All things EARTH...

[laurspag]

What part of the Bahamas are you going to, Anita? I've been there a few times - Nassau, and Cococay. I heard another cruise line was using Cococay now, not sure if it's Carnival.

[mousey]

Hey there! Yes, my daughters got a sunburn. They were strolling around on board, and stopped and watched the belly flop contest for about 20 minutes. That is all it took! I used sun screen the whole time, I did not get any color. My husband...well, he definitely has a pink skin tone to him, and when he gets some sun, he definitely gets pinker. He too used sunscreen, but in warmer weather, he is always that color no matter what. He is now a week later.

 

The one lifestyle portrait that we had done is very casual and relaxed. What is interesting is that I didn't have hardly any makeup on, and it was like 10:00 at night...the photographer was about ready to close up when we were walking by, and she called us over. The process of crawling around on the floor in these different poses is pretty funny, and it really creates some nice, relaxed pictures.

 

We truly had a fantastic time. We swam with the stingrays, went ziplining, and participated in a dolphin encounter. There are a few things checked off the bucket list!

 

I really need to give a lot of thought to my next set of glasses. I find it very difficult to find them to match my features. Even when pushed up, the top does not follow my brow line like it should.

 

Anita, you must be really busy getting ready for the move. Even though you are not moving far, you still have to do most of the usual packing and so forth, I would imagine. You mentioned previously that your house in Texas was sold, so I can see everything coming together for you. Plus, the new place is well modernized, from what you have said.

 

We have a wedding coming up in June in Garden City that we are planning next. If all goes well, I may book an inexpensive cruise for November. RCI has had some sales lately, and we have a 50th birthday cruise booked for next May. What I find interesting is, it's hard to find vacations that are nearly as easy to plan and as cost effective as cruising. unfortunately, sailing out of Bayonne is not cheap, and the beginning of November are the inaugural Quantum sailings. I would really like a 4 or 5 day getaway, if we are able to do it.

 

Anita, I will be very interested in seeing what you think about Carnival. I love RCI so much, that I really don't have an interest just yet in trying different lines. With the cruise we just came back from, we are now platinum with Crown and Anchor Society, so I will be able to have my travel agent call them Monday and have a $125.00 balcony credit added to my May 2015 cruise.

 

Margaret, I hope all is well with your dad.

 

Mousey, how are the plans coming along for the cruise you mentioned?

 

Thanks for asking, we are waiting for the DS to get back from his orientation session today. He got a job with a local camp up here in the Santa Monica mountains. This place is seriously just like a mini Disneyland. It has everything a kid could want to do at camp and then some. You name it, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, boating, craft sessions, painting lessons, music lessons, songwriting lessons, etc., etc., etc. The DS is going to teach Karate as he has a First Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do. He's suppose to find out today exactly what his schedule for the summer is going to be. Hopefully, we'll be able to fit a 4-day Mexican cruise at the end of the summer before he heads back to the U of A in Tucson, AZ. We'll see. It's been so wonderful having him home these past two weeks. I just love the kid so much.:D

[Anita Latte]

The Bahamas ports are Nassau and Half Moon Cay, which is the Holland America/Carnival private island in that area. That is a tender port, so hopefully we will have calm enough seas to visit it.

 

DH and I went to Nassau on our honeymoon (pretty sure). We did a rather long vacation funded by timeshare presentations which included a day cruise over to Grand Bahama island where we stayed for one or two nights...can't remember exactly. I'll have to look at that port. We had some sort of vouchers for one of the big resorts there and spent time in the casino there. The hotel we stayed at was nice enough, but wasn't the big fancy resort.

 

I'm interested to see Carnival. We have an OV room...on a deck with cabins above and beneath. The OV rooms are quite a nice size compared to others I have looked at on similar sized ships. I've read both 185 and 190 square feet. It does have the pullman bed, which DS slept on with our first cruise...he didn't love it...but part of the problem was the ladder and as weird as it is to say...the carnival ladder looks like it has more rungs on it...that and DS's legs are longer than they were...

 

There are a few amenities that I am really looking forward to trying. We are so new to cruising, we don't really have any truly tangible benefits at this stage of the game...the opportunity cost for us to try out the different lines is much cheaper. I admit that I haven't been attracted to the marketing of Carnival, nor for their party image...I'm attracted solely to the price and the fact that both Jacksonville and Charleston are about equal distant from me and both have cruise ships...and both drives are about 5 hours. This is a huge bonus.

 

Mousey...did you do the same ship/itinerary? Any words of advice? I'm trying to research about what is available on board and also for the ports, of course. I hope you are able to take a vacay with your son. I know it was several years ago for myself...but it still feels like yesterday...but I remember college being the time of transition...time at home seemed to diminish toward the end of college and after. It will all depend on if your son meets his mate in college and where she is from and what happens from there. Not to be a downer...just make the most of all the time you have.

 

Meanwhile...DH travels to Canada next week for work. DS and I will be hard at work at home doing things around the house to move. Stuff is the big challenge. The furniture is relatively easy...and we will be paying movers to move the really heavy stuff...but all the stuff. OMG. You do have to box it up a bit...empty the furniture that needs to be moved...but you don't have to be ultra careful with the pack job, since we will be moving the majority of the STUFF...and with the way that we will move...the boxes don't have to be super efficient and/or stack-able really.

[MJC]

Mousey, I know what you mean about black and white. So classic and so easy. My mother used to always buy me white shirts because she believed it was a necessary element for every woman’s wardrobe. I would put them on, take them off, and never wear them. I think I knew it just wasn’t for me. I work with a lot of ICE folks and I see some of their cute b&w clothes since it’s such a big spring trend here. It’s tempting to jump on the trend but I’m trying to just enjoy how they fabulous they look and not feel like I have to have it too. BTW your son’s camp sounds like so much fun! They should have one for adults! I would totally go there. J

Anita, I love the photos you found of Scarlet in the green dress. What an awesome color for a gown. How is the packing going? I think it must be almost as hard to move down the street as across the country. I tell DH I’m never moving -- when I die he can bury me in the yard next to the cat. I would love to hear more about the meet&greet, did you have fun? Was it beautiful there? I’m curious about that area as it is where we will probably be in 2017 for the solar eclipse. How is your mom? The FIRE board has been way too quiet lately!

Laurie, I’m enjoying your pictures so much. I’ve looked at them several times and the fun just jumps right out. Thank you for sharing your vacation with us and letting us have some vicarious fun. I want to zipline in the worst way, but I won’t go alone and DH is always over the weight limit. You are so brave!

Dad is about the same. School ends for me on Wednesday so I’m going back to Michigan for a week, and happily my sister will be there too with the baby. J Then I’ll have a week off at home before I have to start jury duty. I feel like my time is never my own these days. We’re trying not to make plans for the rest of the summer in case I have to help my parents move, since they listed their house this week. In fact, it’s doubtful we’ll do any travel, either, for the rest of this year while things are so unsettled.

The fun news is that we have tentative travel plans for 2015. In the spring we have to go to Israel (DH has meetings there every few years), and we are thinking of adding on a few days in either Athens or Venice, neither of which we’ve been to yet but would love to see. Then, in December we’d like to use our Princess credit towards a Panama Canal 10-day partial transit. I have promised myself not to over-plan like the last time, but I will admit I’m already studying the deck plans….

[mousey]

Anita,

Hang in there, soon the move will be over and you'll be happily ensconced in your new home.

 

As far as your cruise, no, we didn't stop at the private island. I wished that we had because on our cruise the next year we did and it was AMAZING! We loved it. We shared a cabana with a couple we met on the ship (they invited us to share it with them) and we had a blast! It is very beautiful there. As for things to do onboard ship...We love going to the wine tasting and to tea time (love the Tea Time treats). We also enjoy hanging out in the piano bar and going to the comedy shows. We're not big on the other shows as, jaded as it sounds, been there done that for the most part. We also like to hang out on the Serenity Deck, which is adults only. We often like to go dancing in the disco or sometimes they have dancing at other places on the ship. The last cruise we were on they had a salsa band in the Atrium and we loved dancing to that band. If you have any other specific questions, I will try my best to answer them. I know you other stop is in Nassau. We had the DS and one of his friends with us and we took them to Atlantis. The other thing you might want to check out is Carnival's FTTF program. It's $50 per cabin (not per person) and it offers a lot of perks. The main one you may be interested in is the fact that you can get off ahead of others (after VIP, Platinum, and Suite cruisers). That's worth it alone to me. You also get to board earlier and get to you room as soon as you board and have your luggage waiting for you. We will probably get it for our next cruise if we have a port that we need to tender to. We have always enjoyed our Carnival cruises. It's not a luxury line...you get what you pay for...but we have always had an awesome time. We're not gourmet foodies so we are fine with the food. As a matter of fact, I'm a comfort food person and I have always enjoyed the food in the MDR. There has never been a time when I didn't enjoy my meal. I'm awfully fond of their desserts! LOL! Sweet tooth gal that I am. I hope this helps.

 

Margaret,

 

I've only been to one city in Greece and loved it. But if I had a choice between Greece or Venice...Venice it would be hands down. It is one of the most unbelievable places you'll every visit. The DH and I went (it was before the DS was born and we really want to take him there) back in the 90s. It was the first time we had ever been to Europe. The DH and I just looked at each other and said, almost at the same time, "Am I dreaming this." It was so amazing! We stayed there for two nights (it was part of the cruise deal) before we boarded the ship. We didn't want to leave! Taking the water taxis was so much fun. Sitting in the St. Mark's Piazza and having a drink and a snack (not cheap) we felt like we were part of a movie set. I loved the museums (I was an art major) and I bought a pair of boots in Venice that I wore for years. I also still have a little leather bracelet that I purchased there. I just can't say enough nice things about Venice. That would be my choice!:) I know you're insanely busy but if you get a chance and you haven't seen the movie yet...check out "Summertime" with Katherine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi. It is an amazing love story and gives you a perfect idea of the awesomeness of Venice. I have seen it maybe a gazillion times and it's on my top 10 movies of all time list.

Edited June 9, 2014 by mousey

[mousey]

Anita,

Hang in there, soon the move will be over and you'll be happily ensconced in your new home.

 

As far as your cruise, no, we didn't stop at the private island. I wished that we had because on our cruise the next year we did and it was AMAZING! We loved it. We shared a cabana with a couple we met on the ship (they invited us to share it with them) and we had a blast! It is very beautiful there. As for things to do onboard ship...We love going to the wine tasting and to tea time (love the Tea Time treats). We also enjoy hanging out in the piano bar and going to the comedy shows. We're not big on the other shows as, jaded as it sounds, been there done that for the most part. We also like to hang out on the Serenity Deck, which is adults only. We often like to go dancing in the disco or sometimes they have dancing at other places on the ship. The last cruise we were on they had a salsa band in the Atrium and we loved dancing to that band. If you have any other specific questions, I will try my best to answer them. I know you other stop is in Nassau. We had the DS and one of his friends with us and we took them to Atlantis. The other thing you might want to check out is Carnival's FTTF program. It's $50 per cabin (not per person) and it offers a lot of perks. The main one you may be interested in is the fact that you can get off ahead of others (after VIP, Platinum, and Suite cruisers). That's worth it alone to me. You also get to board earlier and get to you room as soon as you board and have your luggage waiting for you. We will probably get it for our next cruise if we have a port that we need to tender to. We have always enjoyed our Carnival cruises. It's not a luxury line...you get what you pay for...but we have always had an awesome time. We're not gourmet foodies so we are fine with the food. As a matter of fact, I'm a comfort food person and I have always enjoyed the food in the MDR. There has never been a time when I didn't enjoy my meal. I'm awfully fond of their desserts! LOL! Sweet tooth gal that I am. I hope this helps.

 

Margaret,

[mousey]

:eek:Sorry, I double-posted! Duh!

[mousey]

Anita,

 

I was reading a funny review of a person who had just sailed on the Fascination to the exact same ports you are sailing to and I copied this from his review so that you could see how he felt about Carnival's FTTF program;

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

"General notes and musings:

 

Front of the line–On our first cruise (Progresso/Cozumel) we did not have FTTF. We thought embarkation was always supposed to be a pain in the butt. On our second cruise (Nassau/HMC) we did have FTTF. The only real benefit we had was that we were on the first tender at HMC. That alone was worth it.

 

On that cruise we arrived at JaxPort early enough that there were no lines to speak of. There were only a few people in the port anyway but we practically walked on to the boat. On this cruise, we were a little later getting to the port. The place was packed. However, we were escorted to the front of every line. Holy cow! Breezing through the port and being on the first tender to HMC – FTTF is worth it."

[Anita Latte]

Mousey...I read that review! There aren't many out there about the Fascination...his was entertaining for sure. I had read about FTTF...it kind of reminded me of Disney's Fast Pass system. I had read mixed reviews about FTTF on the Carnival board. I was thinking about it for our cruise because of the tender port. It is sold out at this time...I have read that they sometimes release more as time goes by but I haven't had this verified by anyone.

 

Regardless, I'm still on the fence with this. If we were unable to make port at HMC then I think I'd be a bit torqued...as this would be my main motivator for getting it. I'm not sure if we are going to drive in Friday night or Saturday morning. It's a funny snowball that can happen...drive in early, incur hotel and additional food expense, want to pay for FTTF because of being there so early. OR...just wake up like a normal work day, except that you are going to a cruise instead of work...no additional expenses, arrive likely after most of the worst of the lines are done...have more spending money for onboard fun at the cost of a bit of patience.

 

This is how I think anyway...especially considering how I am pinching pennies to make this happen in the first place.

 

I'm ready to share all about the meet and greet BUT I have to get ready to teach my Body Basics class at Curves...post more later.

[Anita Latte]

The Meet and Greet was so much fun! OMG. We laughed and laughed all weekend. I thought to myself that this is how it must be if ever Pen Pals are able to meet. You know a lot ABOUT someone but you really haven't gotten to know them all at the same time. And because you do kind of know them so well...it is really easy to talk. And talk. And talk. And talk some more.

 

We were up until 1 am the first night? Which was really 2 am to Kim, Mom, and myself since we all came from EDT. And little did I know that we were headed to CDT.

 

Anyway...the area itself is beautiful. Very much like northern Georgia. The terrain has very little difference in some respects. Northern Georgia has a lot of hills and trees. Big tall trees. And lots of hills. When you continue on into Tennessee...the hills become slightly more mountainous...you deal with grade warnings on the highway...and I don't know what the physical or weather related phenomenon is but you can totally understand why the mountains are called the Smoky Mountains. And then you hit Kentucky...and you get it...the bluegrass and the big flat areas for raising horses. Fewer trees in some areas. More meadows and fields.

 

And I never would have guessed at how big the lake felt. IDK...on the map...I'm thinking it's a good sized lake...but this is much more than a good sized lake...I would call it large for sure. Debbie's brother took us out on his pontoon boat on Saturday afternoon for a bit. The lake winds around and there are distinctive areas of it that have earned their own names...and we were in one of those mostly...but he took us out into what I would almost call "open water" where the main body of water is...and that made me feel like we were just a little fish out.

 

The area is beautiful, but I don't feel like we saw much of it. To tell the truth, we were all so busy being social, we didn't really pursue doing much of anything. I'm so glad we were able to go out on the water with Debbie's family. Her brother and his wife are good people. Very entertaining. OMG. It's a location joke (you have to be there) but Debbie's SIL is hilarious...and she doesn't have to make any effort to be. She just is.

 

The set up was good. Debbie has her camper, which is a nice sized one. Her husband left us alone for the weekend...Kim stayed with Debbie in the camper. Mom and I were set up in my tent at a next door campsite. They were away for the weekend and they had more space available for me to pitch the tent. Debbie's bro and SIL were right across from Mom and I. Thankfully, we weather was good. A bit on the warm side...a bit muggy...especially following the one rain that only lasted, what, less than 45 minutes?

 

We showered daily in Bull Frog. It was the first thing Mom and I did when we emerged from our tent. The bugs didn't seem to be bad...we were fine.

 

Mom and I doodled our way up there. We stopped often and at weird places. We try to avoid the gas station toilets...so we stopped once at an antique mall and walked around and stretched our legs out. We ate Famous Daves for lunch. We had a nice leisurely drive, arriving not tired and ready to socialize...which is good considering how late we were up that night...

 

We just talked a lot. We got our tent set up. Ate some fabulous chicken and amazing homemade BBQ sauces. On Saturday, after breakfast we had a really fun exercise helping Debbie sort her scarf collection.

 

That was the most interesting thing to do. We could all so clearly see when she was wearing a GREAT FIRE color...a scarf with a great FIRE ascent but not enough overall...and TERRIBLE, not FIRE at all. And I'm happy to report that I have several new lovely EARTH scarfs! LOL...Debbie gifted me with most of the ones that we deemed to be EARTH. I think she might have kept a couple border line scarfs to accent a bag but not wear near the face.

 

I was thinking afterward that I should have brought my camera and my laptop. It was have been so educational for Debbie to see the difference for herself. She pretty much was just relying on our opinions. We were outside in the natural light and there was no mirror for her to also admire the effect.

 

At some point, Kim brought out her nail polish collection. That was fun. I also picked up 3 new nail polishes!! LOL!!

 

I'm so glad that the ladies brought these things. It was fun to have substance to go over together. And seeing the difference on Debbie...one scarf to the next really brings home how much of a difference the simple choice of color can make in your appearance.

 

We went to town Saturday evening. Haha. I say town, but village may be more appropriate for painting a picture. A very quaint street, or street corner!, of sort of touristy shops and restaurants. The kind of specialty shops that sell unique things. We found a dress that is fabulous. It's by Tango Mango and it's called the ruffle dress. It is an amazing dress. It would be flattering on just about everyone. The fabric pattern/color in the store was EARTH we were all sure. Mom and I looked it up when we got back home and it is only sold in specialty boutiques. She is on the hunt for one now. We saw some patterns that definitely looked like FIRE.

 

We headed back to camp for an easy salad entree dinner with left over chicken. It hit the spot and we were all happy.

 

More talking in the morning. And we left.

 

It was all so fun.

 

We talked about you Margaret...and were wishing you were able to come. We all definitely want to meet again. The key is making an affordable plan from both a time and cost perspective. This is how we could turn this into an annual or at least often event. And it was a good time, for sure. Definitely NOT a one and done.

 

Mom spent more time with me after our weekend. She and Dad left last Thursday to celebrate their anniversary with a 4-nights stay in New Orleans. Mom has never been before...Dad did but so long ago. She'll have to report on that. They ate in two places featured on Top Chef this past season. Here's a funny...she saw someone wearing that Tango Mango dress and yes, she did approach that person on the street to ask them if it was a Tango Mango dress and where she got it. I think Mom was hoping it was local...but she had bought it in Jackson, Mississippi. Ah well.

 

And now if you are so curious:

 

http://www.tangomango.ca/#!ruffle-dress/c1wa8

 

The great thing is the way the ruffles are. They aren't overlapping layers...so there is that hint of shape under the ruffles that really help hide imperfections and increase comfort and confidence in a trimmer fit, KWIM?

 

We only took one picture. As we were leaving. While that is somewhat sad...I'm happy too, because we were all so much more interested in participating in our meet than documenting it.

[Anita Latte]

I didn't mention the wildlife...

 

Not that there was a ton. Lots of birds. Which I am used to. The morning sing along is an widely varying chorus of calls here in Georgia, and Kentucky was no different. What was fun was to recognize a couple.

 

Mom and I are lying on the cot bed...

 

I said, "Do you hear that?"

 

Mom said, "The chicken?"

 

I said, "I think that's a turkey."

 

She said, "Well I knew it was poultry."

 

And Kim kept admiring all the butterflies...which did seem very plentiful with variety in colors and shapes.

 

Mom saw a fox. And Kim saw it too after staring so hard into the forest.

 

The tree growth...where it is growing is pretty dense so there is a variety of wildlife to admire and listen to in that area.

[sssteele]

I've really enjoyed reading the thread and seeing all your fabulous photos. I'm not an Earth...not sure what I am, but you guys have a real fun place here.

 

Joanie

[sssteele]

Forgot to mention there is a piece called Handkerchief Hem Smocked Waist dress on TravelSmith that is really beautiful. Not sure if it is really the colors you look for, but to my eye it's close. I'd buy it in a heartbeat if it would work for me.

 

Joanie

[mousey]

Anita,

 

Your trip sounds like you had awesome fun. Your mom is so funny, "Well I knew it was poultry!" LOL! I'm laughing so hard right now. She's a gem!:D

 

I love the dress and can see why she would want to track one down. I loved two of the prints. One is the one that has a lot of yellow and red in the print and the other is Duh...you know me...the geometric black and white print (so not Earth). I've got to get over this black and white thing. But don't forget...I'm very new at this.:D

 

As far as your cruise, I agree, maybe you would want to save $50 per cabin and just get on and off whenever. I'd give that consideration myself. As far as what would happen if you missed the port...you'd go to customer service and get your money back. At least that's what I've read on the Carnival board. Still, having $100 to use toward your excursions sounds good too. So if you're not in a hurry to board or get off early in tender ports, or when the cruise is over...save the money!:D

 

Some good news, we are going to take a 3-day cruise to Mexico. It's only 3 days but I don't care. I get to cruise!!!! Yea! It will be the DH, DS, DS friend, and I. I can't wait! We'll either do the July 11th or the 18th trip. I've already planned out 2 nights of outfits in my mind for the MDR. LOL!:D While the DH and the boys do an ATV tour, I'll be laying on the beach and pool at a resort being served hand and foot and doing some shopping. Sounds like a plan to me! No FTTF this trip! We won't need it. Can't wait!

Edited June 9, 2014 by mousey

[mousey]

Getting back to my 3-dayer to Mexico...this is what I have planned so far.

 

I'll take 3 swimsuits...I don't want to spend 2 seconds rinsing out anything as I only have 3 nights and basically 2 days for this cruise. One will be an older one to use for the Jacuzzi and the other two will be new ones. One is a multi, Earth-colored print (different shades of rose pink roses with olive green foliage) and one is cute tankini with a coral and tan print top w/a tan bottom.For the beach club on Sat., I'll wear one of my beautiful, tunic cover-ups over my swimsuit, a pair of capri pants and some cute thong sandals. I'll also have a straw hat and tote and I'll wear a pair of my new sunglasses. On Sunday, I'll wear a new pair of Gloria Vanderbilt capri pants in moss green that I recently got at Costco, a pair of brown, t-strap sandals that has a gold lizard w/red stone eyes on the t-strap, a beige tee with a multicolored (Earth colors), infinity scarf, and my straw tote bag. I haven't decided yet what I'll wear to board the ship, on disembarkation day, or on the last night of the cruise. Gee this is fun!:)

[laurspag]

I'm not really familiar with Carnival, but from what you've said, you can pay to get a priority pass of sorts? I've tendered a handful of times, and it always seems easy to get off and on the ship. I wonder if it has to do with how many tenders they use?

 

I don't know if you've done this yet, Anita, but if you go online to the various cruiselines you've used, they all have loyalty programs you can sign up for. One of the nice things is notices when they have a sale, and discounts.

 

The more I cruise, the more I love it. We are looking to see if we can do anything this fall. It's a tough call. I just find cruise planning so much easier. There's no guessing how much food will costs and so on. I do like to watch for price drops as well. If it occurs before your final payment, you can request that reduced price. I did that with our cruise we just took, and saved a bundle.

 

In Nassau, there is a place...I'm trying to remember the name. It's a tropical zoo of sorts, and my daughter and her friend participated in the dance of the flamingoes. It was fun to do. Adastra Gardens, maybe?

 

There's always Senor Frogs. :rolleyes: I've actually been there twice. I'm not a partier, but if you go there before everyone gets drunk, it's a nice place to grab lunch.

 

Anita, I LOVE to Tango Mango dresses. I'm wondering if that would work for me? I think it might, for the reasons you stated regarding the ruffles. Plus, the ruffles don't start at the neck, which would be an issue for me.

 

Here's a daytime outfit I forgot to post. My husband took these out on the balcony, in general and we found that many of them didn't come out too well. Come to find out, going from inside to outside, the camera lens was fogging up.

 

 

You know what I really got annoyed about? I had the perfect necklace for this, and it broke! I went to take it out of the jewelry bag, and it was broken. It is fixable though. I'm on a mission right now, because I find that jewelry rolls are not sized well for statement necklaces. All those zippered compartments are really small. The one I happen to have I got a garage sale for 50 cents, and it is the best I've found. it's still hard though. Here is the necklace that I need to fix:

 

[laurspag]

By the way, I'm hoping the sandals don't seem fuddy duddy. Boy, I love those. They are so comfortable!

 

Mousey, you sound like you have a great mini vacation coming up. This past cruise was our first visit to Mexico, and we did a dolphin encounter there. We didn't have much time to check out too much. We were at the Chankunaab (sp?) resort for that, and had lunch right there. It was nice, but I would have liked the encounter to have been done differently. I'm amazed at how smart dolphins are.

[Anita Latte]

Yes, Laurie, with Carnival you can purchase what they call "Faster to the Fun" or FTTF on the boards. Among the perks are getting to fast forward to the front of the line at embarkation, having your cabin be ready at embarkation WITH your luggage delivered to it, getting to fast forward to the front of the line for tenders, and a choice regarding disembarkation. Mousey may be more qualified to say what it really is...but this is my general understanding.

 

I think the one port, Half Moon Cay, had 4 tenders in operation...I think they are double decker tenders. At least, I recall reading that somewhere.

 

I like the sandals. I think I know what you mean because the straps are wider...and that can kind of contribute to that kind of look...but I think the shoes are cute. Are they white? Or cream? I don't do well with light colored shoes. I do like to have a shoe that is at least my skin tone or darker. Maybe that is what you are focusing on...the style is cute. Looks soft. I bet they are comfy.

 

Mousey...you have a fun vacay planned. Getaway weekends are so nice. I hope you have a great time. Take photos!!

 

btw...we only have one cabin? There are 3 in the family...and we just deal. DS and I worked out a pretty good system for some private changing space on the last ship...we'll see how we do on this one. Like I said...I'm still debating the $50...but it's something of a moot point since they are sold out...except that they might release more...IDK. I look to see and wonder what I would do if they had the option.

 

I also love the cruising. I think because it is so mindless for me. My job is to plan all the meals...do the shopping, do the cooking, do most of the cleaning (I do get help there)...and while I don't have to cook or clean on vacation...my men look at me and still ask, what are doing for dinner? Except it could be worse...since we are out of routine, they can ALSO ask me about breakfast, lunch, snacks...etc...OMG!! Cruising is all laid out...I am not in charge of their food intake!! It's a REAL vacation for me!! :D:cool:

 

I can feel the soreness coming on. I've been teaching an Body Focus class that is 30 minutes long. Yesterday we did arms/shoulders. Then today in Zumba, I just felt like hitting it...so I made those edits to my playlist. And now, I can feel all that work in my upper back/shoulders. Wow. I'm really hoping that with life finally settling down that I can reduce my stress levels and hopefully lose this weight that I've gained in Georgia. I hope to be in a more picture taking mood for the September cruise.

[mousey]

Anita,

 

From what I've read on the boards, keep checking under "excursions" everyday because they will probably release more FTTF tickets. How many more FTTF tickets are released depends on how many VIPs (ex.; Wedding quests), Suite customers, Platinum cruisers, etc., they have coming on board. They release the FTTFs in increments. So check everyday!

 

I'm thinking of looking for a Zuma class in my area. I have never tried that type of exercise but have always wanted to. Thing is, I'm embarrassed to say, I'm kind of out-of-shape at the moment. Do they have classes for beginners? Do you think I should just go to my gym and start out doing something slower, such as the treadmill and some weights? I've lost 5 lbs. since my oral surgery and it's motivated me to continue losing. Also, I really do want to do this for my health. I'm not getting any younger!:D;)

[Anita Latte]

mousey...I really can't stand the treadmill. I'm sorry that I can't honestly recommend you doing that! If you belong to a gym, then I suggest that you check out the Zumba classes that they offer there, especially if you are interested in it. Interest = better motivation.

 

Here's my advice regarding Zumba instructors. Each one is unique and different with a personal style, taste in music, taste in choreography, skill and technique in leading the class, blah blah blah. Which I only say because it may be in your best interest to try out the different instructors that you have access to through you gym/gym franchise to find one that suits you.

 

I have said often, that the beauty of Zumba is that it can be modified for whatever you fitness level is. Some people are harder to modify than others (especially jumpy instructors)...but in general...you watch the feet...get the feet...then add the arms. Generally, the most difficult part about Zumba is getting exposed to all the different rhythms and the movements associated with those rhythms. But the repetitive nature of Zumba really helps.

 

Point being...you can easily "do your best" in a Zumba class...and still have fun...way more fun that the endless belt of a treadmill...and still get a great workout. And if your Zumba instructor is like most and doesn't change too many songs on her playlist week to week...then you will be able to see your progress as you can follow the routines better and do them better and feel yourself having more energy and capability as you get into better shape.

 

That said. If you can find a Zumba Gold class. That is technically the beginner class. A lot of people think it is for seniors, because it is usually taught at senior facilities, but it is really for anyone that might need to tone down a Zumba class for any reason. Getting back into working out. Recovering from injury/sickness. Being a beginner and wanting to get more instruction.

 

I don't have a Gold license but I believe a part of the deal is that there is a bit of instruction in between each song...help with the choreo that is to come for both a preview and also for proper technique and variation for needs.

 

If you are interested in Zumba and find it to be something that you enjoy...it is great exercise. Results often vary...many factors are involved, but Mom and I have had great success with it. When I started Zumba back in September 2010, I weighed over 205 pounds (my scale was light and I stopped stepping on the scale at that point)...I might have been about 10 over that. Anyway...with Zumba and my food efforts (nothing beyond trying to make smart, clean choices), I got myself down to 155 when I moved to Georgia in July 2012. I am strong and so this equated to a size 4 swimsuit and a size 6 and small pant. I'm not quite 5'8". And this is part of my lament about Georgia...because I have gained back too many pounds. And it is all around the middle. :( Well, mostly.

 

Margaret has also had Zumba be a part of her recent successes toward fitness. Though I know that she has had some recent challenges regarding her instructors and classes changing and time. (Thinking of you Margaret! *hugs*)

 

Anyway...I'm fairly passionate about the topic. Not just Zumba, but fitness in general. I do encourage you to build on your recent loss and do something.

[mousey]

As usual Anita...thanks for your help. The last time I was at my gym...sad to say it's been a very, very long while, they didn't offer Zumba classes. I'm going to call them and see if that's changed and if not, I'll check our local community centers to see if any of them have one. Thanks again for the info.:D I now weight 183 lbs. and I'm only 5'3" :eek:...there I said it.:D So I've got a lot of work to do. I'm not just doing it for my next cruise...I'm doing it for my health. It's not something I can let go any longer. I had lost weight two years ago when my brother passed away but I gained it back.

[Anita Latte]

Mousey...if your gym does not offer Zumba classes. Go to the official Zumba website and do a search there. If the instructor is a member of the Zumba network, and if the instructor takes advantage of the free class finder on the web site, then you should be able to find quite a choice of classes in your area.

[laurspag]

Anita, it's interesting that I haven't tried zumba. My little sister is a physical fitness instructor, and this is one of the things she teaches. My concern is my hearing loss. I don't think I'm going to be coordinated with the rest of the group. I'm going to be watching them, and I won't be able to hear instructions.

 

A while back, I had a step aerobics class, and i enjoyed the repetitive timed movements. Someone made me a wood box, and I did it at home, by myself. Boy, I wish I still had that thing! I have a treadmill, but it's in the mud room, and it faces the wall. My dog barks at me continually when I use it. He seems to think it's an evil alien, lol. When I'm staring at the wall and using it, I agree with him!

 

I keep trying to figure out what to do. Today, for example, I was at work by 7:30. I had alot to do, so I stayed until 6:30. I went home, made dinner, then went to Michael's for some picture frames. I got back a short time ago. Exercise seems to be the last thing on my mind at the moment. I'm trying to figure out how I can change this? I'm a good eater, lots of fruits and veggies. My diet overall is very low fat and low cholesterol. I'm been paying a lot more attention to what I buy, so there is more organic, all natural types of things. Generally speaking, I drink lots of water and only have 1 to 2 alcoholic beverages a week. (I drink more on a vacation, but by that I mean I have wine every night with dinner, maybe, and another drink at some point during the day.)

 

I have my weaknesses. One of them is Twizzlers! But I don't buy them often, since an open bag is an empty bag.

 

I'm hoping to get out the Erie Canal Park more this summer with the dog. The vet says he needs to lose some weight too. I love walking, and the fresh air clears my mind. The dog doesn't make the process easy...the poor little guy has short legs, so he is jogging a lot to keep up, and about a 1/2 mile into the walk, he needs to be carried. :rolleyes: Gotta love him!!!

 

Anita, what were your thoughts on Celebrity? The thing I like about RCI is that is has a something for everyone mentality. It's not sluggish or boring, but not juvenile either. I admit, we love to seek out the Dreamworks characters. But it's not like you need to be a part of that unless you want to, you know?

 

Mousey, I bet you are really looking forward to your cruise plans for this summer! Realistically, the cruise I just got back from will probably one of the few family trips we have in the near future. My older daughter, who is 25, lives at home so we do things. My 21 year old has a few interviews set up, and it is more than likely she will need to relocate. Most of the opportunities appear to be in the NYC area. And you know, they both have typical young adult lives so...

 

Oh, and those sandals were a strange purchase, and I threw them in the suitcase at last minute. Let me explain...

 

I was at the mall about a year ago, wearing these ballet flats I never wear. I have bunions, and my feet were throbbing. I told my daughter that I would either need to buy something to wear, or go home. I bought these sandals, and they are incredibly comportable! They are an ivory, a rare find in a sandal. I would love to do some looking and find them in a tan or warm beige tone. They are made by Borne, I think?

[Anita Latte]

Anita, it's interesting that I haven't tried zumba. My little sister is a physical fitness instructor, and this is one of the things she teaches. My concern is my hearing loss. I don't think I'm going to be coordinated with the rest of the group. I'm going to be watching them, and I won't be able to hear instructions.

 

I don't know how your sister teaches, because as I said before, every instructor is different and has different techniques...but Zumba encourages non-verbal cueing...which means that the instructors use hand signals and any other means that they can to give you an idea of what the heck you are supposed to be doing. It sounds like it could be hard to follow...and if your instructor isn't good and/or practiced at cueing, then it is...BUT if your instructor knows what they are doing, really knows their music and routines...and if they have followed the Zumba formula and if their choreo isn't too complicated (some instructors do a lot of combo moves)...then it isn't hard to follow at all. It just takes time to understand what the movement is that goes with this rhythm.

 

For example...a Cumbia rhythm goes hard, soft, hard, soft, hard, soft. And there are typical cumbia moves that are generally done to a cumbia song. Once your body hears the beat and knows generally what to expect...then it becomes easier and easier to follow a cumbia song.

 

Merengue is an even beat...like marching. Salsa is all syncopated and generally recognizable. Reggaetone is kind of like...beat, beat, triple fast beat, beat, beat.

 

So watching the group...or the instructor...or both...is really what you do in a Zumba class to figure out what you are supposed to be doing. Generally, the music should be loud...with the beat being the most emphasized because that generally drives the type of movement that you do. And you do the same movement until the section of music is over...and whenever a section of music repeats...you go back to the move that you do for that section. So a movement for verses, chorus, bridge, etc.

 

Again...I just love Zumba. I like the social aspect of it all. The movement is fun. The music is great...a lot of it sounds like vacation music to me! I like having a class on my schedule because otherwise, I just can't seem to get it done on my own.

 

In the diet department, my big weakness is alcohol. I'm not an alcoholic, but I do believe I have been a binge drinker. For about two years now...ever since moving to Georgia. It's a very sad, drown your sorrows type of thing...forget life for a while. This is a total overshare, but it is my big issue. And I'm very hopeful that I can somehow deal with my situation in a more positive and productive way. It helps to have sold the house in Texas. I'm hopeful that the house we are moving into will feel like home quickly and that it will be a good place for us...and I'm hopeful that we will be in that house until DS graduates high school, which would be amazing. It would be the longest time I have ever in lived in one house if that should happen. Should that happen, it will become the record for the longest I have ever lived consecutively in one state in my adult life.

 

And it's so sad that the thought of this as I type makes me want a drink. :(:eek: Because the idea that this is true is just about too much for my emotional self right now...because Georgia was NEVER on MY mind...and I still can't believe that I live here...let alone that I MIGHT live here for another 5 years. Not that I want to move DS now...I'd like him to finish schooling all in one system/school. But wow...talk about counting down the days until we are able to move again...

 

It's enough to drive me to the grocery store to pick up a big bottle of Barefoot. OMG.

 

Like I said...TOTAL OVERSHARE.

 

And I'm not hitting the store...

 

I like Celebrity. I'm a bit upset with some of the changes that they have been doing. For instance, they have subcontracted a spa service, a very nice spa service...I think it's Canyon Ranch?...and they are letting them run Zumba classes. So they have changed the free poolside Zumba into a pay $12 plus gratuity in a gym room. Not as good to me. There are some other changes... But overall...as a cruise line...I'm not sure what all to say.

 

There weren't many kids on board, but then again, DS kind of prefers that, so no big deal. The only reason he participated in the kids activities was because we knew another family onboard...and he knew the daughter and goes to school with her...and so he participated. When he overheard me say that I had preregistered him and done the paperwork for the kids activities on the upcoming Carnival cruise...he informed me that he wasn't interested in doing that? We'll see...but the kids' activities on Celebrity were fantastic. Not that you are all that interested in that...

 

There were many things happening during the day. I really enjoyed the live music. We did my time dining...and the food was great. Usually service was very good. I felt like there was a great mix on board, like you said, something for everyone. I really enjoyed the ship a lot. So much more than Mariner of the Seas. I am not lying when I say that I will avoid the voyager class on RCI forever now. I don't care for that promenade idea AT ALL. I like to be able to sit and watch the sea...the outside...and I felt like it was so hard to connect to the outside on Mariner without being outside that is.

 

It's hard to form an overall opinion about a cruise line from just one cruise. But my opinion about the Connie...love that ship. Would say her again in a heartbeat.

 

I'm a bit concerned that Carnival with be filled with people that are going on a 5-night PARTY. LOL!

[mousey]

Anita,

 

I can totally relate to how you feel. I felt the same way when I followed the DH out to CA back in 1972 from FL. It was so wonderful and exciting in San Francisco but it was also cold and gloomy on a lot of days, which was not something I had ever experienced having been born and raised in FL. It takes a long time to adjust to such a big move from one state to another. And, as you weren't expecting to end up living in GA...it just makes it all the harder. All I can say is that when I first moved to CA, exciting and amazing as it is, there's was still a part of me that thought of FL as my "real" home for years and years. Now, I can't imagine not living in CA. Especially since the DS was born and he considers CA his home. My ideal situation would be to live 8 months in CA and 4 months in FL. That would be my Nirvana!:D

 

I hope when you move into your new house and start to settle down there, that you'll feel better about your new environment. It does take a while to get used to new cultures, mindsets, and ways of doing things in a new state, so give yourself some time to adjust. It was a huge adjustment for me to move from conservative FL to liberal northern CA and then again to crazy, wacky,SoCal, and then 14 years ago into the serene and peaceful Santa Monica Mountain area. But I'm so blissfully happy here now. Hopefully you'll make some great friends as I have here in CA and the loneliness of being away from TX will soon pass.

Edited June 12, 2014 by mousey