10 Things I Learned on Vacation Last Week:

When I go on vacation, it feels like my home life freezes and time stands still. The only things that matter are, A) I survived the plane flight, B) I’m with my family, and C) I’m some place warm and sunny, or at least has good shopping. I always go with the lofty notion that I will make some profound discovery in myself or make a change for the better and come home renewed or reborn. I make lists of things I want to do or need to fix. I create projects for myself. It’s all very inspiring. And then I come home to find I’m 99% the same person as when I left. (The 1% may be a pound or two, in either direction.) But, I always remain hopeful.

Here are 10 things I discovered last week on vacation:
Most of these have to do with food. I’m sure you’re not surprised.

1. I expand my culinary repertoire – I found I like Soba noodles and Black Cod.

2. I need my fix – I get pouty if dark chocolate isn’t available. I found myself sucking on the dark cookie of an Oreo, because they only had Twix and 3 Musketeers in the mini-bar. Not a proud moment.

3. I appreciate the little things – Butter is a delicacy. Salty or sweet. I’m easy to please.

4. I appreciate the big things – Being near the ocean soothes my soul, in a way that chocolate never will. And I’m OK with that.

5. I like to rest – Sometimes the occasional nap after lunch (like we used to do in kindergarten) is a good thing.

6. I’m picky – I don’t like rum, and I don’t like gin. But, a vodka mojito is divine.

7. I make mistakes – I forgot to pack my toothbrush and my arsenal of medicine (I am usually ready, willing and able to tend to any ailment known to man).

8. I am happiest in the water – I must be part fish or mermaid and I can swim for hours. While in the ocean I’m on hyper vigilant shark watch.

9. I lower my standards – I will eat certain cookies on vacation that I would never touch at home.

10. I let my inhibitions run wild – I will strut my stuff on the beach without a care in the world as to what my stomach or thighs look like. On vacay, I simply don’t care anymore. (Cheers to getting older!)

What did you learn about yourself on your most recent vacation? And if it was just a new cocktail, that’s OK too.