Everyone that works for somebody or for themselves needs vacation. I get really tired of explaining to people that even though I get 7 days off at a time, it’s not like vacation every other week. I know you don’t understand it, but just trust me…it’s hard to work an overnight shift 7 days straight.
Anywho, every year I take my entire work week off which results in a 3 week vacation for me. Carli and Veronica were gracious enough to give me a tiny break from the blog while I enjoyed that time.
This is the final vacation post, but I wanted to share because I think EVERYONE should use their vacation days, because we all deserve a break & it increases your morale on the job.
I recently read in a study, that several people don’t take vacation….here is some inspiration…nothing major, just NOT WORKING!!!!
Well kind of, I started my first week off teaching these lovelies at VBS!
Actually, that wasn’t the only work I did because we launched the new BODYPUMP 86 which I reviewed last week..
We also launched BODYCOMBAT 56 and that review is coming soon! So it wasn’t too hard for me to Continue My Fitness Efforts While Vacationing.
I went to my first wedding for the summer. I was going to do another F2BD post, but my dress looked wrinkled at the bottom 🙂
You already read about my girls getaway which started with a trip to my favorite place Savannah, GA.
We also went shopping in Jacksonville, Florida and stopped at the Landings!
While I was there, I was approached by a former American Idol contestant. You remember the guy that got kicked off of the show due to a police record….I didn’t, he had to tell me all of this, but my Mother is an avid fan so she knew him.
He sung to me and everything! Yeah, I bought a C.D. Shiboski was working hard out here in these streets! I had to support!
Then my Mother bought me tickets to see Nephew Tommy.
Even though I love my city Macon, GA, we did not have a good showing. He came out and apologized and said he couldn’t work like that. The promoter didn’t have his money 🙁 ! We got our money back!
It turns out, I get to see him this weekend as he is co-hosting the step show for the Centennial.
The following night was an early birthday dinner with the girls!
On my actual birthday, my big sister/mentor/fellow pharmacist took me to lunch at one of my favorite places.
I made her get the fortune cookie before we left. I told her she had to read it and add “in the bed” at the end. I got that from the young people. It is super funny to me.
Then my family dinner tradition occurred @ Longhorn 🙂 This is what happens when you have a Father who is OCD about the waitress touching his iPhone….
Family Portrait ….sort of
My sister drug me to the local beach!
I got these from my first grade teacher who happens to be REALLY good friends with my Mother. We have a summer tradition of frying green tomatoes.
SN – Fried Green Tomatoes is one of my all time favorite movies.
Another summer tradition that I did on vacation was play pluck with my mother and sister. It is a card game similar to spades but designed for 3 people.
My BFF missed my first birthday dinner, so she planned her own and made the hubby come take pictures and everything.
We went to a local Italian restaurant & apparently working in food service and using the N word is all the rage.
Firstly, I told this guy that my friend was a bartender and he offered both of us jobs at their new restaurant…I didn’t even respond.
Then he told us about his trip to Vegas and while he was telling us about the comedy show, he quoted the comedian (with the N word)…there were blank stares all over the place.
Then he asked me out on a date, lol! What a night!!!
I visited a lot of friends, family, sick and shut in, attended some local cultural and greek events, & went to church every Sunday in June without being sleepy due to my job.
It might not seem like much, but it was a VERY good break!
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- Do you know how to play pluck?
- Do you take your kids to Vacation Bible School?
- How do you respond to racial slurs?
- Do you still watch American Idol?
- Do you take your vacation days?
- Do you do fortune cookies?
- Do you let other people touch your phone?
Whoa, I had a lot of questions today 🙂
Rx Fitness Lady
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You definitely made the most of your time off and good for you! 🙂 Love all the pictures…am still jealous over your trip to Savannah! Happy belated birthday! :)-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted…Would You Rather: Show Up At Your High School Reunion Wearing A Bikini Or With Your Head Shaved?
Thanks Ashley! Savannah was short but most enjoyable.
Happy belated birthday! Love the photos of your trip of which you had a ball 🙂
blackhuff recently posted…A book by it’s cover
Thanks for the wishes!
Whoa Joi….you do have a ton of questions but I love it!;) it looks and read like you had so much fun doing what you don’t often get to do b/c of your work schedule!!!! Because we work so much and of course some of us have to…we miss the most important things in life that money can’t buy—Family, Friends, Fun, and making an impact in the lives of our youth!!! I love the balance that you have on life it’s so exciting!!;) God’s timing is impeccable to allow to be in the right place at the right time!!! You are such an inspiration to us by showing us real life from a real woman from health to fun!!
Pardon any mistakes in my post my phone wouldn’t stop zooming in so I just posted before I lost that book!!! Lol!!
Thanks for keeping me motivated to live life Joi!!;)
It was fine hun, you’re a pro with that phone 🙂 Thanks for your kind words and continued support GiGi!
I’ve been called some nasty racial terms! For the most part I’ve ignored them. I know words can hurt, but I think we can be stronger than words if we try.
It’s too long an explanation for here, but we are all one race, the human race. There is ethnicity, but only one race. When I learned that, I liked it.
Dr. J recently posted…Comedians Kill With Fast Food Jokes
Yes, we did ignore that comment. Thanks for chiming in Dr. J!
You had some pretty interesting men stuff going on! Sorry, but I just don’t miss those days (although some men don’t care if you’re married which is super irritating).
My kids went to VBC and when they were old enough volunteered oldest & youngest only volunteered a few years). My 21 yo is a Sunday School teacher.
I still need to tell everyone about my oldest when she was little. Basically, because I never really discussed/talked about/or used racial slurs my daughter had the hardest time pointing out a little boy who had hit her (she was 4). After describing his entire outfit and I still didn’t know who she was talking about (we were at Six Flags) she finally says “the boy with the brown skin!” After all of that I just told her to play with someone else if she didn’t think that boy was nice. LOL I think that was the first and last time I ever heard her refer to anyone by color.
I don’t take very much vacation. Because me and my husband are so sick I tend to save them for emergencies, Dr appointments, etc.
Carli recently posted…Blueberries: A Superfood Recipe Round-Up
It sounds to me like you’ve done an excellent job with your children Carli. I love hearing about them.
I get irritated when married men try to talk to me!!!
Loved the vacation recap Joi, I would like to attend the Essence Festival next year. We played plunk as kids, I went to VBS as a child every year, a church in the neighborhood had it. My church doesn’t have VBS, a tradition that should come back. I have to admit about racial slurs, it just depends. It hasn’t happened in so long I can’t even recall. I only watch American Idol during auditions if then, I love fortune cookies. I used all my vacation when I was in the corporate world. I don’t have a problem with people touching my iPhone because I will ask someone to take a picture in a minute. I have an OtterBox on mine, but I am OCD about keeping it clean. I think I hit all of your questions…whew!
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Lol, thanks Whitney! My mind was all over the place with this one. I enjoyed reading your responses. I loved Essence the time I went and have been trying to get back yearly. Next year might be my time as well.
Haha. I’m laughing at your family pics. Instead of one pic.lol. Your dad is too funny. I don’t mind folks holding my phone…especially if it means getting a family pic on an outing. Never heard of the game pluck before. I don’t watch American Idol. I don’t really get vacation days, but we try to take several extended weekends, then a one week-er during the summer, mainly for the kids. I read fortune cookies, but don’t take them seriously at all. maybe if I add ‘in the bed” it might spice things up a bit.lol
You made it almost to my neck of the woods. A few more hours south you’d be near Tampa, FL.
The nerves of some people..I’m quick to very kindly tell folks when their language or behavior (towards me) is inappropriate. Even my 3 yo tells me when he think things are inappropriate. Really enjoyed the post. Thanks for sharing the gist of your vacay!!
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The lifestyle of a business owner, no vacays…hummm 🙂 JK, I am so here for it! My Daddy was tripping real hard! I need to make sure he reads this post!
How fun! Love the pictures. Dude asked you out?! REALLY?
I can only imagine how difficult it is to do overnights 7 days in a row. I give you all the cred! Glad you had a great time off.
Nellie recently posted…Weekly Wednesday Workout: Pilates Leg Pull Front Exercise
Yes and he was a little short stuff!
I’m so glad that you were able to take a nice vacation from work and do so many fun things!!!
I’m all about vacation (and I don’t even work anymore – not a paying job anyway!!).
I’ve never heard of pluck but I like most games – maybe I should check into it.
I’m not a fan of racial slurs no matter who is using them or how they are used – I’ve never understood the point.
Kim recently posted…Vein Stripping: A Final Report
I love vacation and they have changed our policies for next year. Not sure if I’m going to be a happy employee any longer!
I used to live in Jax, FL – very familiar with The Landing. So cool that guy was getting his hustle on. I wish I could do that. I wouldn’t have known him either. I haven’t watched American Idol from beginning to end since Reuben and Clay ten hundred years ago. Fried Green Tomatoes is also a favorite movie of mine. I’m overdue, I haven’t seen it in a while. As much as movies and commercials sell me on eating/trying things, I’ve never had a fried green tomato. As for vacation days I wonder how my husband would respond to me asking for a week off without him. LOL – you know since we work together. Whenever we actually get to go out I have to tell him – no business talk.
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted…Murphy’s Law of Home Alone Part 2…
I think the last time I watched was with Fantasia. I think I’m overdue for Fried Green Tomatoes too but definitely not eating them 🙂 We had a really nice time in Jacksonville.
Great vacation. I’m a firm believer in taking vacations. I try to work in a family trip and a girls’ trip each year. The trips don’t have to be huge, but getting away is very necessary.
I son hasn’t attended VBS as of yet.
I don’t mind people touching my phone.
I’m not a fortune cookie fan.
Girl I don’t take them seriously, it’s kind of funny to me though. I love a good girls trip as well.
Now that was a very good break. I never took vacation days when I was working I liked the money part at the end of the year better lol but I do think now that I am older vacations are a must.
I never really thought about collecting the money, the mental break is valued so much more to me. If I didn’t work overnights then maybe it wouldn’t be so vital for me.
I agree with needing vacations each year! The human mind/body need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I have enjoyed all of your vacation posts!
Sherelle recently posted…Wedding Wednesdays: Avoiding Nature’s Fate When Setting Your Wedding Date
Lol, thanks Sherelle! I will try to leave it alone now!
While I may go on vacations – home – I never actually go on a vacation. I always bring my laptop with me so I can get work done. I am constantly submitting myself for auditions, working with my agents, making videos, etc. I need to take a week off but I am SOOOOOOOOO OCD I don’t think I can! LOL!
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…Gwyneth Paltrow is Utterly Scrumptious
I don’t see anything wrong with that at all GiGi! Hard work pays off. All the best to you while you stay on your hustle lady!
Hey Ajoi. I finally made it back to show love and support. I love the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Yes, I take ALL my vacation days and some in between lol. My mother taught us to get out of Ga every year, and i still live by that rule w my son.Yes, I know how to play Pluck. No, I only watch the American Idol auditions. Tre’ funny. My son is 19yo and has his own car. He is allowed to drive himself to VBS:) I work a lot and do not have time to teach. But its fun to worship. I’m a child at heart. I love the cookie and punch ,and my pastor serves hotdogs…lol haha. And the fortune cookie is a must in bed…lol
Lol, thanks for entertaining all my questions Crystal! Good to hear from you dear! I like that rule of getting out of GA. So many people have never left home and if they do, they go to Atl and call it a wrap!
Great recap of your vacation. I love eating fried green tomatoes and my friends and I use “in bed” with fortune cookies too. I still watch American Idol. Was a huge fan 2 years ago because I’m friends with the sister of one of the finalists.
I thought about your post from Monday when I left my iPhone on the dashboard of my car by accident yesterday. 90 degree sun in Louisiana don’t play! Large yellow alert icon was on the home screen. Message on the phone said TEMPERATURE WARNING: Can not use phone until it cools down. I was freaking out.
Kimberly H. Smith recently posted…It’s My 6 Month Blogiversary Facebook Link Up Party!
Yep, that’s the same warning my sister had on her iPhone! Of course you love fried green tomatoes..we are twins!
WOW! That was a very productive vacation. You looked amazing in every photo that you shared, BTW! You have a beautiful family!
Will you be in DC for your celebration? You know I am in the area!
Karen recently posted…Friendship
Thank you Karen! Yes ma’am, you know it! I am thinking it going to be a mess with over 50,000 people headed there. We have to connect!
Talk about a full slate of events! Joi you had a great break! Good for you. I’m going to do likewise at the end of the month. Costa Rica here I come!
Alison recently posted…Search and rescue: When freedom depends on us
HOLLA!!! Enjoy! That sounds awesome! I hope you will recap Alison!
My white grandmother (she was from Austria) raised me. I suffered racial slurs from her. So did the rest of my interracial extended family (aunt’s, cousins, etc). She’s passed away now and all is forgiven. But just sayin, I’m used to racial slurs.
Yum Yucky recently posted…Magic Energy Capsules and Calorie Killer Pills
Yeah, this broke my heart to read but I’m glad that you are at peace with it Josie!
I agree 100% that everyone should take a vacation! I am so glad you had a good time. I love the photos. Especially those of your family. Beautiful!
Ilene recently posted…The B Sides
Thank you Ilene! It was full of love from friends and family!
Sounds like a really great vacation. The pics are great! I think it’s so important to take time off. I’m busy (like everyone else!), but if I don’t take time for myself, my work and family life suffer. I always come back energized!
another jennifer recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Frogs
Yes, I went back to work last Monday and it seemed like the week totally flew by!
Hello! I’m behind you today in the SITS roll call. I totally agree about the vacation thing! I use every moment that my employee gives to me. It’s important to take those breaks!
Diva recently posted…A Few Words on Wednesday: Five Minutes for Daddy
Agreed Diva! Thanks for visiting!
Joi
I’m so glad you had such a great vacation! I agree we all deserve a nice big one at least once a year!
Thank you Catherine! I make sure to take mine yearly!
So many questions! Mine are mostly “no” except for the fortune cookie one. I think I need many more vacations. I used to take one or two a year and now it’s been nearly three years without a long one. I go to Cape Cod for a weekend every summer but do two nights count? Two nights with two kids? You are inspiring me. I would love some adventure AND relaxation.
Tamara recently posted…I Am Number Four.
Yes it counts! You have a family boo, that’s your vacation 🙂
First off, good for you for getting such a fabulous vacation! I’m guilty of not vacationing for a few years, but that was so I could save up my time off to have babies (totally worth it). Anyway, I can’t believe that story about the Italian restaurant… who in their right mind would repeat a joke like that?! Thankfully you have a good attitude about it all.
Leslie recently posted…{Weigh In Wednesday} Week 27
Girl I have days saved up for that purpose (sick days) but now they are changing our policy. I wish I had been using those sick days now 🙂
Hahaha Joi…too funny!! Looks like you had an awesome time girl!! I so agree…EVERYONE should take a vacation!! And I agree with your dad…I hate when others touch my phone, lol! I’ve definitely been gone for a while…how did I miss you becoming a Community Lead for the SITs Girls!! CONGRATS lady, so happy for you…you definitely deserve it!!! I’ve got to take time this weekend to catch up on all the post you wrote while I was away! 🙂 Thanks for linking up lady…have a lovely rest of your week!
Michell recently posted…“Doing YOU WELL Wednesday #23…I’m baaack!!
Thanks Michell! Ha at the cell phones, you all are a trip! So glad you are back!
I can’t believe that some people don’t take vacation days! We can learn so much in North America from Europeans. They value their vacation much more – and companies give you much more time too! We all need vacations! Sounds like you had a ton of fun!
Leah Davidson recently posted…July 1 Weekend
Wow really, I would love more time and ease of taking time. Employers act aggravated when you try to take the days.
Wow he didn’t ask you out. I love sleep soo much that I cannot imagine working nights 7 days straight. Great pics. Looks like you had a nice break from the hustle.
Veronica @My Finessed Life recently posted…meandmr.com guest post
Yes that fool asked me out. I think he may have just felt so guilty at all the side eyes, but he was complimenting me from the beginning. That was straight crazy girl!
I decided to teach Summer School this Summer so i’m not really getting my FULL vacation. However, I do plan on treating myself to a small get away somewhere before we go back to work. I also make sure that I use my sick/personal days during the school year ESPECIALLY since they don’t rollover. Already got my first days planned for the 2013-1014 school year. 🙂
Lol, work the system 😉
looks like the perfect way to take time off….glad that you were able to do so much. good for you. i am trying to impart this on my husband and i think he is coming around to myself about vacationing and breaking from normal life…i am all about that!
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Yes, I think it’s more important when you have your own family and responsibility. I will look forward to hearing about it.
What a fantastic 3 weeks! You packed in a good amount of great memories, it seems.
I was honored to help out via a blog post for you. Thank you!
Ok, I’m sitting here and I don’t know whether to laugh or be uspet about your dining experience with that horrible waiter. How very unprofessional of him, on ALL of the above. There wasn’t a decent thing about him.
I hope you enjoy getting to see Nephew Tommy.
You can laugh, that’s what we were doing when he left…it was so crazy Veronica! My sister was like “he doesn’t think it matters because he’s Italian”…WHATEVER!!!
You are most welcome, I was so happy to have you here!
Pluck sounds a little bit like Tunk and we play that often! Or whenever there is a big cookout going down! LOL! Vacations are definitely important. I was telling my co-worker that I really need to plan a quick getaway with the kiddies before Kayden goes to school. We will probably head to Daytona.
Britton recently posted…I Dreamed Of My Sister…
Yeah pluck is very similar to tonk and I was awaken out of my bed at 12:30 in the morning to go play with my Mother and sister for the “summertime ritual”! Daytona sounds fun!
I can understand about having seven days off not being like a vacation. Having a vacation is a completely different mental perspective.
evilcyber recently posted…US Vs. EU: Why Are Serving Sizes So Different?
Thanks so much for acknowledging that!
I love all of your pictures. Vacation gives you time to relax and get ready for the next chapter in your life. I only like working from 8:00 A. M. To 4:00 P.M. Monday-Friday . I love to play the card games, pluck, spade, and bid. I like to play UNO and old maids with children. I will ask any well-dressed stranger to use my phone and snap a picture for me. I don’t think I would last a whole week on the night shift. Hats off to you for all the people you help working overnight.
Lol, well dressed is pretty good criteria for my asking as well. Thank you, overnight shift can be tough.
Looks like you had a blast while you were off! I am a firm believer in taking vacation. ESPECIALLY when the company says that the time will not roll over. No use in giving the company extra time! I still have to schedule 6 more days to use before 8/31.
Kimberly {Manifest Yourself} recently posted…10 Ways to Drink More Water
That will be here before you know it. Enjoy your time off. I thoroughly enjoyed mine.
Glad you enjoyed your time off. It’s necessary! I’m beginning to realize that you, my dear Joi, are a little bit of a southern big with nice biceps, triceps, and gluts. I’m learning…lol.
Andrea recently posted…12 Life Lessons for My 18 Year-Old Self
Well thank you my friend. I work pretty hard to keep then looking toned.
Great pictures. You look like you had a wonderful time. 🙂 I always take vacation and love maximize them with off regular off days and holidays.
Teems recently posted…5 Lessons In Motherhood
YES, if I had a M~F, 9~5 I’d be maximizing the same way. Thanks girl!
I love fortune cookies. Especially when you add in the bed. I have to take my vacation days, not as a vacation but just to be able to go to wedding and things of that nature. (since I work on the weekends) I love vacation bible school. I can’t remember a summer growing up without going to at least 2 or 3. I love teaching those beautiful children at my home church every summer as an adult. I still watch American Idol occasionally. I don’t respond to racial slurs. Period.
You mean, “you are black and have 2 parents that still live in the same house” you didn’t respond to that, lol! In the bed is so funny, thanks for sharing!
My sister is a pharmacist in Rhode Island so i completely understand your schedule.. some days she works 8am-10PM…i am a firm believer in taking vacation. at the end of the year, some of my coworkers will have so many days left and i will have like 1 day left and trying to squeeze it in.. you took advantage of your week off and that’s awesome.. glad you had a great birthday and vacation with your girls.. i so want to visit Savannah, GA
Losing in the City recently posted…My New Orleans Recap
I wanted to visit N’awlins when you posted those oysters girl! I LOVE Dragos!!!
when i worked, i would take vacation days strategically – add a day or two onto a long weekend to stretch my vacation leave a bit further. taking time off and recharging is a must. looks like you made the best of yours!
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Love all the pics! I will say that I no longer watch American Idol. I do however, pipe up when someone makes a racial slur. I was raised that all people were created equal and will defend that belief until the day I die. 🙂
Crystal recently posted…Old School Blogging Returns with Lists of Five!
Thanks Crystal! I’m amazed that the show is still so popular. I think my last loyal season was with Fantasia! Vacation was awesome, right now…I’m wishing for another one!