Getting Ready to Cruise

Last year we were preparing to take our first cruise, and I have to admit I was very nervous.  I was scared the ship would sink.  I was nervous that I would have "First Cruise" stamped on my forehead and really feel like a rookie.  I was hesitant about stopping in Birmingham to visit people I had never met and staying in New Orleans after the cruise to look around the city.  I was nervous even more about not having something I needed.  Gary tends to be impatient with me if I don't have something immediately in my hand, such as a driver's license or my passport or a confirmation number or a boarding pass.  He is better now than he used to be, but I still panic when I know I need something in my hands to be checked.

 

This year, though, I am looking forward to the cruise more than the last one.  One reason is I know what to expect.  I know what the cabins will be like.  I know what the routine is.

I also am not as worried about things at home.  Last year I was concerned about Mom and Megan's pregnancy and about Owen (and I can't remember what was happening with him, but I know I was concerned).  What if Mom died when we were at sea?  What if Megan had a problem? She was supposed to have one of her first doctor's appointments when we were gone.  Now I am not worried.  Hilary's surgery is over and she is recuperating. Megan's health issues are under control.  Mom is gone.  No worries.  I hope.

So I am ready to relax, have a good time, and be with family.  I am ready to explore the Eastern Caribbean.

One challenge will be to make some good food choices.  I know there will be the tendency to eat more, to try some new things, to sample many of the delicious desserts.  But I can be strong.  I can make wise choices.  Some of the Dotti's ladies have returned from cruises with weight losses, not gains.  I can do that.

I also need to be strong when it comes to my feelings. My feelings can be hurt easily and I need to guard against that happening.  I don't like to gamble so I won't be spending lots of time in the casino and I don't need to feel guilty about it. I don't like to drink to the point of being drunk, so I will not feel guilty about buying the endless drinks card like everyone else is (except Gary).  I can be happy reading a book in the sun lying on a chaise by the pool.  I also need to remember that when people have been drinking that they say things that maybe insensitive.  Let the remarks bounce off.

The to-do list:

new pairs of capris - check!
New tops - check!
new cover-ups - Check!
haircut - check!
mani/pedi - on Tuesday
a trip to Lighthouse  - Saturday
Packing - starting on Sunday
Cash money - Monday
Lanyards - on the table
Clearning pictures off my phone - in progress
Boarding passes  printed - check!
Luggage tags printed - check!