As soon as I returned from our wonderful family reunion my mind kept thinking about our Anniversary, and although it wasn't a BIG one (25), (50) it's still very special to me.
I decided to take Mark to the beach as my present to him. We decided to go the weekend before our Anniversary to avoid Labor Day rates and crowding.
Not having visited a Texan beach before we asked around for advise. Everyone said to go to South Padre Island. So that's where I booked our 4 day weekend get away. Unfortunately, it is a 6 hour drive south, almost to the boarder of Mexico.
Another unfortunate happening - I took a job that requires her to work 8-5 PM NO MATTER WHAT! They are so strict. Our original plan was to take off around 2:00 PM (after Mark got off work) arriving in South Padre Island around 8 PM, but with me not being able to get off early, we will not arrive until 11:00 PM.
Friday - In preparation, I packed my suitcase the night before and had everything in the car. Mark dropped me off at work, so we didn't have to leave a car there. He picked me up from work at 5:00 PM. Traffic was heavy! We enjoyed the peaceful drive down - Austin to San Antonio (2 hrs), San Antonio to Corpus Christi (2 hrs), Corpus Christi to South Padre Island (2 hrs).
Our hotel room overlooked the pool and the beach! IT's the best view! (like Bear Lake). We had a wonderful night's sleep. In the morning I had to go to the Post Office to mail an order. Mark and I drove around a little bit to get a look at the island in daylight, and then went back to the hotel to relax at the Beach!
There was plenty of sunshine to be had - you couldn't get away from it unless you brought an umbrella. We rented an umbrella and two lounge chairs to relax and lay out on!
The beach was wonderful - strong rolling waves (but watch-out - there's a huge undercurrent). We laid out, walked along the beach, body surfed and played in the water. We also enjoyed the refreshing pool!
Anniversaries are a wonderful time for reflection: We have a wonderful marriage, but as with all things it could be better. I could be more patient and understanding when there are misunderstandings, Mark could be more compassionate and sensitive to delicate feelings. We are who we are and we love each other for who they are, but we can always improve. When I reflect back, it always makes me feel sad for the times I wasn't very patient or understanding. Then I don't feel worthy, I don't feel like I belong.
Sometimes I wonder if it would have been better if I didn't marry. Then I wouldn't let the people I love and care for so much down. I wouldn't unintentionally forget to do something someone is expecting that I am unaware of, or unintentionally give too much attention to one of my kids so that another feels like I am showing favorites... or unintentionally upset someone without even knowing - not trying - completely unaware! My husband deserves a better wife and my kids deserve a better mother. One that's perfect - because I try so hard - every day - in everything I say and do to be kind and thoughtful but all they remember are my mistakes of the past, and judge me for it. It haunts me! I know Christ atoned for my sins and mistakes as long as I have repented of them, and I have repented of everything I know about. I am so sorry that I have let my kids and husband down. I don't mean to... why would I??? Seriously - All I have ever wanted it to be there for them, love them, support them, comfort them, be a positive influence in their lives, be a good example. Of course my intentions do not always match my actions - and thus I make mistakes! I repent! I try again!
Anyway!!!
Mark and I had a wonderful time Saturday - we ended the evening with a delicious all you can eat seafood and prime rib dinner at Louie's! The BEST part of Louie's, and why we picked it, is the view! Louie's is right on the water bay side. It has the most beautiful sunsets. We toasted (virgin drinks) our anniversary, our love, our laughs, and our trials!
After dinner we played Mini-golf for 18 holes! Mark had a whole in one - I did too, but he won - as always!
We took a nice night time walk to see the sights. One of the unique things about South Padre Beach is that everyone rents or owns golf carts - and not just a regular golf cart, but a souped up one with lights and fancy horns. They drive the golf carts up and down the main strip and honk and wave at people.
IT's such a friendly place. Very quaint and small. The only business on the island is apartments, condos, houses, hotels and beach supply stores. There is one PO and a few drug stores and markets, but everything else is back on the main land.
Sunday Mark and I slept in until 10 AM! That's so late for Mark. We walked along the beach and rested for a while. Mark got too much sun on Saturday, so he laid in the shade under the umbrella while I laid out in the sun. We body surfed some more, walked along the beach, laughing and talking along the way. We watched the other families and reminisced about our adventures. That night we ate at Del Mar Lobos. It was a friendly casual atmosphere but Mark didn't like the food very much. We chose it for the location - right on the bay hoping for another beautiful sunset. Tonight's sunset was not as glorious as yesterdays! One amazing tidbit about this restaurant is they have a marching bagpipe group play at sunset. It was incredible - youth, adults together!
Monday the waves were huge! Mark and I body surfed for a bit but it was too much for me. We hung out at the beach and the pool in the morning and then cleaned up and checked out by 11:30 AM. All that is left is the 6 hour drive home.
Happy 29th Anniversary!!!
