The Beach Code (Top Ten): It’s Just About… Life.

WRAPPING Up another great vacation at the beach, our 14th consecutive year to be exact, I’ve finally learned my lesson. No doubt it’s a special time, with experiences and stories we will remember all of our lives. It has to be extra special for my daughters and my nieces, who are privileged to be part of such a great family tradition, and who are spoiled all week long. I know they get it. Right?

Then it must just be that they keep it close to the vest and come up with this unique way of displaying their appreciation for the adults who work hard to earn the money to make this trip happen, plan every detail, help them pack, fight traffic and make the trek down to make sure they have a wonderful time.

Now, after nearly a decade-and-a-half I have finally done it, I have figured out what the girls are saying and what those words must really mean. I have finally cracked the Beach Code.

Below are the Top Ten Things Said During Beach Week & What They Must Really Mean.
(To protect the innocent, the person who spoke these lines remains anonymous.)

1)”It’s so hot!”
What she really means: “I’m so glad there is warm weather and no rain, so I can enjoy myself on the beach with my family.”

2)”The water’s too cold!”
What she really means: “I’m glad the water is not too rough and you taught me how to body surf, I love the ocean.”

3)”The chair is too heavy!”
What she really means: “I’m happy to help out and carry my weight, while you adults schlep everything else across the hot sand.”

4)”I’m too tired!”
What she really means: “I am enjoying myself so much but my energy is waning, and I must apologize, I stayed up too late last night, I should get more rest, it’s my fault.”

5)”Where are the water bottles?” (We pack the cooler for the beach the SAME way EVERY day.)
What she really means: “I’m just testing you adults to make sure you know where the drinking water is so you can stay properly hydrated. I care about you and your well-being.”

6)”What’s for breakfast?”
What she really means: “I don’t want to make it, I want you to.” (That’s an easy one 🙂 )

7)”I don’t feel like shopping.”
What she really means: “I want you to buy me something cool, I just haven’t found it yet.”

8)”She’s annoying me!”
What she really means: “I’m happy to have my sister and my cousins here, I love them so much and enjoy spending time with them.”

9)”Where’s Mommy, Where’s Daddy?”
What she really means: “There’s something I can’t find, something I can’t do, or I ran out of things to say out loud, so I’m reaching back for an oldie but a goodie.”

10)”I’m bored.”
(I have no explanation for this one. I have no friggin’ idea what she’s talking about. How is it even possible?)

Now I feel better. The Code has been cracked. I can move on with life and head home with the knowledge I understand them all just a little bit better. Maybe.

Bottom line is, we had a great time, we always do. Next year can’t come soon enough.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark