It's a good news/bad news type of thing. I always under-estimate the amount of time and effort that is needed for most of our endeavors. Because really, how hard is it to wrap up the work day, pick the kids up from daycare, grab dinner and make it to the beach before bedtime? Chicago traffic, parking facilities and dragging a stroller through sand in over 90 degree temps...easy peasey. Begging Viv to get the cigarette butt out of her mouth, hoping Ella doesn't get pulled into a rip tide and then turning around to find Viv sucking on a seagull feather (is this how bird flu started?)...totally worth it. The truth is, I kind of like living in this delusion. Without this selective amnesia, I don't think I would ever leave the house.