Spring Break State of Mind

By Lucia Rodriguez

I have suntan oil, cold beverages and gossip tabloids – the beach necessities.  Now, I have to find that perfect spot in the white sand that is a safe distance from other beach-goers, but still a short distance from the water’s edge.   
I choose a spot that is kid-free and seagull-free. I do so to avoid begging seagulls and the kids that feed the begging seagulls.  Seagulls can be very messy. I have been a victim of free falling seagull waste before and never again.           
So, I’m finally settled on the beach; I now slather myself with just the right amount of suntan oil and sand mixture. Yes, despite the warnings and dangers of over exposure to the sun, I still seek a toasty tanned look.  
My tanning regimen is called Flip-n-Bake. You tan front and back 40 minutes each side, then you run into the ocean like you are on fire, which you might be if you’re baking at 90 degrees.         
I thumb through the latest National Enquirer. I do so just for laughs.  What a travesty! It appears supermodel Tyra Banks is addicted to Facebook blogging.  How ironic; Britney Spears’ latest tour is fittingly named “Circus.”  I get annoyed, and I toss the tabloid aside.          
 I watch the surfers ride picture-perfect, huge waves. Some surfers wipe out fast, while others make it to the shore with great skill and showmanship.
As I lay on the white-as-snow beach sand, I’m mesmerized by the perfect aquamarine color of the ocean and the sun’s rays streaming onto the beach.  The soothing sound of ocean waves pounding the shore puts me in to a trance; I start to close my eyes and drift off into a light slumber.
I jolt awake to the sound of a ringing cell phone and in doing so, spill my very fruity adult beverage concoction and come to my senses.  Reality has brought me back from Fantasy Island to … my backyard.
Yes, spring break is here – a time when some college students go to beach resorts and throw all caution to the wind, while a few students pursue humanitarian causes such as helping the community, and still others will be working.  I’m quite sure most University of Houston-Clear Lake students fall into the last category, that of working.  
 Spring break can be a state of mind, relieved you have a little more free time available from a hectic schedule.  Enjoy the extra free time to go shopping; spend a little more time with friends and family; see a movie.  Throw an impromptu party in your backyard or borrow someone else’s backyard, preferably with a pool.      
Though I may not be going to some beach resort or participating in a humanitarian cause, more than likely I will be working or catching up on homework. I will still be in a spring break state mind each evening as I step into my backyard, otherwise known as Fantasy Island.