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Coming home from vacation is always a little bittersweet. Yesterday we returned from South Padre Island, and while the memories are still fresh, reality is already knocking. The drive home took more than eight hours, and by the time we pulled into the driveway, exhaustion had completely taken over.
A Long Ride Back Home
The drive from South Padre felt never-ending. After hours on the road, we were drained and ready to collapse. To top it off, NASCAR moved the race to Saturday night, and the Canelo Alvarez vs. Bud Crawford fight was happening the same evening. Instead of unpacking or doing much of anything, we sank into the couch and let the night pass quietly.
Sunday Comforts at Home
This morning felt like the true reset. Santiago woke up ready for a home-cooked meal, and the grill was calling his name. He threw on steaks and jalapeño poppers while I cooked fresh green beans and red potatoes inside. There’s something grounding about sharing a simple meal together after days of restaurant food and road snacks. It reminded me of how comforting home can be.
The Struggle of Returning to Routine
As good as it feels to be home, reality always finds its way back in. I’ve already slipped into work mode, tackling tasks and easing back into my usual rhythm. Santiago, though, has been extra clingy these past few days, and I can tell his heart isn’t in returning to the grind. He misses working for himself, and it weighs on him every time vacation ends. Watching him struggle with that transition makes me wish things were different.
Holding On to Vacation Peace
Vacations remind us of the balance we crave. On SPI, we spent long hours by the beach and evenings wandering the dunes. Those quiet, simple moments gave us space to breathe and reconnect. Even though the trip is behind us now, those memories carry a calming energy we can take into our daily lives.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
Back to reality Sundays may not be exciting, but they offer a chance to reset. Grilling in the backyard, sitting down to a homemade meal, or even just resting on the couch watching football can bring that same sense of peace we find on vacation. While he heads back to work tomorrow and I continue with my own projects, we both know the next adventure will come soon enough.
Coming home isn’t always easy, but it makes the time away even more valuable.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.