Some rest in Tampa

Wow, what a crazy few days it has been! It started with a day of rest and relaxation. I did absolutely nothing other than read (got through 2 books), eat and drink wine. A spectacular day!

But the following day I was up at 5am (yuck!) to get on the road. It took 2 hours driving through the rain to get to Crystal River where I took a tour with American Pro Diving. I got to snorkel with Manatees!!! It was so cool. At first, a little frightening... they are so big. But once I got a few scratches in, it was wonderful. I just floated on the top and watched them. They are such beautiful creatures. Then it was another 2 hour drive back to the condo to shower and eat. Then I was off for some shopping. But it was so crazy, I just tried to get the hell out of there. No parking spots and gridlock on the freeway beside it. I thought it might be smart to head to Punta Gorda, where I was going to see the Russian Ballet. It took another 2 hours to get to Punta Gorda. By then I was frustrated, tired and hungry. I had a great meal at Jack's on Marion and then went to see "The Nutcracker" by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia. I don't know what I expected but it was... interesting. Don't get me wrong, I loved the ballet part but the theatre was a little lacking. It was actually a convention hall with a stage built. The "theatre" were just rows of chairs (very tightly packed). Thank god there was an empty seat to my left as the man to my right took up some of my seat. Because there was no slope to the "theatre", my view was blocked by the lady in front of me. But the dancing was still spectacular and I was glad I saw it. But then, another 1.5 hours back to the condo late at night. Was not that bad until I was close to the condo and a wild boar ran in front of my car. Scared the shit out of me... and I might had totally lost it at that point. Exhaustion set in and I just couldn't help laughing at myself. In total, 8 hours of driving and over 350 miles. I was beat.

So today, I slept in and had another day to lay around. I watched some football, read another book and had some coolers. Thankfully, I remembered to go down to the beach to catch the sunset. It was peaceful (minus some annoying kids... next time I may choose someplace kids are forbidden) and very pretty. Then I had a nice chat and walk with Mike from Michigan who I met on the beach. But after an hour, I was freezing (I didn't really have time to dress for the cool breeze if I wanted to make the sunset so I was just in a spring dress) so I retired to my condo. And here I sit with a cooler in one hand, feet up watching football. Ah, how I love sundays.

Tomorrow I will try to scratch that shopping itch (and try not to buy every shoe I see) before going to my second basketball game EVER.

Hope you are all well and I wish you all a Happy 2013!