Summertime = Swimsuit Time

I was talking with a friend yesterday about her upcoming trip to sunny, warm, Mexico. She leaves in just 2 days and I was asking her if she excited and if she was ready to go. She laughed and rolled her eyes and said that she had packed way too much and was in the process of weeding out the stuff she didn’t really need. She said, “Really, I don’t know why I packed so many clothes and shoes. The truth is, I’m going to spend just about all my time in my bathing suit.” Ain’t it the truth. She said she had already unloaded 4 pairs of shoes and was going to trim down her load even more. It’s all about the swimsuit when we get to vacation in a sunny, warm destination, isn’t it?

We had, what I call, a mini-summer last week. For about 8 or 9 days, the sun was out, the temperatures were up, and everyone’s mindset changed, it seemed. Everyone was thinking about summer and swimsuit season. On my treks through town, I was amazed at the sudden transformation. People were out in droves – biking, walking, running, sunbathing on the beach, surfing, paddle-boarding, working out with their personal trainers or exercise groups, or playing beach volleyball. Santa Barbara is just like that – the second we get anything close to summer, everyone comes outdoors. We have a pretty steady representation of the die-hard, committed fitness and outdoor folks – those who are out there year-round. The sun shares a bit more of its rays, boosting the temperature one degree above 70, and everyone else joins the die hards. It’s as if they are sitting at their front doors, gear in hand, ready to burst outside at the first hint of summer.

The beaches transform from a places of solitude, sprinkled with a few runners, walkers, or folks getting taken on walks by their dogs, to busy, happening places, crowded with people. And what thoughts do we have as soon as one of these mini-summers appears? Where is my swimsuit? Does it still look good? How will it fit? I need to get in shape, summer is almost here. I need a new swimsuit.

No denying it, I am right there too. I’ve already bought 2 new suits this month. Hey, I needed them. And I do mean need. If you say, “want,” then it just doesn’t have the same effect. “Need” sounds so much more serious, almost as though your life depended on it, and really justifies buying one or even two.

I really put my suits to the test too. Another great justification for owning two! I have the bikini that is meant more for lounging about on a Santa Barbara beach or on a tropical island. These types usually have strings, and ties, and are cut a little lower or a bit more skimpy – giving them a bit of a sexy flavor. Then I have my functional – yet still cute and fun looking – one. This is for my in-the-water time where I swim, snorkel, or kayak. Between the two types, I’m set for summer, mini-summer, or a tropical vacation. Welcome back, summer! I’ve sooooo missed you.