What I Did on My Summer Vacation

by Jessica Curtis

Indulged my grandmother by bringing over KFC (we're classy like that)for the introductory meeting between Bryan, my grandparents, and...dum dum dum....my dad, who said, and I quote, "Bryan can stay."

Made blueberry and banana pancakes, drank questionable coffee, and had devotions on the back patio with Bryan on a lazy Friday morning we didn't expect to spend together.

Fashioned a 50-foot slip 'n slide out of plastic sheeting, dish soap, and spit. Simultaneously turned the Schnittjers' backyard into an environmentally protected marsh.

Saw my first hummingbird! Panned M. Night Shymalan's _Lady in the Water_. Studied for, took, and have no idea how I fared on the MPRE.

Introduced Bryan's parents to the seedy side of Ben Folds Five. Told myself for the millionth time that I must find a way to buy a new piano for my Boston apartment.

Fell in love with Bryan's family again. It's actually rather impossible not to: who wouldn't fall in love with a woman juuust over 60 who feels no compunction about belly-flopping down a slip 'n slide on a weeknight? Who wouldn't cherish the sight of her husband floating gently down the Delaware in a yellow tube, wearing pants for a bathing suit and carrying a blue umbrella to keep out of the sun? Cemented my role as Bryan's other escort for Becca's wedding. So far, his grandmother is still his best girl. Cruised down the boardwalk with the Schnittjer clan eating fair food. Rode a Ferris wheel at sunset on the Jersey shore and told jellyfish who was boss. Took silly pictures and told stories about the good old days.

Broke out my very first bikini. Hey, I know.

Hung out with four of the East Coast's rising stars amongst the eleven- and twelve-year-old set, making costume jewelry and discussing the respective merits of Hillary Duff and Raven Simone while reading Tiger Beat.

Lost my Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses in the Delaware River. Sorry, Jackie!

Got some really good news. Felt completely at home. Returned, ready for action.