attest.)

I can go for weeks without putting on any makeup. Or lotion for that matter. No lotion after living in Vegas for a year is like entering an alternate universe.

Showering is overrated. I mean, a hot shower is heaven when you haven’t had one in days but it’s surprisingly easy to get used to the slovenly lifestyle. So freeing! So effortless! Just don’t forget to apply deodorant liberally.

Well this lovely post will need to end as we are heading to the Super Bowl party at the guest house at this lux marina. I have been so out of it I don’t even know who’s playing but like every vet ad gal, I’m watching for the commercials. Maybe they’ll be better than in years past.