Cruise Day 4: Day at Sea

Our forth day on the ship started bright and early. Rebecca and I had booked our spa time for 8:00am. We met each other in the relaxation room before being taken in for our massages and facials. The massage felt wonderful. Being so early, I was fighting falling asleep since I wanted to be able to enjoy the entire two hours. The massage also included a facial, which I have never had done before. This felt amazing as well. Everything smelled so good, and my skin felt great afterwards. I then met back up with Rebecca and we headed in to use both the steam room and sauna.

When I got back to the room, Clint was still asleep, so I decided to get back in bed too. With no windows in our room, it was pitch black. Plus there are no clocks. This makes knowing what time it is very difficult (especially since my phone switched over to Dublin time for whatever reason). We finally decided to get up with no clue what time it was, but were hungry so hit the buffet. We got to the lunch buffet just in time before they shut it down. Guess we had slept in longer than we thought.

We then found Blake and Rebecca in the casino. When the ship is at sea, the casino stays open all day...dangerous. But, we used our better judgement and we all opted to try out the waterslide. It was a bit chilly, but the sun started to come out and warm us up. We mustered up some courage, and hit the slide with all the little kids. It was pretty fun, but one run was enough. Waiting in line all wet on the tall stairs was way too cold. I was terrible at taking pics this day, but did manage to get a picture of the slide earlier in the trip. So no photo evidence that we rode the slide, but we really did!

After the slide, we warmed up in the hot tubs. With no port this day, the boat was more crowded, though we did manage to squeeze in for a bit. Rebecca and I left to go fill everyone's drinks, and decided to stop for nachos on the way. We made it back to the boys who were wondering what took us so long, cause they were hungry! We came across the same nacho buffet, and not wanting to let them find out about our secret meal, we ate again. Fully stuffed, we set out for our rooms to rest. But on the way, we noticed they had put out sushi...can't pass that up! We sat and ate again. I swear the cruise mentality and food everywhere messes with your head. Now so full I could puke, we really headed back to the room for a nap...cause why give your body time to digest before sleeping.

A couple hours later, it was time to eat...again. Off to dinner we went for our final meal in the dining room. The boys stuck to one entree this night, and I barely made a dent in my seafood pasta (but you already know I saved room for dessert). It was sad to see our gluttonous meals come to an end, but we were looking forward to going home and eating salads for the next week.

After dinner, we headed to (no, not the casino...yet) a comedy show. We sat in a comfy padded booth and listened to three performances. One of the comedians was absolutely hilarious. He performed first, and we were told he'd be out again for the final and third show. The guy in the middle was just alright, but knowing the other comic would be out again, we stayed. I of course couldn't explain what was so funny, because it just wouldn't be the same...but this guy was hilarious. He picked on this woman in the front row, and the banter between them was just great. He was so quick witted. It's great to see a comic that can be funny on the fly without having to use a predetermined routine. I was laughing so hard tears were not only rolling down my face, but projectile squirting from my eyes. He really did a number on my stomach with all that food rolling around in there.

In good spirits, we decided to hit up the casino for one last run. This ended up being the best night! The craps table was on a roll, and I made $100. It's so much more fun to gamble when you're winning! Happy with that, I cashed out and made the rounds to tell everyone goodnight. With everyone still gambling and not being too tired, I made the mistake of going back to the table. Everyone laughed that I was back, but I put out another $20...and there it went. I should have known better, oh well. This time I really went back to the room and packed. We were going to have an early morning since we needed to be off the ship at 10am.

Bags packed, I climbed up to my bunk for one last night.

Some photos of our towel friends each night:

and our door sign...

this should have said EATIN'

Cruise Day 3: Ensenada

We woke up on the 4th of July to a ginormous Mexican flag.

Happy Independence Day,
you're in Mexico.

Clint slept in, and I hit the custom order omelet bar. I then ran into Blake and Rebecca and decided to have round two of breakfast and sit with them. It was another cloudy morning, so the three of us mixed some drinks and headed to the hot tub again. We met a couple of Canadian ladies who were hiding from their children (the hot tubs were 21 and over). They were a hoot. They warned Blake and Rebecca about teenage daughters and how they're in for a real treat (they have two adorable girls, Brooke and Brynn, who are 6 and 4). Clint ended up joining us once he woke up, and we decided it was time to eat again. The ship also has (in addition to the buffet, panini bar, and pizzeria) a mongolian grill. We chose all our veggies, meats, and sauces and they grill it up for you right there. Yum.

After lunch, the boys hit the gym while Rebecca and I checked out the spa (not before refilling our drinks of course). At the spa we were talked in to a deal for a 2 hour massage and a facial. The only availability was the next day at 8am. We went for it and figured it'd be a nice way to start our morning. Next we checked out the steam room and sauna. Both were extremely warm, but very relaxing. So relaxing we headed back to our rooms for a nap.

The boys came back from the gym, and we all got cleaned up and met at the sushi bar. Have I mentioned how much I enjoyed the food? We sat by the window and looked out at cloudy Mexico. The weather never turned around, so even though I left Seattle, I was stuck with another gloomy 4th of July.

cloudy Ensenada

Clint and I decided we better get off the ship and check out Ensenada. Blake and Rebecca weren't too interested since they've been before and the weather wasn't too great. So, Clint and I headed down and off the ship onto the pier where the ship was ported. Right there was a little market selling all sorts of Mexican keepsakes. We opted not to take the shuttle into town, since this was good enough for us. Clint found a refrigerator magnet to buy, then we sat down to have a couple Mexican beers. Once I couldn't stand the cold anymore, we headed back onboard.

Once back on the ship, it was time to eat again! Off we went back to our dining room. I'm having a hard time remembering the menu for this night, but I know it was delicious. And I know I had the chocolate cake again.

Clint and I had made a trip to Walmart before the cruise and found some Americana t-shirts for us all to wear. So, after dinner we headed back to get changed for the 4th of July celebration on the Lido Deck. Sporting our USA pride, we checked out all the festivities on the ship. There was music and dancing, as well as people tossing out glow sticks and other fun red, white, and blue gear.

heading to the Lido Deck

not paying attention again...

After all the celebrating we were drawn back to the casino. We took our usual spots...slots, poker, or craps, and tried to make our money back. I finally ended up having a good night and walked away wining $20. I was happy with that, so I stopped.

We meandered back to the Lido Deck, and what do you know...another buffet. I was already stuffed from dinner, but I couldn't possibly pass on all the good stuff they were serving. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni, fruit, chips and guac...so delicious. Plus, everything looked so festive!

After our late night eats, we said goodnight to Mexico and went to bed.

Cruise Day 2: Catalina Island

We woke up the next morning to the very cloudy, but beautiful scene of Catalina Island. First things first, we hit up the breakfast buffet where we met up with Blake and Rebecca. After a few rounds of food we decided to walk it off and check out the ship. The line for the tender boats to get to land was was super long, so we tried to wait it out. After it didn't seem to get any shorter, we just went for it. Once in line, it took about 20 minutes but we were soon jetting over to the island. Just in time too since the marine layer was finally burning off and the sun was coming out.

cloudy Catalina morning

he has a hard time paying attention

above the Lido Deck

zoomed view of the Catalina Casino from the ship

boarding the tender

on our way to Catalina

Once there, Clint and I took a walk to the historic Catalina Casino, checking out the town along the way. Catalina is a very touristy place. Lots of cute shops and restaurants along the boardwalk, and locals even drive golf carts instead of cars. We got to the casino, and turns out it's not even a real casino. It's actually an old ballroom and a theater. We didn't go inside, but there are tours available, and they still use the theater to show new release movies.

My dad (Steve) said they have the
best clam chowder here

Catalina Casino with our ship in the back

golf cart

lots of boats in town for the 4th

After our little walk, we found Blake and Rebecca at a Mexican bar sitting outside with margaritas and joined them. Unfortunately, Clint didn't stay long. His stress levels were rising without access to internet or his email on the ship, so he left on a hunt for free wifi. I however felt perfectly comfortable staying and enjoying his drink along with a couple of my own.

theme of the trip - Rebecca and I with drink in hand

We left the bar and set out on our next mission: smuggle booze back on to the ship. The sneaky Carnival staff had found and confiscated the stash Rebecca packed in her suitcase, and left a polite note behind stating their alcohol policy. So, we headed to Von's to purchase the smuggling necessities to try it a second time. First we downed a couple of Arizona teas and filled them with sweet tea vodka, yum. We also got a couple six packs of water bottles still in the plastic wrap. Very carefully we took out all the bottles without damaging the plastic, filled them with vodka, and put it all back together. We threw in some other snacks and groceries to make it look legit, and we were ready to head back and board.

We met Clint back at the dock who had managed to find a public library to get some work done. The line back to the ship was pretty long again being so close to the time we were supposed to be back on board. We waited it out in the sunshine while sipping on our "tea." As our tender boat took us back, we were getting nervous it may not work, but we passed through security without a hitch! Could have been the rushed crew getting us on so the ship could leave and no time to check everything out properly, but we were happy.

smugglers

Once back to the ship, Blake, Rebecca, and I hit up the hot tub. Clint was still stressed and decided to hit the gym instead (I don't think he knows how to vacation...). The tub was a little crowded, so we didn't stay long and decided we better get some pizza, because why not? We then headed to the gym to "cheer on" Clint. We soon realized we may have had a few too many "teas" when our "cheering" didn't turn out as funny as we thought it would. Clint was done though, so we all headed back to our rooms to nap/clean up for dinner.

The second night on the cruise is Captain's night, my favorite. You dress up all fancy and eat fancy things like lobster and prime rib. We headed to our dining room where we shared our table with two other couples. They were celebrating their 35th and 37th wedding anniversaries and were long time friends (as well as cruising experts). They were fun to chat with each night, so we lucked out. The food this night was delicious. Along with the lobster and prime rib, I had some delicious stuffed mushrooms and fried shrimp...and of course the to die for chocolate cake dessert.

After dinner, it was casino time. Clint sat at the card table, Rebecca hit the slots, and Blake, well he went to bed right after dinner, but only for a quick cat nap before joining Clint to play poker. I was reluctant to take my chances with craps again, but with everyone gambling I got sucked in. Well, I blew it. $60 more down the drain. Plus another $10 that the nice gentleman next to me gave me. He was determined that we'd hit a winning streak and I'd make it all back, but he was wrong and we both walked away losers.

Dropping off Blake for a nap with
the boozin' elephant

It was time to call it a night again, and by morning we'd be in Mexico!

Cruise Day 1: Long Beach

So I pretty much want to go live on a cruise ship.

Clint and I had the greatest time with Blake and Rebecca, and cruise livin is the best. You sleep when you want, eat when you want, lose track of time, gamble all night, and your cell phone disconnects from the world. So basically, heaven. I can't wait to book the next one! Our trip was jam packed with fun stuff, so I'll break it up into days.

Day 1: Long Beach
Early Monday morning, Clint and I flew down to San Diego with our bags packed for a two part vacay: the cruise and a weekend in SD. We arrived at the San Diego airport, and Blake and Rebecca were there to pick us up. We headed straight out to Long Beach where the ship would be leaving from, but not before stopping at the first taco shop in order to get a carne asada burrito, spicy carrots, and an horchata. I don't know what it is about SD, but they have the most delicious taco shops ever. Must be since they're so close to Mexico. And to think, Blake suggested stopping at a Jack in the Box.

Happy girl with a tummy full of carne asada

We got to Long Beach, parked the car, and headed straight for the ship. It happened to be ported right next to the Queen Mary, which I've never seen in real life. Pretty cool to see the two huge ships side by side. We quickly made it through the ship security and customs, had our photo taken, and we were able to board. My first impression was that it reminded me of Vegas, and if you think about it, the two are quite similar. Casinos, night clubs, comedy shows, buffets, pools, and you can carry your drinks with you everywhere you go. No wonder I loved it!

brothers

Carnival Inspiration

boarding the ship!

Queen Mary from onboard the Inspiration

Next, we found our rooms. Clint and I booked the cruise a little late, so we ended up with the very last room available. Good news? The room was just around the corner from Blake and Rebecca! Awesome news? Instead of a queen size, our room had bunk beds! It gave us so much extra space in our room to do activities.

Once settled in to our rooms, we did some exploring and hit our first of many buffets. Lunch was being served, and I got a little excited. So many choices, I had to try them all. I had the grilled chicken and veggies, a half sandwich from the panini bar, slice from the 24hr pizzeria, salad bar, tried about three different kinds of cake, oh, and of course a soft serve swirl cone. Like I said, heaven.

even seagulls love a good buffet

After gorging ourselves, we did my second favorite activity on the ship...napped. Clint and I had an early morning, so we headed back to the room for a quick nap before getting ready for yet another meal. After our snooze it was about time to head to dinner. We met back with Blake and Rebecca and wandered the ship for a bit before making it to our dining room.

Dinners on a cruise ship are even better than I remember. You have a delicious menu in front of you and can order anything you want. Can't decide between two entrees? Have them both! No wonder the average weight gain for a 7-day cruise is 9 pounds, they really like to fatten you up. I went with a caesar salad, pork tenderloin, and for dessert...oh the dessert...I had the most delicious chocolate molten lava cake with vanilla ice cream. It was a little bowl of heaven with the richest melt in your mouth chocolate you have ever had. I was sold, and had it every night after. I didn't even bother to look at the other choices.

After dinner we made our way to the casino. After watching others play and standing back for a while, the craps table finally pulled me in and I was hooked. I played for a good hour or two, but in the end I lost $60. So, instead of quitting I joined Rebecca at the slot machines...and there went another $20. Defeated, I decided to go to bed. I found Clint and Blake at the Texas Hold'em table and said goodnight. I crawled into the top bunk and fell asleep as the ship sailed on to Catalina.

Grandmas

A few weeks ago I attended my Grandma Dorothy's memorial service down in Aberdeen, Wa. It got me thinking that I failed to post about my Grandma Marlene's memorial service as well. I guess I was reluctant to share it on my blog before, but I think it would be a nice way to look back and remember these tributes to such great women.

Starting with my Grandma Marlene, as soon as our family heard the news, we all flew down to Palm Desert to be together. Her passing was such a shock that the whole trip seemed very surreal. I am thankful that our whole family was able to be down there and support each other. We held a memorial service for Grandma at the Fitzhenry-Wiefels Funeral Home on May 1st...May Day. This day has special memories for me of her. When I was little, my mom and I would get flowers for Grandma then take them to her house on Mercer Island. We would put the flowers on her doorstep, ring the doorbell, then hide around the corner. Grandma would answer and wonder out loud who the flowers could be from. I thought it was the funniest thing (easily amused).

The service was very touching. My uncle told a few funny stories to remember her by, and a poem was read that my grandpa wrote to her on their 60th wedding anniversary. Her friends from the area were able to join, as well as my Auntie Gloria (her sister) and Uncle Bill. There were pictures of her on display surrounded by beautiful flowers.

I have such fond memories of times together with her to look back on. I'm also grateful that I was able to keep some of her (very stylish) jewelry which makes me happy to wear and remember her by. I think about her everyday, and miss her a lot.

My Grandma Dorothy passed away just a short week later. I was actually staying at our family's cabin out near Shelton when my dad called me with the news. It had been years since I stayed at the lake house, but there I was, in the one place that I have the most memories of Grandma. We'd stay at the lake during the Summer and pick blackberries for her to make her delicious blackberry pies.

Her memorial was held a couple months later on June 30th. Clint and I drove down to Aberdeen and first stopped at the cemetery where a short ceremony was held. My dad and his three siblings told some fond memories of Grandma, then we showered her headstone, along with her parents and brother's, with rose petals. From there we went to the Aberdeen Museum of History. Lunch was held, a beautiful slideshow that my cousin Michael put together was shown, and all four kids spoke about their mom. It was a great tribute and nice to see so many friends and family join together to remember her.

My dad

My aunt Virginia (Grandma's sister) and me.
Actually, we are sisters as well...Aunt Virginia
lived in the very same Chi Omega house
while she attended UW!

After the museum, we took a drive over to the house my grandma grew up in...which just happens to be a historical landmark in Aberdeen. The Aberdeen Mansion. It is a ginormous beautiful yellow house that has since been turned into a B&B. The owners have now shut down the B&B and are trying to sell it, but are living in this beautiful home just the two of them in the mean time. On the day of Grandma's memorial, they opened up their home to us and hosted her friends and family to come take a tour of where she lived while growing up. The place is amazing, and was pretty exciting to finally see it from the inside. We ate blackberry pie and listened to stories from my aunt Virginia about the house when they were little.

My uncle Dave and aunt Tina also had a beautiful necklace made for me. It's a silver "charm" necklace of my grandmother's thumb print. The back has her initials as well. I've worn it almost everyday since, and love having a unique way to remember her by.

It was a special day, and I'm happy that I was able to spend it with family.

To both my grandmas, from your favorite (and only) grand daughter, I love you and miss you very much!

Happy Birthday OMC

On Friday June 29th, Old Man Clint turned another year older. All Clint wanted to do was go on a camping trip with our new backpacks, but with our upcoming cruise we opted to stay in town to get ready for that. Guess we'll have to save camping for later this summer.

Instead, I treated the birthday boy to a delicious steak dinner. We had both heard great things about the Jak's in Issaquah, but had never been. We invited Clint's friends Matt and Jenny to join us, and had a great time. We got there early (they don't take reservations) and had some drinks in the bar. About an hour later a table opened up and we were able to sit. Dinner was delicious! Next time I won't fill myself up on apps and bread, but I was still able to scarf down the entire steak (of course).

After dinner we headed to the movie theater to see if we'd be able to get in to see Ted. Guess we lingered at the restaurant after dinner for a little too long since by time we got there only the first 3 rows were open. Maybe another time. So instead we went to Matt and Jenny's house for some more drinks. Once Jenny passed out on the couch (good thing we didn't try to sit through a movie) it was time to head home.

We had a fun night with the Storeys, and hope you enjoyed your thirty-something birthday Clint! ...I still owe you some camping.

Update

So much to blog about, so little time. I'll hopefully be getting everything up soon...hang tight!