For as long as I can remember, bodies of water have soothed me.

Perhaps this is a result of growing up in Southern California. For many years, when adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my response was generally, “Beach bum.” And, it wasn’t solely because I was a smart-ass. I was one, but this was an honest answer. During my childhood, I spent many wonderful days at Laguna Beach.

However, after becoming an adult, I realized my beach bum dream had been that all along. Every day, I have to do some type of adulting, and it’s infuriating.

When I start to feel overwhelmed, the desire to see a river, pond, lake, or ocean intensifies.

A couple of weekends ago, after I finished formatting the I Heart Lesfic sale, I announced, “I need the beach.”

We hopped into a Zipcar and drove to Cape Cod. Given that it was March and Covid is still raging in Massachusetts, we didn’t expect any restaurants to be open. No, our destination was the beach, and for a glorious hour, we strolled on the sand, listening to the waves breaking. It was cold, but it didn’t bother me.

By the time we returned to the car, the weight that’d been pressing down on my shoulders felt lighter.

The day after, I had to compile all my tax paperwork for my accountant.

I really wish being a grown-up didn’t have to be so adult-y.