I learned yesterday that the family I babysit for are leaving for Anna Maria Island, Florida on Monday. They will be taking me along to look after their 4-year-old daughter, two dogs, and their 12-year-old nephew. They assured me that I'll have plenty of "me" time on the trip, so that sounds good. I'm really lucky they invited me along.

Summer school ended this past week and I ended up with a B-, not the A I expected, but it was better than I thought I'd do in the class. My dad is making me pay half the cost of the plane ticket -- seems fair to me. The "Smith's" are paying for the rest of my upkeep -- food, shelter, entertainment, etc. This will be my compensation and I think it is more than generous of them!

I can't wait to see the Gulf of Mexico! I'm bringing along my dad's camera with the plan to take lots of nature photo's. Hopefully I'll get to see a lot of wildlife. We'll be staying at the Tortuga Inn Beach Resort which is considered Anna Maria Island's #1 beach resort. The sunsets are supposed to be amazing! I can't wait.

There is one thing about this trip I'm not looking forward to and that is buying a new bathing suit. Most of the ones marketed at girls my age require an electron microscope to be seen properly, and some of the Tankinis and one-pieces often look like they were meant for someone over the age of 60. I mean, I don’t think bikinis are bad…I just do not want to wear the super skimpy ones. I’m not one of those girls that spends her summer poolside in giant sunglassses and an itsy bitsy swimsuit that only covers what’s illegal to be flaunted in public. I’m way more self-conscious than that, which can be good and bad depending on how you look at it.

So I'll be spending today and tomorrow hunting for that much-coveted semi-modest swimsuit that may or may not exist. I have a swimsuit from last year, but it’s gotten a bit small and I can’t see myself wearing it to Florida. Therefore, I’m scouring every store for a replacement. Wish me luck.

I won't be posting until I return in 6 days. Hope everyone has a great week!