life's a beach

Some shots from beautiful Marco Island, Florida.

I could have walked along the beach all day. The first morning we took a walk was the best. We saw so many different types of shells, sponges, starfish, crabs, anemones, urchins and other, unidentifiable creepy crawlies (I tried to stay away from those!).

The weather was absolutely glorious the whole time we were there.

and this one inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts. Do go check her out.

We were able to take a five day trip because my husband works for an incredible company. This weekend was an award trip for their top customers. 105 of us arrived in southern Florida for five days of wonder. We enjoyed spa visits, deep sea fishing, golf, walks on the beach, wonderful food and drink, music. It was amazing.

The resort where we stayed was five star (or however many is the most). From the housekeeping staff to the servers and even the groundskeepers (which were stunning!), everyone was so nice. Ken was sure to tell me more than once, "This is NOT a vacation." Funny though, it sure felt like one! I got to eat, drink and be merry. I got a little sunburn and came home exhausted. That sounds like a vacation to me!

In all honesty though, it was work. As Ken's wife I was a representative of his company. I had to host and schmooze right along with him. It was terrible. I had to suffer through some of the best seafood I've ever had. I think I ate 152 pieces of shrimp. I felt a little like Bubba from Forrest Gump - I had boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp scampi, coconut shrimp, etc. Along with all that seafood I had to suffer through gin and tonics - Monday night I impressed the server at the restaurant with my skills. I didn't know what the fuss was all about, I had only four. Turns out they were doubles and I'm some sort of champion in those parts. I don't know about that but I do know, the more I drank the more comfortable my shoes became! heh.

On Tuesday we had some free time, so we took some customers on an everglades tour. We saw all sorts of wildlife including alligators! I'm not sure I'm prepared to talk about the airboat ride just yet. I was absolutely convinced an untimely death was imminent the whole time we were on the water and that tends to scare a person. And they all laughed at me. I tried not to cry and mostly succeeded. :) I asked Ken at one point, "Are you mad at me or something?!" I know he knew this wasn't my thing.

I do have to say though, all in all it was a great day, and an amazing experience I won't forget.

Tuesday night we had the awards ceremony. Ken and I got dolled up in our finest (somehow, those same shoes I wore the night before weren't near as comfortable the next night) and headed out for our last night. Dinner was wonderful, gourmet and de-lish. Crème brûlée followed for dessert - my FAV! And dinner was followed by music. I can't say when I've enjoyed live music more. We flew down The Funk Brothers as the night's entertainers. I think most of us knew every song they performed by heart. It's the music we all grew up on. Fan-freakin-tastic.

It was all more than I could have ever imagined, all paid for by Ken's company. And thanks to him, I can look forward to these sorts of trips yearly. Next February, we're headed to southern California and Pelican Hill. Can't wait!

For more pictures, visit my picasa album here.