Outer Banks Obsession

It has occurred to me that my life is pretty uneventful. I am not really complaining – I enjoy the no drama, sometimes relaxing familiarity of my life. Frankly, it is about all I have energy for. However, there are some major drawbacks.

Lately, I have been completely obsessed with my upcoming vacation to the Outer Banks. It seems as though I cannot go an hour without thinking about it, or adding to my mental packing list. I blame most of this obsession on being a mom. Never before have I had to worry about what I am bringing on vacation. Except this year we are packing for a tiny person, who is more high maintenance than Paris Hilton. We need to bring everything for Abe – from his baby utensils to his baby washcloths. Every time I even walk past an object, I add it to the list.

To Self: Look there’s a fan on the floor.
Self’s Reply to everything: I should bring that to the Outer Banks for Abe.

I have even mentally planned his outfits for every day – from his little swim trunks to his tiny tees. I have especially been concentrating my thoughts on the dreaded 15 hour drive. In my mind, the combination of driving through the night coupled with perfectly timed stops should keep Abe (and passengers) happy. But, I know in the back of my mind that nothing seems to go the way I plan, so brace yourself for an all out baby mutiny around 3 a.m.

I have even been browsing the Outer Banks web sites for fun. Did you know that America begins on the Outer Banks? That is what one web site claimed. I think they were talking about the Lost Colony. I never really paid attention to the Outer Banks history. To me, the Outer Banks just was boogie boarding and beaches. I mean, I knew that the Wright brothers flew on the dunes and there were wild horses and lighthouses. But this Lost Colony thing is sort of crazy. I remember seeing pictures of the outdoor play in pamphlets around our beach house. (Those pictures are totally creepy). Maybe when Abe gets older I will force him to research the history of the Outer Banks and present his findings to everyone on vacation. I am sure he will love that.

The other thing I have been searching is the real estate sites. I was searching for our house (it is called Windune this year, in case you were wondering) and decided to just click on a house that had a home theater. Holy crap, those houses are ginormous. And, they can be yours for only $14,000 a week. Now, granted, they sleep 32 people, but they are ridiculous. The only thing I keep thinking is what happens to all of that granite counter top when the next Hurricane comes blazing through?. I am sorry, but sea oats are not going to keep the plasmas safe.

I am perfectly content with our little beach bungalow. I like the floral couches, romance paperbacks, and nautical themed rooms. Who really cares what the house looks like? Just hearing the ocean from the house is worth 30 pool tables and 15 leather couches.

So, I am sure I will keep everyone abridged on Abe’s packing list and the scattered t-storm saga. I have already started checking the extended forecast, just to get a “feel” for what it will be like. What can I say? I can’t help myself.

If anyone out there has some tips on traveling with a 10 month old, send them my way.