Beth - Florida

    We've gone to Florida several times in the past decade, but as I grow older I dream of more independence, more adventure, and better photo opportunities. This past summer, we managed to secure a house that was right across the street from the beach. Being an avid runner, I dreamed of waking up and running on the beach or through the neighborhood. I wanted to take pictures on the beach, not just of the beach. I had high hopes -- I was sure that I was going to enjoy my vacation. I was wrong. 
    The morning after we had settled into the house, I woke up bright and early to go run. My mom and dad were both up. As I headed out the door, they stopped me and asked where I was going by myself. Running, I responded. As if it weren't obvious by my attire. They immediately rejected the idea of me being out alone. I was angry -- they had already agreed to let me do my own thing prior to the thirteen plus hour trip down here. Furthermore, they had let the boys go out on their own to the beach several times the day before. Another thing that irked me was the fact that I had to do a summer research project for AP Biology. It wouldn't have been a big deal if I could've just gone across the street to the beach by myself; it probably would've been more enjoyable. Instead, I had to wait for someone willing to accompany me to wake up. I had to collect data three times a day, so it was difficult to convince anyone to come with. I nearly gave up on the project all together. 
    I hoped we would do a little more exploring and going to places we'd never gone before. Nope. Same places, same food, same attractions. Don't get me wrong, I loved going to the strip mall and shopping around, and to a few of the restaurants we had eaten at before (Fudpucker's is a must). But the trips to the water park were awful. For starters, I hate water parks. The thought of being in water that has been reused time after time is disgusting. I don't trust their filtration system -- you can't get all that nasty stuff outta there. Yuck. Additionally, there's the occasional weirdo that stares too long or tries to engage in conversation with you. I won't even get into the frequent swimsuit malfunctions. The water park is not for me. I'd much rather go to the river or lake. 
    Lastly, I wanted to take cute pictures and perhaps even post them on my instagram. I seriously haven't posted anything since 2017. My cousin, Ian, got some nice photos of me out in the waves while I was collecting data for project, but otherwise, I had nothing. I can't really blame this on anyone, I'm just not photogenic. I always look really awkward or uncomfortable in pictures, and I haven't found a way to own it quite yet.