It is fathers day.
The first without my dad.
I use to hate those stupid fathers day and mothers day commercials in years past. This week I despised them.
It isn't that he is not with me anylonger. He always is, in memory and spirit.
Rather, it is the expectations that are thrown at me via Madison Avenue. I
f you don't get him this or that, you aren't a good child. Bullnuts.
My father was the biggest pain in my butt. He came from a dysfunctional family and did not know how to be any other way than he was. Insecure and smothering. But, he was also the most wonderful father a little child could have, because he was like a kid himself. He was a great father, uncle, great uncle, grandfather to my cousins etc when we were all little. Problem was he did not like it when we grew up. He wanted to protect us and we wanted freedom.
He provided dysfuntion for his children and none of us, my brothers and I, came away unscathed.
He has been gone now for over 7 months. It feels both like yesterday and eons ago. He and I formed a bond in his last year or two. He admitted he was not that good a parent and I admitted I was not that great of a child either. We had commonality though. We were of the same blood. We did a lot more joking and a lot less griping. It gave both of us peace.
After I had land Physical Therapy today, I went to swim laps. I tried to do what I normally do, block out everything from my head but my breathing. Today though, I though about my dad. One of the things he wanted from me was my success in losing weight with the Gastric Band. In his pain in the butt way he said "Don't blow it.", which meant "Don't give up". So, I did a half mile today. I was tired, I wanted to stop but in my head I said that every extra lap I do was for my father on fathers day. I am not blowing it. I am not giving up. I will succeed.
Happy Fathers day, Pop.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
And the party is over.
I got to finish my trip up so I can get back to writing live and in person.
So, dinner ended up being a smoked duck with fruit appitizer and then broiled Salmon with grilled vegis. Skipped the dessert.
Paula and Andrea were not in the dinner room so it was just me and the boys for dinner.
It is silly to say but I got a kick out of how nice the staff are. I also enjoyed the conversation with the meal.
At one point before dessert but after the meal, the waiters and waitresses, some of who are also dancers in the shows, got up on the tables and danced to disco music. Silly but fun.
I made Jose come to the main lobby (If I ever get my scanner working I will post pics), where the photographers take the $'s rip off pics and we took a pic in front of a fake ship. I had to have something to show for all my shameless flirting.
Then we stayed in the main lounge area talking. I found out that I am not at all use to verbal men. He is incredibly verbal.
Here is what I learned:
1. 54
2. twice divorced, the second time his wife left him for Smedly, a lesbian. Oy.
3. He has prostate issues. OY
4. He had a bad accident as a kid that made him sterile.
5. He works long hours, like 10-12 a day as an IT Supervisor.
6. Born and bred in NY but ancestry is PR.
7. Weight and cholesterol issues.
8. Believes in speaking up but not yelling at someone.
9. was in the airforce from 1972-1978.
10. learned to repair planes, then was told by his commander that computers were really the future. So he got the government to send him to school and worked for years at IBM.
11. Lived in Austin Texas a number of years
12. trained in the airforce at Biloxi, Miss.
I have known this guy 4 evenings and 1 day and know everything. From taste in food to women. I have know Mitchell forever and it took Andrea to come up with an idea for a gift for him. What the heck does that say about him.
But here is the difference, I may have enjoyed talking and goofing around with Jose, but in my waking heart I want Mitchell. I want to try new things with him. I want to be in the same bed as he, and feel his warm feet next to my cold ones.
Jose made me feel visible. Mitchell though, makes me feel accepted and alive.
My heart is gonna ache horribly if Mitchell isn't going to bring all this into a more permanent thing.
As for the photo, I bought them today, I can remember Jose; and just maybe make Mitchell a bit jealous also....Being a girl is really bringing out my devious side.
gotta food shop, I will complete this later.
*****************
Okay, lets get this ship a moving
June 3rd: I got up at around 7am, jumped into a bathing suit and skort, had a too large breakfast of omlete with onion and cheese, turkey sausage, and a spoonful of hash browns. Oh, and two strips of bacon.
Walked 3 miles from 8am to 9am.
Whirlpooled and steamroomed for a half hour or so.
Showered and dressed by 10am.
Spent too much money on gold over sterling silver. A dolphin ankle bracelet with matching arm bracelet. I got a bracelet for my friend Cathy's birthday and pearl earrings for my mom.
I peeked at my onboard bill...OUCH. Add that to what I spent on the islands.... OUCH times 2.
There will be three bingo games this afternon so I will spend about 30$ there.
Oh, yeah, this last days bingo, I didn't win cash, but in the losers raffle I won a bottle of Brut wine. Great. I don't drink it. I had fun though.
So, in 36 hours I will be home again. I feel a bit sad that while I miss my baby boy Jazzy, I am not unhappy that I had time away from him. I do really miss him. I can't wait for his kissing and not letting me out of his sight. However much fun he has had we both need to be paired up again.
What else?
I want to hear how moms visit with my bro/sis and nieces went. I worry so much about her. She loves and likes me and there are no conditions on it. I have only recently see that. Isn't it horrid to have to feel when you were growing up that you aren't sure if your mom likes you or not?
June 4th.
Nothing like coming back to cold rainy NY. In the cab coming home I happened to say, "wow, I feel like we were only gone a day" I had a fabulous time. I will definitely go back and take to the seas again.
If you all have the opportunity ever, to get on a ship (if you do get car sick, watch out on the ocean though), GO. And that folks is all they wrote on this one. Thanks for reading.
I have had a few things going on since I got back but that is for another time
. The sun is out and I need my daily fix.
Ta.
So, dinner ended up being a smoked duck with fruit appitizer and then broiled Salmon with grilled vegis. Skipped the dessert.
Paula and Andrea were not in the dinner room so it was just me and the boys for dinner.
It is silly to say but I got a kick out of how nice the staff are. I also enjoyed the conversation with the meal.
At one point before dessert but after the meal, the waiters and waitresses, some of who are also dancers in the shows, got up on the tables and danced to disco music. Silly but fun.
I made Jose come to the main lobby (If I ever get my scanner working I will post pics), where the photographers take the $'s rip off pics and we took a pic in front of a fake ship. I had to have something to show for all my shameless flirting.
Then we stayed in the main lounge area talking. I found out that I am not at all use to verbal men. He is incredibly verbal.
Here is what I learned:
1. 54
2. twice divorced, the second time his wife left him for Smedly, a lesbian. Oy.
3. He has prostate issues. OY
4. He had a bad accident as a kid that made him sterile.
5. He works long hours, like 10-12 a day as an IT Supervisor.
6. Born and bred in NY but ancestry is PR.
7. Weight and cholesterol issues.
8. Believes in speaking up but not yelling at someone.
9. was in the airforce from 1972-1978.
10. learned to repair planes, then was told by his commander that computers were really the future. So he got the government to send him to school and worked for years at IBM.
11. Lived in Austin Texas a number of years
12. trained in the airforce at Biloxi, Miss.
I have known this guy 4 evenings and 1 day and know everything. From taste in food to women. I have know Mitchell forever and it took Andrea to come up with an idea for a gift for him. What the heck does that say about him.
But here is the difference, I may have enjoyed talking and goofing around with Jose, but in my waking heart I want Mitchell. I want to try new things with him. I want to be in the same bed as he, and feel his warm feet next to my cold ones.
Jose made me feel visible. Mitchell though, makes me feel accepted and alive.
My heart is gonna ache horribly if Mitchell isn't going to bring all this into a more permanent thing.
As for the photo, I bought them today, I can remember Jose; and just maybe make Mitchell a bit jealous also....Being a girl is really bringing out my devious side.
gotta food shop, I will complete this later.
*****************
Okay, lets get this ship a moving
June 3rd: I got up at around 7am, jumped into a bathing suit and skort, had a too large breakfast of omlete with onion and cheese, turkey sausage, and a spoonful of hash browns. Oh, and two strips of bacon.
Walked 3 miles from 8am to 9am.
Whirlpooled and steamroomed for a half hour or so.
Showered and dressed by 10am.
Spent too much money on gold over sterling silver. A dolphin ankle bracelet with matching arm bracelet. I got a bracelet for my friend Cathy's birthday and pearl earrings for my mom.
I peeked at my onboard bill...OUCH. Add that to what I spent on the islands.... OUCH times 2.
There will be three bingo games this afternon so I will spend about 30$ there.
Oh, yeah, this last days bingo, I didn't win cash, but in the losers raffle I won a bottle of Brut wine. Great. I don't drink it. I had fun though.
So, in 36 hours I will be home again. I feel a bit sad that while I miss my baby boy Jazzy, I am not unhappy that I had time away from him. I do really miss him. I can't wait for his kissing and not letting me out of his sight. However much fun he has had we both need to be paired up again.
What else?
I want to hear how moms visit with my bro/sis and nieces went. I worry so much about her. She loves and likes me and there are no conditions on it. I have only recently see that. Isn't it horrid to have to feel when you were growing up that you aren't sure if your mom likes you or not?
June 4th.
Nothing like coming back to cold rainy NY. In the cab coming home I happened to say, "wow, I feel like we were only gone a day" I had a fabulous time. I will definitely go back and take to the seas again.
If you all have the opportunity ever, to get on a ship (if you do get car sick, watch out on the ocean though), GO. And that folks is all they wrote on this one. Thanks for reading.
I have had a few things going on since I got back but that is for another time
. The sun is out and I need my daily fix.
Ta.
Friday, June 15, 2007
The voyage continues
Okay, lets see how much I can write before I have to leave for PT.
May 31st:It is around 2pm and I am on some beach in St. Thomas.
What an amazing difference from Puerto Rico.
Heck, I am too tired to write. I am going snorkeling and then sit in the sun for a while.
10pm: Back to St Thomas.
What a clean island. We docked around 7am. It was so relaxing just watching as the island came into view. Yup, rainy and foggy but the green of the hill and mountains was worth every drop of rain on my head.
It was really really humid in the morning and we went shopping.
I bought myself a Topaz ring and necklace. I decided I wanted to have a legacy for my nieces, Annette and Ava. Not that I do not love what I bought, rather, well, my grandmother had her Jewish star that is now my moms and will eventually be mine and then to the girls. I want to leave something special for them. I have nothing of monetary value for them. I can only love them emotionally, with all my heart and soul. Now, that is wonderful, but long after I am gone I want them to have the gem and smile thinking about all the things I loved about them and that they loved about me.I supose that sounds shallow since I know they will always remember me anyway. But, right now, since I have no children, they are my legacy, and I love them so.
Anyway, I also bought two inexpensive silver rings. So far they must be sterling because no green has shown up around my finger.And I bought crap for everyone.We came back to the ship around noon. First off, humidity, no sugar, and being obese suck. Having PTC makes it even friggin worse. Thank goodness for Paula, who let me hold onto her walking back to the ship. I was having major issues with seeing and walking.
I was so close to not going to the beach in the PM cause I was so exhausted, but I rested a half hour, my head and eyes came back into focus and off we all went. It turned out to be great. Nice clean soft white sand underfoot. Light blue water. Rip off for the cost of a chair...Other than eating half a sandwich I brought with me from the ship, too fast, and a sip too much of a drink (which all came up quickly, thank you very much), I snorkeled and swam and sunned. What amazing fun.
I stayed in and played in the surf longer than I would up home (NY). I relaxed in the sun and browned up. I had sand in every crevice of my body and as I showered when we got back I remembered why I do not really care for swimming in the ocean. Bless the person who created soap.
Oh, I had a photo taken with a Rastafarian and a donkey. I am not sure who smelled worse, the guy or the donkey.
I learned something about myself today: I really am pretty but my clothing makes me look horrid.
I looked at myself in the mirror near the jewlery shop on the ship and saw a skirt that sat improperlly, a shirt that was too long for my frame, and a pair of clod hopper shoes tha did not match at all.
Fat, dumpy, ugly kept going thru my head and that was all I saw. It did not matter at all that my face and hair looked really pretty, or that I was doing things I have never done before. I felt like a failure. And I don't know why I cannot stop myself from denegrating my spirit. I am so lucky to be able to do what I do. I have worked so hard to get here. I know in my logic part how much I have accomplished but just a glance in a skewed mirror will crash me.
Good lord, Diane (my therapist) kick me out of this hole, will you?
Good morning ladies and Gentlemen, this is your cruise director....continuing May 31st.
I sat outside on the balcony under a full moon on a mostly clear night.
HEAVEN.
Figuratively and literally.
If I thought I felt insignificant as a small microbe on a small ship in a huge ball of water, then seeing aht glorious white moon, with her grinning face made me even smaller. Smaller in size and yet so fortunate to be able to experience the awe of seeing it all.
The happy moon, gazing down at this blue planet, seeing its tormentor, the Earth, who won't release her from her monthly orbit. And yet, gaily she sees us, me even, and allows me to watch her reflection in the black darkness of the waves.
How bad can life really be when I am witness to this beauty. This joy.
Tomorrow at 6am I will be getting up, waiving at Tortola and dreading the days adventure. "Swimming with dolphins". I feel like a Chum bucket. Blech. But, I will pet a dolphin and have it kiss me. I will even take a picture to make Jazzy jealous. hehe
Then, thank the god of ships, I have another 50 minute full body massage. My body will be thanking me by 3pm.
Finally a resizing of an ankle bracelet (yeah, tomboy me) that I bought. It is sterling silver with little pearls ands silver shells. It is really delicate and cute as anything. Jeez, I am such a girl.
June 1st:5:30pm: waiting on the dining room to open. The day turned out better than I thought it would. Swimming with the Dolphins, ours was named Electra, was okay. I love that I did it, ONCE, and now I never have to do this again. I swam, kissed petted. The price was a rip off, as waw the cost of pics and a DVD but, heck in for a penny, in for a pound.Electra was a sweet mammal, but well, since I don't know any other dolphins, I guess she is sweet.We left around 8am, got back close to 11am. I rested until almost noon, then went to lunch up on the Lido deck. I ended up eating Indian food with Jose. Pleasant. Actually, it was the most relaxing lunch I have had. No where to rush to or to follow someone elses schedule.
After lunch I went for the massage. Don't ask the cost... I am going to be so in debt I don't want to really tally it all up.
I came backk to the room, got changed and went to the slots. Now I know I must have lost about $200 total so far this trip but this afternoon I made back $80 of it. Made me smile inside.
Tonight's dinner is prime rib and I am going to savor it as much as I did the Indian food. No rushing.
I am also going to get another photo done of me. I did not like the one that the ships photogs did on the formal seating night.
I have on a peach shirt and blazer so I hope I look ok and can buy one.
I must attempt to sleep early. I want to be up early in the am to do a couple of miles on the ships deck before it gets too hot and humid. I like being on my own, doing what I want when I want it.
My life, my successes.
The singer in this lounge outside the dining room is singing Louie Armstrong's "What a wonderful world". In my eyes and heart tonight it certainly is.
Nice way to live, don't ya think?
time to get my hair cut and nails done. Again, jeez, I am such a girl.... more later
May 31st:It is around 2pm and I am on some beach in St. Thomas.
What an amazing difference from Puerto Rico.
Heck, I am too tired to write. I am going snorkeling and then sit in the sun for a while.
10pm: Back to St Thomas.
What a clean island. We docked around 7am. It was so relaxing just watching as the island came into view. Yup, rainy and foggy but the green of the hill and mountains was worth every drop of rain on my head.
It was really really humid in the morning and we went shopping.
I bought myself a Topaz ring and necklace. I decided I wanted to have a legacy for my nieces, Annette and Ava. Not that I do not love what I bought, rather, well, my grandmother had her Jewish star that is now my moms and will eventually be mine and then to the girls. I want to leave something special for them. I have nothing of monetary value for them. I can only love them emotionally, with all my heart and soul. Now, that is wonderful, but long after I am gone I want them to have the gem and smile thinking about all the things I loved about them and that they loved about me.I supose that sounds shallow since I know they will always remember me anyway. But, right now, since I have no children, they are my legacy, and I love them so.
Anyway, I also bought two inexpensive silver rings. So far they must be sterling because no green has shown up around my finger.And I bought crap for everyone.We came back to the ship around noon. First off, humidity, no sugar, and being obese suck. Having PTC makes it even friggin worse. Thank goodness for Paula, who let me hold onto her walking back to the ship. I was having major issues with seeing and walking.
I was so close to not going to the beach in the PM cause I was so exhausted, but I rested a half hour, my head and eyes came back into focus and off we all went. It turned out to be great. Nice clean soft white sand underfoot. Light blue water. Rip off for the cost of a chair...Other than eating half a sandwich I brought with me from the ship, too fast, and a sip too much of a drink (which all came up quickly, thank you very much), I snorkeled and swam and sunned. What amazing fun.
I stayed in and played in the surf longer than I would up home (NY). I relaxed in the sun and browned up. I had sand in every crevice of my body and as I showered when we got back I remembered why I do not really care for swimming in the ocean. Bless the person who created soap.
Oh, I had a photo taken with a Rastafarian and a donkey. I am not sure who smelled worse, the guy or the donkey.
I learned something about myself today: I really am pretty but my clothing makes me look horrid.
I looked at myself in the mirror near the jewlery shop on the ship and saw a skirt that sat improperlly, a shirt that was too long for my frame, and a pair of clod hopper shoes tha did not match at all.
Fat, dumpy, ugly kept going thru my head and that was all I saw. It did not matter at all that my face and hair looked really pretty, or that I was doing things I have never done before. I felt like a failure. And I don't know why I cannot stop myself from denegrating my spirit. I am so lucky to be able to do what I do. I have worked so hard to get here. I know in my logic part how much I have accomplished but just a glance in a skewed mirror will crash me.
Good lord, Diane (my therapist) kick me out of this hole, will you?
Good morning ladies and Gentlemen, this is your cruise director....continuing May 31st.
I sat outside on the balcony under a full moon on a mostly clear night.
HEAVEN.
Figuratively and literally.
If I thought I felt insignificant as a small microbe on a small ship in a huge ball of water, then seeing aht glorious white moon, with her grinning face made me even smaller. Smaller in size and yet so fortunate to be able to experience the awe of seeing it all.
The happy moon, gazing down at this blue planet, seeing its tormentor, the Earth, who won't release her from her monthly orbit. And yet, gaily she sees us, me even, and allows me to watch her reflection in the black darkness of the waves.
How bad can life really be when I am witness to this beauty. This joy.
Tomorrow at 6am I will be getting up, waiving at Tortola and dreading the days adventure. "Swimming with dolphins". I feel like a Chum bucket. Blech. But, I will pet a dolphin and have it kiss me. I will even take a picture to make Jazzy jealous. hehe
Then, thank the god of ships, I have another 50 minute full body massage. My body will be thanking me by 3pm.
Finally a resizing of an ankle bracelet (yeah, tomboy me) that I bought. It is sterling silver with little pearls ands silver shells. It is really delicate and cute as anything. Jeez, I am such a girl.
June 1st:5:30pm: waiting on the dining room to open. The day turned out better than I thought it would. Swimming with the Dolphins, ours was named Electra, was okay. I love that I did it, ONCE, and now I never have to do this again. I swam, kissed petted. The price was a rip off, as waw the cost of pics and a DVD but, heck in for a penny, in for a pound.Electra was a sweet mammal, but well, since I don't know any other dolphins, I guess she is sweet.We left around 8am, got back close to 11am. I rested until almost noon, then went to lunch up on the Lido deck. I ended up eating Indian food with Jose. Pleasant. Actually, it was the most relaxing lunch I have had. No where to rush to or to follow someone elses schedule.
After lunch I went for the massage. Don't ask the cost... I am going to be so in debt I don't want to really tally it all up.
I came backk to the room, got changed and went to the slots. Now I know I must have lost about $200 total so far this trip but this afternoon I made back $80 of it. Made me smile inside.
Tonight's dinner is prime rib and I am going to savor it as much as I did the Indian food. No rushing.
I am also going to get another photo done of me. I did not like the one that the ships photogs did on the formal seating night.
I have on a peach shirt and blazer so I hope I look ok and can buy one.
I must attempt to sleep early. I want to be up early in the am to do a couple of miles on the ships deck before it gets too hot and humid. I like being on my own, doing what I want when I want it.
My life, my successes.
The singer in this lounge outside the dining room is singing Louie Armstrong's "What a wonderful world". In my eyes and heart tonight it certainly is.
Nice way to live, don't ya think?
time to get my hair cut and nails done. Again, jeez, I am such a girl.... more later
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Back to the tales of crusing
okay Jazzy is finally tired out.
Back to the tales...
Last nights on board show was a hypnotist. BORING. I left when he made someone make out with an inflatible alien doll...
Tonight is a Juggling act/show. $1000 Bingo game also. This I will go play.
(Lost at Bingo. Better luck next time. I also lost money in the casino at the slots. I suck at this stuff. But it is fun)
By the way, San Juan is IMO a dump. We went on a city tour and then shopping. I bought a few things but nothing worth anything. Oh and I got lost in San Juan. I went off on my own and I ended up going left instead of right and missed the bus back to the ship.
Did you know, everything is in Spanish in San Juan?...
I was fine though because I knew where the ship was and walked the mile or so to it. I managed to make it back before that bus got there!! I enjoyed the walk and it was a nice adventure.
No, I will not do that again!
We left port around midnight.
I would not go back to Puerto Rico for anything.
Back to the tales...
Last nights on board show was a hypnotist. BORING. I left when he made someone make out with an inflatible alien doll...
Tonight is a Juggling act/show. $1000 Bingo game also. This I will go play.
(Lost at Bingo. Better luck next time. I also lost money in the casino at the slots. I suck at this stuff. But it is fun)
By the way, San Juan is IMO a dump. We went on a city tour and then shopping. I bought a few things but nothing worth anything. Oh and I got lost in San Juan. I went off on my own and I ended up going left instead of right and missed the bus back to the ship.
Did you know, everything is in Spanish in San Juan?...
I was fine though because I knew where the ship was and walked the mile or so to it. I managed to make it back before that bus got there!! I enjoyed the walk and it was a nice adventure.
No, I will not do that again!
We left port around midnight.
I would not go back to Puerto Rico for anything.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Cruising is the only way to travel!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 27th:
Standing at the bow of the Carnival Ship Miracle, waiting, watching, listening for the horn, for that first pull away from the dock, I was happy, calm. At peace. Wind blew my hair, sun warmed my skin.
My thoughts were only on one thing initally, "How far I have come from when I was a scared little girl".
May 30th:
About three hours out from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
I have a newfound respect for nature. So many have said it before, we call this planet Earth, but it truly is a planet of water.
It is humbling to stand on the rooms balcony at any time day, or night, and only see the cobalt blue, almost navy, ocean, that travels forever as the eye may see. (Which, I will admit, is not so far with my eyes. But I digress.)
And then, at days break the paler powdered blue sky and white clouds creep up on the sea.
The ocean right now is blue glass. It looks as if it were created by a master glass blowers breath and very being. Tiny white caps spring up as the ship cuts through, leaving tiny etchings through the glass.
At night, blackness without the moon. Reflections only from ship lights tell me that there truly is water around me. And then I look up at the sky, so different from home, stars lighting the heavens like candles on methuzelah's birthday cake. There are too many to count yet I feel like I know all of the individually.
There is a gentleness being on the ship. I get rocked to sleep like a baby in a cradle. It is calming side to side motion that leads me into my dreams.
I like this feeling.
I promised myself I would do all the things I have never done before.
So far I have gotten a full body massage. Once I got over the concept and was comfortable with the female masseur(sp?) I let go and afterwards walked so effortlessly, so lightly. No pill could ever have made my pains go away so well.
The cost was very high monetarily, get this $119. And I definitely got suckered into buying the oils and such that were used. But you know what? For what she did for my spine and neck I would have paid $500.
Needless to say, I made another appt. for after we get back from our excursions on Friday June 1st. Hehehe.
****
San Juan is the first place we dock. We, Paula, Andrea, and I, booked a short bus tour of old San Juan and tour of one of the old forts on the island. I had been deliberating what I wanted to buy Mitchell and Andrea gave me a great idea. I will get him some souvenier from the fort. Mitchell loves old war stuff and so I will take lots of pics and see if there is a book or two regarding the fort and San Juan.
***
Oh, just an aside. We sit at dinner with three single men. Felix is in his 70's and came on board to sleep. He likes going on cruises to get away from everyone. Bill is in his 50's and an accountant from California. He came on ship to eat and sleep. The third guy is Jose, an IT supervisor in NYC, who is 54. I sat next to him and we got to chatting. He was interesting and fun and it was neat that he too is watching what he is eating.
So, this morning I went up to breakfast around 8:30am and then decided to walk laps around the ship. 4 laps equal a mile. I ended up doing about 5 miles. Jose came out walking at about my mile 3 adn we ended up walking the ship together. We talked and kind of flirted with each other (Another thing I wanted to do on this trip). All in all it was a wonderful morning. I found out he was born in NY but his folks were from Puerto Rico. His mom moved back to San Juan about 5 years ago so he is going to her house for lunch.
****
Anyway, back to San Juan, Jose told me that most of the crap sold in San Juan is expensive and not worth wasting my $'s. So, unlesss there is a book about military and the forts I will wait to really shop when we get to St. Thomas.
wait jazzy wants to play
Standing at the bow of the Carnival Ship Miracle, waiting, watching, listening for the horn, for that first pull away from the dock, I was happy, calm. At peace. Wind blew my hair, sun warmed my skin.
My thoughts were only on one thing initally, "How far I have come from when I was a scared little girl".
May 30th:
About three hours out from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
I have a newfound respect for nature. So many have said it before, we call this planet Earth, but it truly is a planet of water.
It is humbling to stand on the rooms balcony at any time day, or night, and only see the cobalt blue, almost navy, ocean, that travels forever as the eye may see. (Which, I will admit, is not so far with my eyes. But I digress.)
And then, at days break the paler powdered blue sky and white clouds creep up on the sea.
The ocean right now is blue glass. It looks as if it were created by a master glass blowers breath and very being. Tiny white caps spring up as the ship cuts through, leaving tiny etchings through the glass.
At night, blackness without the moon. Reflections only from ship lights tell me that there truly is water around me. And then I look up at the sky, so different from home, stars lighting the heavens like candles on methuzelah's birthday cake. There are too many to count yet I feel like I know all of the individually.
There is a gentleness being on the ship. I get rocked to sleep like a baby in a cradle. It is calming side to side motion that leads me into my dreams.
I like this feeling.
I promised myself I would do all the things I have never done before.
So far I have gotten a full body massage. Once I got over the concept and was comfortable with the female masseur(sp?) I let go and afterwards walked so effortlessly, so lightly. No pill could ever have made my pains go away so well.
The cost was very high monetarily, get this $119. And I definitely got suckered into buying the oils and such that were used. But you know what? For what she did for my spine and neck I would have paid $500.
Needless to say, I made another appt. for after we get back from our excursions on Friday June 1st. Hehehe.
****
San Juan is the first place we dock. We, Paula, Andrea, and I, booked a short bus tour of old San Juan and tour of one of the old forts on the island. I had been deliberating what I wanted to buy Mitchell and Andrea gave me a great idea. I will get him some souvenier from the fort. Mitchell loves old war stuff and so I will take lots of pics and see if there is a book or two regarding the fort and San Juan.
***
Oh, just an aside. We sit at dinner with three single men. Felix is in his 70's and came on board to sleep. He likes going on cruises to get away from everyone. Bill is in his 50's and an accountant from California. He came on ship to eat and sleep. The third guy is Jose, an IT supervisor in NYC, who is 54. I sat next to him and we got to chatting. He was interesting and fun and it was neat that he too is watching what he is eating.
So, this morning I went up to breakfast around 8:30am and then decided to walk laps around the ship. 4 laps equal a mile. I ended up doing about 5 miles. Jose came out walking at about my mile 3 adn we ended up walking the ship together. We talked and kind of flirted with each other (Another thing I wanted to do on this trip). All in all it was a wonderful morning. I found out he was born in NY but his folks were from Puerto Rico. His mom moved back to San Juan about 5 years ago so he is going to her house for lunch.
****
Anyway, back to San Juan, Jose told me that most of the crap sold in San Juan is expensive and not worth wasting my $'s. So, unlesss there is a book about military and the forts I will wait to really shop when we get to St. Thomas.
wait jazzy wants to play
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Rainbow Bridge and a few quotes.
I believe I got this from a CK'er and I loved it so much I wanted to put it in my blog.
Rainbow Bridge (grab a Kleenex)
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.
Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... -
~Author Unknown
I love the idea. I grew up with a schnauzer named Roman who I loved so deeply that I still cry when I remember he was killed by a driver. I have my Jazzy, who will be with me hopefully for at least another 15 years. I will meet them both eventually at the Rainbow Bridge.
Here are some other quotes that I find inspiring to me.
"Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results." — James Allen: Author, As a Man Thinketh
Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them." — Albert Einstein, Genius
Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are. Soren Kierkegaard
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. Soren Kierkegaard
Love is all, it gives all, and it takes all. Soren Kierkegaard
Patience is necessary, and one cannot reap immediately where one has sown. Soren Kierkegaard
To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself. Soren Kierkegaard
Rainbow Bridge (grab a Kleenex)
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.
Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... -
~Author Unknown
I love the idea. I grew up with a schnauzer named Roman who I loved so deeply that I still cry when I remember he was killed by a driver. I have my Jazzy, who will be with me hopefully for at least another 15 years. I will meet them both eventually at the Rainbow Bridge.
Here are some other quotes that I find inspiring to me.
"Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results." — James Allen: Author, As a Man Thinketh
Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them." — Albert Einstein, Genius
Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are. Soren Kierkegaard
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. Soren Kierkegaard
Love is all, it gives all, and it takes all. Soren Kierkegaard
Patience is necessary, and one cannot reap immediately where one has sown. Soren Kierkegaard
To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself. Soren Kierkegaard
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