USVI-On-Line

For the first time ever we are heading down to STJ in December, instead of April/May.

I never anticipated this but I have to admit, I am in a downright FUNK!

Initially, I thought December sounded good. But to be honest, the 9 months until we leave may as well be 9 YEARS.

I swear this must be a diagnosable illness:

-craving for a painkiller (the liquid kind)
-complete loss of focus
-dreaming of sand between your toes
-making sure that you have exact change in your wallet for the ferry
-digging in the basement for snorkel equipment
-trolling for airfares at least 6 times a day
-purchasing flip flops with reckless abandon
-shopping for the perfect bathing suit
-visiting the STJ forum at least 60 times a day

To make matters worse, I just received my USVI Street atlas (Thanks Anthony) and a couple of sailing charts that I ordered.
I thought it would make me feel better, but it just made it worse!

I thought I could talk to hubby about it, but apparently I was bringing him down and he told me that I wasn't allowed to talk about STJ anymore cause he was getting the STJ Blues too. UGH!

To cap it all off, I stayed at home sick yesterday -- nothing specific just feeling the FUNK -- and that movie "The Four Seasons" with Alan Alda was on and Summer was shot at Hawksnest beach on STJ -- UGH!!

SO far, in order to cure my STJ Funk I've tried the following:

-Purchased airline tix for December trip
-drank a painkiller
-purchased various STJ collateral materials
-Listened to Buffet, Chesney, and Marley
-lounged in the sun
-Complained to Flip flop on the phone about the aforementioned FUNK
-Visited the villa rental site to gaze at our property.
-Planned week-end trips to Ft. Lauderdale and Las Vegas, in hopes that these will tide me over.

Nothing helps!!!

Seriously, can anyone sympathize ?!?!

What do you do to cope with the dreaded countdown? No gloating PLEASE!!

Have you tried visiting the Islands on Google earth?

Great idea Scuba! "Fly" around and visit the places you remember and look forward to visiting.

Poor Gromit. I completely sympathize. Just think, though, when you go in December you will be escaping the cold!

When I start missing the islands, I go back and read my old trip reports. I also have scrapbooks I made of our trips that I look through. It always makes me feel happier, and brings back lots of good memories.

You need to drink lots more!!



Seriously, now you know how I felt when I had to cancel our trip last November due to miniature Flip-Flop (who by the way is a not so svelte 15 LBS! for those keeping track he's a little over 2 months now!)

I say we plan an escape!

Also, start making your master plan ... just so you have option when you get there. I just got my confirmation from Susie for my order of baby paraphenelia for our trip in November & it makes it all seem more real!

right there with ya! have been driving my husband crazy since we left - October 12, 2006 to be exact. didn't really think we could manage a trip this year as Oct. is normally our travel time and we have too many things up in the air to plan something for that time. But I finally figured out a time we could get away, right after thanksgiving. Since we decided that we have been to Tampa, Key West and we have 2 Maine trips coming up. But I still obsess every day about STJ! Sorry..... I am of NO help! But I feel ya!

DELETED

I took an ancient t-shirt and wore it to the beach every day without washing it. It's in my closet and still smells of sunscreen and STJ. That's my safety valve!

Why not sneak down for a quickie earlier - Thursday to Monday is reasonable!

It's not really that bad, is it? We had dinner last night in McLean at a restaurant with outdoor dining. It was down right warm!

You could also start planning your next trip after December! It's not to early to book spring 2008.

Cheers, RickG

I can totally relate. For years and years we managed to put together about one trip per year. When 911 happened and the market took a big dump, we didn't go for 3 years. I thought I would die. Now that things are better, once a year is just not enough. I need a fix about every 4 months or I'm sad. My husband doesn't relate, so he's fine with my girl trips and he's happy going every 2 years or so.

I try to pass the time by looking at all the new villas on the market, researching day trips, and reading the forum. But nothing really helps.

"They" say misery loves company. Does it help a little??

RG, Fairfax is close to you, right? Ever go to Artie's? We used to go there a lot. I try to get there when I'm in the neighborhood, which is a few times a year.

mary beth wrote:RG, Fairfax is close to you, right? Ever go to Artie's? We used to go there a lot. I try to get there when I'm in the neighborhood, which is a few times a year.

I am not RG and I don't play him on TV, but Artie's ... YUMMMM! One of my favorites.

You should also try Ray's the Steaks if you are ever in the Arlington, VA area. Currently quite a bare bones place, but moving soon to a bigger space. AMAZING steaks. Great wines. Very lowkey.

forgot you were down there too!
My sister used to live in Fairfax and we still return a few times a year to visit my Dad who is now buried in Arlington National. I will have to keep that in mind.
We normally stay at the Hyatt in Reston while we are visiting.

Hey Mary Beth - My favorite uncle is buried at Arlington. If you like yummy food you will not regret giving Ray's a try. Also, Arties is owned by the same group that owns a bunch of other restaurants in our area - Coastal Flats (Fairfax & McLean), Sweetwater Tavern (Centreville), Mikes (Springfield - closest to me), Silverado (Annandale). They all have those wonderful doughballs of death!

Hubby and I stop by Arties on the way home from work frequently. BTW they are part of the Great American Restaurants chain and have several branches that have different names around NoVA: Sweetwater, Carlysle Grand, Arties, Silverado, Mikes American Grill and Coastal Flats. While their menus vary they have the same style cuisine. They are very popular.