"Life is too short for traffic" Dan Bellack

During the month of June, I've driven slightly over 3,200 miles. If I continue driving at this same rate, in eight months the reading on my mileage gauge will have doubled from what it reads at this time. I've had my car for four years. Long story short, I've traveled a lot this summer. The following picture (snagged from Google Images) is a sight I've seen one too many times. My advice: allow an extra thirty minutes for every hour and a half you plan on traveling. It doesn't matter what state you're in. Believe me. It's easy to complain about slower speed limits and longer travel time, but in all honesty, I wouldn't have it any other way. Impromptu car rides have made for hundreds of precious memories. Whether it's singing loudly to Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" with my sisters or silently watching the sun set over a Mississippi corn field, driving has always been a source of joy and family time.

This summer especially, I've been surrounded by family. We've traveled together to Moss Point, Orange Beach, Oxford, Destin, and New Orleans. We have made these car rides to visit with extended family, to finalize last minute travel details, and to simply relax.

[Me, a couple of my sisters, and a cousin gearing up to go for a boat ride]

[Sittin' on the dock of the bay..]

[Streetcar in New Orleans]

Traveling isn't finished yet. In less than one week I will be snorkeling, hiking, and soaking up the sun in Caneel Bay, St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

[Photo courtesy of Caribbean Getaways]

And a few days after returning from Caneel, I will head to Perdido Key, Florida to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico

Updates will come later. But meanwhile,take time breathe. Life is too short for traffic.