Getting better...

Yesterday, Vince and Dad had planned massages and facials for Mom and me.  It was awesome--they were very relaxing.  Then, we found out (after numerous calls) that Mom's luggage is probably already in either Tampa or St. Pete.  They hope to have it delivered today.  We went to the huge Prime Outlets about 30 minutes away and Mom got a couple of things.  That was fun.  We're probably going to go back since we got there with only an hour before closing.  They do have a Coach outlet.  That was dangerous, but Meanie Vince wouldn't let me get anything.  We went back to the island to go to bed and get ready for Disney today.  We had planned to go on a day that was cooler and rainy.  It rained last night (the surf yesterday was REALLY huge--reminded us of Mexico), and was still wet this morning.  We woke up around 5 am because our power went out!  Luckily it was only out for about an hour.  It didn't get too warm because it was so early.  I'll post pictures later.  

Wow. Just Wow.

So our trip is off to a rocky start.  Isn't that always the case?  Our flight from Lexington to Chicago was fine.  We paid $70 to eat at O'Hare because we were starving and couldn't find anything.  We went to an Italian restaurant, thinking we would have time to sit and eat in between our flights.  We barely made it.  Flight to Tampa was really turbulent--there were several collective screams as we kept "dropping" due to wind.  It was pretty scary.  We got to baggage claim around eleven to find out that Mom's luggage is STILL IN CHICAGO.  Don't worry, they will deliver it as soon as possible (but they do have at least 24 hours to get it to her).  She has nothing.  Only had her purse as a carry on.  The good news is that I have some things that she can wear until she can get her things back.  We're hoping that it doesn't come back damaged with everything missing.  If it does, though, we're going shopping!  That might be fun.  

After waiting around to try to see if her luggage MIGHT be on the next flight coming in (at 1 am) and waiting for the rental car, we finally got to the island around 1:30.  We went to go pick up the keys and found the place.  The problem was, there were four units, and we didn't know which one was ours.  We rented directly with the owner and forgot to ask!  The key didn't have the unit number on it.  So we're there at 2 am trying to figure out which unit might possibly be empty (hard to do with no lights on anywhere).  We found the one that we thought was supposed to be our rental, but the key wouldn't work.  We were afraid to jiggle it too much and alarm someone if it wasn't our unit, so we tried to call the emergency numbers we had.  We did get in touch with the rental company, who took down our name and then hung up (never to be heard from again).  We decided to try the lock again and take our chances.  It doesn't really "fit", but after forcing it, the door finally opened.

And then there is the actual unit.  Really small, really old.  Not really clean at all.  We got a good deal but we're kind of afraid to take our shoes off.  Oh, and the air conditioning doesn't work!  YAY!

We've called and they're "sending someone to fix it."  The rental car's key fob is falling apart (and it's a Magnum that takes a special key to start it).  If it breaks, we're done.  

So between waiting for Mom's luggage, waiting for the repairman, and waiting for the car to fall apart, we're having a GREAT time!  Can you tell I'm bitter (and having female problems)?

Now that I've vented...I'm going to let it go, enjoy the sun and the beach.  It is still as beautiful as ever.  I'll try to post some pictures later.

Three more days!

Wow--this week is DRAGGING. We are leaving Friday afternoon for Anna Maria Island, our favorite beach spot. Spring Break starts Monday. I am DYING. The kids are crazy, and so am I! The weather has been pretty nice here, which helps, but only makes me crave the beach more. If I can only make it until Friday...

P.S. Do you like how all of my blog posts revolve around vacations? :) Hopefully I'll have more time to post other things as well. Wait--no, there are still 6 weeks of school left! :(