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Gone to the Bahamas
This is what I will not be doing.
Today starts the vacation that I’ve been mentioning here, on Facebook, and on Twitter. I’m taking to the skies at 8am and heading down to the Bahamas to get my relaxation on. I’ll be gone for a week. Some people have told me to leave the blog alone while on vacation, but that’d be like leaving my child at home and not calling at all to check in while gone. Oh yeah, I don’t have a child that can be proven is mine because I’ve changed my DNA structure several times over the years.
I gotta say though…the process of shopping and securing all the essentials for the trip drained me reckless. Now that it’s over and I’m looking at my bed covered in new purchases, I’m taking a deep breath and putting my arms up in victory. I’m a manly man that doesn’t like spending hours in malls shopping. I’m the person that will buy something the first or second time I see it out of convenience rather than go to 20 stores to find the cheapest item. Sounds simple enough, but let me tell you about some of the purchases made and the obstacles I endured along the way:
Flippy Floppies Foolishness
10 stores. I wear size 14 in shoes which means I have a huge Sock. This has always been a problem, but it really sucked when looking for sandals/flippy floppies. I must have tried on 15-20 pairs before I found one that was comfortable. The thong thingy was killin’ my foot in all of em until I found a pair made by Reef. I did a leprechaun kick when I walked a few steps in ‘em and didn’t feel pain. Then I discovered there’s a bottle opener built into the bottom of the flippy floppy. I did another leprechaun kick. I was also put on to the pricier Olukai Ohana Sandal. Never thought I would pay 65 bux for a pair of sandals, but the heavenly clouds on my feet convinced me when I tried a pair on.
Board Short Bullsh*t
5 stores. There’s no manly way to say this…butt…my hip/waist to thigh ratio caused me hell when I was buying board shorts for the beach. I put on a 34…laughably and suffocatingly tight. Almost ripped a pair trying to get them over my junk thighs. I put on a 36…still kinda tight in the thighs but the waist was more reasonable. I put on a 38…thighs were more comfy but the waist was reckless large. I surely would have went in the water and came out completely naked to turn and see my shorts floating away only to reveal the 8th wonder of the world. But yeah, I had to try on multiple brands in multiple stores until I finally found 3 pairs that fit me decently. The 3rd pair was borderline but I was too tired to keep looking so I just bought ‘em.
Hat Hell
5 stores. Trying to find hats that can be worn with multiple color schemes was a b*tch. Went into like three different Lids stores and a couple other spots. I eventually came away with 2 new jawns and will be bringing a 3rd that I already own. I gotta say that there were a lot of hats that I liked…but then they had some crazy design or stitching that just made ‘em ugly. Sometimes simple really is better. Geez!
Shirt Shenanigans
5 Stores. Shirts were probably the easiest to buy. I’m pretty picky about designs and color schemes on shirts. I went a little bit out of my comfort zone with the colors this time and even picked a few shirts with designs…that were obvious and logical.
I gotta get up early
That’s all for today folks. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to sleep.lol. I do plan on checking the site during my layover in NC. So for today’s discussion, do you frequently encounter hell when shopping or is it really a past time for you? What stores do you default to in times of crisis? And lastly, do you find yourself going nuts right before a vacation?
Slim “My normal signature is on vacation with me as well” Jackson
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Sorry but…flippy floppies? Of all the ‘unmanly’ things you did for this trip, calling it that might be the most unmanly…maybe it’s a northern thing.
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Sowhatiff Jenkins Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 7:23 am
I believe the term “flippy floppies” comes from that “I’m On a Boat” song.
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 7:29 am
U are right, Sowhatiff.
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Seattle Washington Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
“I got my swim trunks & my flippy floppies/
I’m flipping burgers, you’re @ Kinko’s straight flippin copies!”
… Lyrical genius.
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The night before vacation for adults is like Christmas Eve for kids…You’re just soooo excited about what is waiting for you under the tree (palm or otherwise) that sleep is unnecessary. Until you land in a new time zone…mad sleepy and whatnot. A nap on the beach will take care of that.
::planning next vaca::
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“I’m a manly man that doesn’t like spending hours in malls shopping. I’m the person that will buy something the first or second time I see it out of convenience rather than go to 20 stores to find the cheapest item.”
I’m the girly version to this. lol. I hate shopping. Shopping for me is always hell. I have long limbs. My arms are Go Go Gadget so shopping for a long sleeve shirt is not the bizness. My legs are extremely long, and yet, I am only 5’6. So while I search out TALL length, they end up dragging the ground.
If I need something quick, fast and in a hurry, I rely on Target and Old Navy (but I will never come out with pants from either.)
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ASmith Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Um, co-sign to what Nicki said… sans the Go-Go gadget thing
I HATE SHOPPING. I think it’s hell. One thing I don’t do with my female friends is shop. They make me suicidal with all that “ooohhh… let’s go in here…” NO HEFFA… do you need something out of there? Ok then, let’s keep it pushing. (Sad story: My bff is male, heterosexual and likes new so he likes to shop, it’s such a sad story with us)
Not to mention when it comes to big ticket items (read: clothes for work) I freeze because it hurts to spend so much at once.
Oh GOODNESS… amen for online shopping, it has really saved my life.
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 9:23 am
I agree. Online shopping is the bizness! I hate shoping with my girls too. If I go (bc everyone has to look good), I’d much rather go alone. There is nothing worse than broads taking a whole heap of clothes into the dressing room and coming out to see eachother in EVERYTHING!
Eye shopping (aka browsing) has to be thee biggest waste of time ever.
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Remi Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 9:38 am
LOL @ “Eye shopping (aka browsing) has to be thee biggest waste of time ever.” I never got the point of this.
Although I love to shop, I hate shopping with other people b/c I am usually quick and I don’t like to wait for someone to try on a whole heap of clothes that they know will not fit them. However, if I am going out with a group of friends and one has an iffy sense of style (read: none), then I will sacrifice and go b/c that usually means I will have to “dress” her.
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:18 am
” I am going out with a group of friends and one has an iffy sense of style (read: none), then I will sacrifice and go b/c that usually means I will have to “dress” her.”
I totally understand. This would be my exception too… but we have to have an agreement in place that she will not be questioning my every style choice for her. lol
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Reading this makes me want a vacation even more than I did before. However, with the bar exam looming over my head and my new job starting shortly thereafter, I will not be going on one for a long time. *sigh*
I love shopping, but I hate packing and getting ready for trips b/c I have to put too much thought into preparing.
With shopping, I know what works for my body type so even though I am tall with long legs and arms, I usually don’t have too much of a problem. For example, I know my hips are wide for my frame so I won’t even try on jeans that look like they don’t have enough hip room and are too wide in the waist. I know my arms are long and can usually tell from looking at a shirt that the sleeves will not be long enough. B/c I shop a lot, when I do need to shop in a hurry, it’s extremely quick b/c, for the most part, I know exactly what cuts work for me on sight.
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$65 for a pair of sandals? That’s ridiculous. My ex-bestfriend has big feet and I know how long it would take her to find a pair of shoes that felt good or actually fit her. I’m glad I have normal sized feet. I can go to Old Navy and buy a pair of flip flops for $3.50.
I think you would be better off going to outlet stores to find what you need. They have a ton of stock in every size, so It makes it easier to get what you need. Plus, outlet stores always have a sale. You have to drive a distance to get to it but you can save some serious dough.
Have a nice time on vacay! Don’t drink too many Pina Colada’s.
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I love to shop, but I do prefer to do it alone. nobody to rush me, and if I’m ready to go, I just do–and I won’t have to rush anybody that I’m with! I totally don’t sleep well when I’m about to travel either–work or leisure. Especially if I have a early flight, I’m always afraid I’ll over sleep and it makes my nerves bad. I absolutely hate packing too, but I hate unpacking even more.
I hope you have a great time in the Bahamas!
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ASmith Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
That’s my other thing. I like to be able to go when I’m good and darn ready.
I took a trip in the 3rd week of April I still haven’t unpacked from…
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Can’t get down with all the shopping talk, but I will say that I usually have some sort of work related stress right before a vacation. I always end up working until the last possible minute. The meticulous, workaholic part of me will make sure any job I’m doing is finished before I board the plane. Or sometimes in the airport or the 1st thing in the morning. Unfortunately, I can’t turn the work off unless I know it’s done & done well.
Before I took off for the Bahamas awhile back, I was in the office til about 9 or 10pm finishing a project while my girl at the time laid out on my couch with her luggage. My boss had to tell me to leave.
Yeah. I have problems.
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You should have went to St. Croix my friend. Now I’m personally offended. I hope it rains.
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TRUE Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Im with Lex..bahamas sux..and extension of Miami (to me anyway)….have fun tho..No hate
I like st. thomas and st. John
Oh..and I Love to shop..but I hate to shop when I dont have money
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Slim Jackson Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
St. Thomas and St. John though? Kinda booty bunz if you ask me…no hate tho.
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No you are not going to blog while on the beach!!! lolllll cute.
Have a safe trip.. wrap it up and don’t pee in the pool
I’m taking off soon too, but its just a mini vaca/”business” trip, but anywhere but Toronto is heaven right about now..
oh and to answer the questions….I enjoy shopping when I have money, but i hate doing last minute shopping it usually ends in me throwing tantrums..yea I’m a big suck. As for sizes and ish I’m cool…
yea size 14 is tough.. our company is just starting to branch out and purchase more large sizes…but like the ladies said above online shopping is prolly your best bet..I’m in Canada or I’d hook it up 4 u…have fun!!!
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TRUE Reply:
June 10th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
thats the best place to blog..the beach
you can reflect better, no time limits and restrictions..he can blog about what he sees there
thats going to be a good blog
plus the beach boring as hell lol
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I have a premeditated idea of what i want to cop before I cop it, so shopping is easy. Im n and out the store like virgins poppin they cherry.
Love coppin new stuff though!
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Hate shopping period. When I go, I am on a mission. I go armed with headphones and an iced coffee dark with 4 sugars. In and out like a robbery.
go to stores: old navy, tarjay, and some little junior store like joyce leslie (the mecca for club wardrobe I swear).
Have a safe trip & great vacay, enjoy the sun & the water.
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i hate shopping as well. my new thing is shopping on the internet. i don’t have to deal with people and i can do it from the comfort of my own home. the only thing is you won’t know for sure if it will fit you or not. i still like it though.
have fun in the bahamas.
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