A Little Concert on the Beach

Our friend who's in the air force came home recently for a week, and it just so happened to be the same time Eric Paslay, a new up and coming country artist, was going to be putting on a concert on the beach, down the shore. The bar on the beach was putting on concerts every week of summer, but we hadn't heard about it until summer was almost over. This would be our last country concert, and we were going to make sure we enjoyed it. Sal, our three friends, and I piled into the car. We decided to all head down the shore early, and even though we sat in a little bit of traffic. We made sure we packed a cooler so that we were ready to get the party started as soon as we arrived. The parking lot was filled, so we decided to park next to this huge bus, which would end up being Eric Paslay's tour bus, but I'll get to that a bit later. 

We got there early, before people even lined up to enter the bar, so we decided to walk around a bit and explore the bar next door. We got a few drinks, and watched as high tide came in, forcing most of the people off the beach. Heading over early, we stood in line to purchase tickets and wait for our hands to be stamped. Before we knew it, we were standing a few feet away from the stage, and right in front of the bar. It could not have been more perfect if we planned it. Sal and I quickly ordered food, and drinks, because we were starving. Everyone else ordered their drinks, and the night soon began. 

It was such a beautiful night, and the bar opened up out on to a porch overlooking the beach. Even though we weren't allowed on the beach, as soon as I stepped out there, the gorgeous view of the sun going down, and the moon lit, took my breath away. I didn't need the sand to enjoy the beach. 

Dave Hangley opened up for Eric, and even though I didn't know any of his songs, he ended up being really great. We enjoyed the music as we sipped on our drinks, and noticed that as the night progressed, we were getting even more squished, and our spot didn't seems as great as it did in the beginning of the night. Our friends wandered around, but we stayed put, not wanting to lose our 'prime spot.' 

Eric Paslay was up next, and he came out full force! The crowd was already in a great mood, thanks to Dave Hangley, so Eric just made it that much better. He sang all of his hits, and even other ones he wrote, that I didn't even realize were written by him! He played well into the night, and Sal and I were able to see the entire thing! We can't speak for our friends, one of which ended up asleep in the back of Sal's car. I snapped pictures with Dave Hangley, and grabbed a sweet guitar pic from him! He's not famous, but I know he will be one day, and that's just as good as anything. 

We left the bar after it had cleared out, and ended up hanging by the car, waiting for our friends to make their way back. But boys will be boys, and we found ourselves waiting for awhile. It just so happened that Eric Paslay's band was hanging out outside of the bus, and we got to talking, and talking, and talking. It was so incredible, and even though I thought I'd get all giddy and nervous talking to someone famous, I actually didn't. Even though I didn't meet Eric Paslay, Sal did as he was grabbing us a few bottles of water. The band, and Eric, were all super nice, and we may just be seeing more of them in the future! 

Down The Shore, Down The Shore

Sal and I tried to make it down the shore at least a couple of times over the summer. We're not huge shore goers, instead we'd rather go to the lake, which we did... a lot! Being only about an hour away from the shore though, we figured why not. Sal took advantage of a beautiful day, and joined a few buddies of his on a deep sea fishing charter. He suggested I meet him down the shore after work for dinner. I was psyched, because we never do things like this, and even though I didn't want to drive far, it was well worth it. Knowing he would be driving my truck home, made the drive even easier. When I arrived, he couldn't wait to tell me about his day. He had caught the biggest fish on the boat using a lite tackle, not the thick line and bigger fishing pole every one else was using. we took his winnings and we grabbed wings and drinks! What better way to celebrate?!

We walked along the boardwalk, hand in hand, and tried our luck at some games! Highlight of my night? I picked a penguin! Oh, and Sal bought me ice cream! How can you not have ice cream on the boardwalk?

A few weeks later, we decided to go bright and early on my day off, we skipped kickboxing and headed down. We stopped for sandwiches and chips to enjoy while on the beach, and just laid on a towel, soaking up the sun, all day. We both had our reading materials - Sal had Jaws, and I had a NASM magazine. It's kind of funny, you can tell what each of us likes just by looking at what we're reading. Munching on fruit, time seemed to pass quickly. It was hot though, so we kept having to walk down to the ocean and cool off. Aside from our feet, you won't find us swimming in the ocean though. Unless we're in Florida or on an island, we don't really swim in the ocean water. 

When Sal had enough sun, we packed up our stuff in the beach bag and cooler, and we put our stuff in the car so we could enjoy the boardwalk. We quickly found ourselves at a bar on the beach, enjoying summer cocktails. However, we weren't about to spend all of our money on drinks - I mean $17 for two drinks!? No thank you. We wandered a little more, and ended up in the aquarium. We had already been in the aquarium before, but Sal is a sucker for fish. I was easily convinced though, when Sal mentioned the penguins! We decided then that we'd come back for the penguin feeding later that night! Seeing Sal's face light up when he stares into the tanks is enough to make anyone's heart melt... okay, maybe just mine. We left, and found ourselves walking to the mini golf area. We couldn't even remember the last time we went mini golfing (I think the last time for me was high school? Wow...). We went on the more difficult course, and found ourselves cracking up after every swing of the club... I ended up getting a Hole in One though on the second hole! I was super proud! 

You'll never guess who won by looking at this picture, ha!

We went and grabbed a bite to eat before the penguin feeding. I got another drink, and a salad, which was out of this world. I didn't think it was going to be as good as it was. I knew it'd be good, but wow. 

The penguins were next, and my eyes lit up as I watched them feed the penguins. How do they get that job? No seriously, because I'd pay them to let me do that for a day! I tried to pet them, but being that there was glass between me and the penguins it was rather difficult. 

It was the perfect date night. Looking back on both of these days now, I remember back to how I felt that night, and those same feelings wash over me now. My heart is full, and I am happy. It doesn't take much to make me happy; Sal just knows the ways to my heart. I breathed in the salty air, and I felt a calmness that stayed with me the whole ride home. I love that we don't have to spend a week on a long vacation, we can go on these mini getaways and be just as happy, because we're together, and that's what really matters.