I'll Do Me

If it is me, me, me, me…then I am just going to do me too.

This week concludes the vacation that one can refer to as the “Week from Hell.” Can you imagine, given the absolutely idyllic setting we found ourselves in, that we could not just have fun together!? Well, if you thought that was possible -- then you don’t know this group of ladies.

At the beginning of this episode, I learned that Aviva and Carole had planned to go on a separate double date to dinner that excluded all of the other women -- including myself. To say that I was bummed to hear that is what they were doing would be an understatement. Part of the hurt comes from that fact that I left behind my family and my business to go down to St. Barths to spend time and bond with the ladies as a group. Many of you are working moms just like me, so you know the logistics that go into coordinating a trip. My husband Jon is amazing, but he is a partner in a commercial real estate firm and has heavy obligations too, so I have to work out extra time for my kids and our wonderful nanny, and then there are all the details with Yummie. It is a lot to leave for seven days on holiday and it's the rare that I would ever even do it. The other part of my disappointment came from the fact that Aviva and Carole were my girls.

And the one-on-one time I was having with Carole was special. I agree with Carole that it does become difficult to create true friendships when you reach a certain age. I read an interesting article in the New York Times awhile back that I am reminded of and encourage you all to check out here. It touches on how we make our closest friends earlier in life. . .at college and in our 20s.

So, off we go to lunch and no time was wasted getting into it. Aviva again with her pleading for attention and desire for accolades for flying to St. Barths, it was exhausting! Where is the cool Aviva? COME BACK! The Samonja didn’t stop either with the hen pecking. The continuous reliving of the flight on the small plane sends Carole into a painful recollection of John and Caroline's devastating crash -- one that was felt around the world. And simply, just where are everyone’s manners today? I am an easy going girl when it comes to etiquette, (notice my potty mouth at the table), but this is ridiculous. Ladies, let’s just sit down and eat!?

Finally, I get up too and find Carole and Aviva getting pedicures instead of getting this lunch on already and discussing said “double date.” And at this point I am ready to throw in the towel. Rather than stick around and scream, I am out. I literally WALK home, grab my book and a towel, and go to the beach to do me, and just chillax!

Carole is always included in my plans when Russ is out of town and I am always considerate that he is often on the road. But I have had enough of this crazy tail chasing everyone is doing. I am not going to participate in this foolish game of musical chairs or any further shouting matches. I am making my point clear by opting out and it feels right to me. When Carole does come down to Saline Beach to check in on me, I am happy. I don't like to hold onto anger and especially now with Carole. A little “adult time out” with just the two of us and a yummie seawater swim really did the trick.

I am seeing with you viewers the scene with Aviva and Sonja fighting in the kitchen for the first time tonight. Wow, isn’t it interesting how quickly a conversation can spiral out of control? And talk about spiraling out of control, our Sonja needs to get a handle on her consumption of the spirits. We all love the grape, but she is letting loose on another level so I am going to attribute some of the crazy to that, but I cannot excuse Aviva for her inability to “let the damn plane ride go!” Take the Ferry next time, girl!

Sonja and Aviva Fight About the Girls' Trip

We wake up on the last day to be greeted by a set up of massages, manicures, and pedicures. The royal treatment all arranged by Carole! I am in heaven! It is complete perfection on every level. We luxuriate and I ignore the drama. I am focusing on myself again today. And after all that pampering, Carole has organized a ride to the pier for sunset cocktails followed by Russ’ concert.

I missed this during the moment, but watching the episode with you, I realize that Aviva pays me the nicest compliment on the ride to the pier. We are discussing the Ramona situation, hers not mine, and she turns to me and says in reference to how I dealt with Ramona’s wrath, “You are a lot stronger than I am.” And, I just realized that maybe I am, and maybe I need to back off Aviva a little. Maybe I can just be that strong woman and let these ladies have their moments. And when the going gets too rough, I can always just do me again. The concert was nothing short of amazing. I am only sad you guys don't get to see it. Russ is so talented. I encourage you all to check out Russ Irwin! We arrive back at the house for our last dinner to find Sonja and Ramona doing what they love best. . .wine. LuAnn, Carole, Aviva and I sit down and basically beg those two to pull it together and come for a bite. It is our last dinner at this amazing house and despite all the ups and downs we want everyone there. After some primping and packing and overall silliness, they finally make it to the table.

We eat and then I concoct the idea to lighten the mood with a midnight, “Goodbye St. Barths” swim. So I am in first. . .followed quickly by Carole, Lu, and Aviva! Sonja. . .and let me be clear: I love this woman. . .strips down and jumps in. No one can accuse Sonja of being a party pooper that is for sure! Ramona is coming up with every reason in the book not to join in the fun so Carole and I make a plan. Carole will distract her by having her pass a drink while I go into the kitchen and wham. . .I hip check her into the big drink!! Like I said on the show, the entire trip was worth it for that moment alone! Hehe! And Ramona is a great sport. We are all like a bunch of school girls. The trip was rough and we had some highs and lows, but we ended on the highest of highs with laughter all together.

So Much Nipple and Vagina

As always, thank you for all of your support and feedback. You make being on the show so rewarding for me. To learn more about me and my shapewear, go to Facebook, YummieLife.com, and HeatherThomson.net. You can also enjoy 10 percent off your next Yummie Tummie order by entering code "Iamheathert10" at check out. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter at @iamHeatherT and please visit DonateLife.net to sign up to become an organ and tissue donor.

Love you all,
Heather