vacation? beaches?

When I started writing here last summer, part of my stated intent was to find a way to simplify my life. That seems to be a critical piece of keeping the food addiction at bay: I cannot work 14 hour days and remain abstinent and clean. This awareness comes only after many, many years of going beyond the call of duty, doing too much, never quitting, always going the extra mile, always striving to be the best at the task before me.

T.i.r.e.d. Tired. Too much, a couple of lifetimes worth of work crammed into half of one. Sick of it. So I reduced the size of my business by 1/2, then by 1/2 again. While this creates some "oh shit!" moments, it's also created a lot more free time, provided a significant reduction in daily stress, and pushed my work day back to about 5-6 hours most days.

Last November I was bullied into getting on a plane for the first time in 20 years and found that a 10 mg valium will take me all the way to Mexico without anxiety. That newfound freedom coupled with the positive effect it had on Mike led us to the decision to take off for a week every two months.

I've said all that to get here: We've been to Mazatlan and will go back in November; we went to Florida first of February; first part of April, we're heading to south Padre Island. We're looking for another beach for June and maybe an Alaska cruise in August.

Have any of y'all done the Alaska thing? And where are the beaches for summer that aren't 120 degrees? I know we can't go south that time of year, but I'm curious about the northwest and northeast coasts. I've been to Maine, to Massachusetts, to beaches in NJ and New York, but it's been 40 years. Thoughts? Suggestions? Anyone familiar with Great Lakes summertime vacation spots? I'm looking for a travel reviews this morning. Where do you go to relax?