Married to Wilson

I just returned from a holiday in the sun. Yes that is a shameless reference to that Mary-Kate and Ashley movie.

I flew out on the red eye flight last Thursday night and arrived in Charlotte Friday morning. I enjoy flying the red eye going west to east, because otherwise it feels like I'm on the plane forever.

Well hello there Eastern time zone.

I'm not sure how I survived flying before without TSA pre-check. We got NEXUS cards earlier this year, mostly for my trips across the border into Washington State. I'm happy that they work at the airports.

The card is like a fast pass through customs. There's a lengthy online application and an in person interview with the custom border agents.

At US airports, the NEXUS machines take your fingerprints. At the Canadian airports, the machines scan your retinas. It flashes a green light (similar to an eye doctor's office) you stare at it and voila, welcome to Canada.

There are three things I liked the most about this vacation.

Obviously spending it with my people. They are the best.

I read three entire books cover to cover.

Enjoying morning snuggles with my sweet nephew.

The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst. I cannot say enough about this book. On the third page I read "we must not confuse the command to love with the disease to please." and I knew this book was written specifically for me.

People pleasing is one of my character faults. I'm learning that it takes so much of my time and energy that is better spent on other projects and keeping me from "my best yes" on more important projects.

Love Letters by Debbie Macomber. This is the third book in a series based on a bed and breakfast called the "Rose Harbor Inn." The books follow the guests that stay at the B&B.

The books take place in the Pacific Northwest which is one of the reasons I enjoy reading them. Many of Macomber's books have been made into Hallmark movies such as "Mrs. Miracle" and the series "Cedar Cove." Her books can sometimes feel predictable, but I always enjoy a book that ties up loose ends in a nice little bow. The next one in the series, Silver Linings, comes out Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Holy Cow! I read the entire book on my five-hour flight from ATL. It has a similar feel to "Gone Girl" with many twists and turns. Emily Blunt has signed on to play Rachel in the film version and I cannot wait to see it.

Food. Nom Nom.

I love all things southern and southern food ranks up there.

We haven't been going to Charleston very long as a family so we're still finding new restaurant gems.

Page's Okra Grill came recommended to us and I in turn highly recommend it.