I Miss Spring Break

It's understood that I love Wisconsin, right? I just wanted to make that clear.

I'm also not under any delusions that spring is right around the corner. The wind whipping off the lake this morning and freezing all four of my cheeks during my run crushed all of those silly dreams.

What I really need is Spring Break. A week of hanging out on a beach, waking up with warm sunshine peaking through the blinds, and the adrenaline rush of knowing that I have absolutely nothing to do but mosey out to the beach, set up camp with a chaise lounge, a cooler, a book, and a bottle of sunscreen.

So. Tan. Circa 2008.

I'm desperate for some sunshine. I experience indescribable, completely unique happiness that comes from having the sun warm my skin, and then to walk inside even after only thirty minutes outside and notice that I managed to grab a hint of a tan.

I think the root of this problem is that I want what I can't have. I know myself well enough that as soon as there is a week when the average temperature is over 78 degrees I'm going to be jonesing for chilly days that call for scarves and yellow coats. My body temperature does not regulate well.

That's why I need Spring Break. An excuse to get my ass to a beach for four or five days and manage to read a book without feeling like I should be checking my e-mail. After that, I can hightail it back to reality with a goofy grin on my face after a few magical days when the only thing on my schedule was flipping onto my stomach so that my back is tan as well.

Margaritas are most certainly involved in this scenario. The margaritas in this scenario also manage to remain ice cold even while the sun is beating down on them.

Yes, there are multiple margaritas. For me. I might share if you put suncreen on that part of my back that I can't reach.

For those of you who have spring break right now or in the near future - Live. It. Up. Drink $1 Coronas at a side street bar in Cozumel. "Forget" to reapply your sunscreen so that you have a tanline to bring home as a souvenir. Take a walk on the beach barefoot. Read a real book so that the pages smell like the ocean forever. Go to the beach at night. Order dessert.

Or just order another margarita.