Creative Ramblings

I've not updated this blog since Nov. 2008, but I'm considering starting up again. We'll see how long it lasts.

It's good to see you. How've you been?

Mexican Riviera Cruise

Day 1: We arrived in LA in the afternoon, caught the shuttle to the Port of LA, board the ship. The ship leaves the dock at 5:00 pm, shortly thereafter, I fell ill to sea sickness and spend the entire night in bed. :( Ryan wanders the boat and eats dinner without me.


Day 2: No sea sickness! We spent the day on the ship swimming, lying in the jacuzzi, drinking and gambling.

Day 3: We arrived in Cabo San Lucas and were immediately herded to our excursion tender which took us snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez. We weren't very good at it, at first, but we got the hang of it and were able to see some colorful fish, which we used water-proof cameras to preserve the moment (not yet developed). The surf was a little rough and the area was a bit crowded. We got back on the tender, had a snack and a few drinks and were then dropped off at the port. We wandered around for a bit, bought some Pomegranate Tequila, ate some delicious food and headed back to the ship to enjoy our couples massage/facial.
Day 4: We arrived in Mazatlan and again were herded to our excursion tender which took us to Stone Island for a "getaway". We were dropped off on the island and were escorted by "Mexican limos" to a restaurant with an open bar and private beach. We lounged in the sun and met some really great couples; Lauren & Noah, newlyweds from southern CA, Clare & Dan, newlyweds from LA and Pete & James, from Cape Cod, MA. We lounged in the sun, played in the salty Pacific Ocean about 40 yards out and still touching the soft sandy bottom, ate lunch, got drunk and beat the shit out of a piñata. Then played bingo on the ship.
Day 5: We arrived in Puerto Vallarta and were herded to our excursion bus. We drove through the city and learned a lot about the culture from our guide, Jose, who grew up there. We walked part of the boardwalk, saw amazing sculptures and an old church. We drove to a more rural area, past the all inclusive resort, otherwise known as the local prison, to the Tequila de casa. We had a short tour of how the tequila is made and then got to try the three different types they sell. We had lunch at the "Real Mexican Taco Bell" with the most delicious carne asada tacos made with tequila marinated beef and lovely margaritas. Then back to the ship.

Day 6 & 7: Two straight days at sea. We spent the time playing quite a bit of blackjack, swimming, drinking, eating and they offered scrapbooking classes, so I went to those. We hung out with our new friends in the library at the "Cigar Aficionados" meeting. We watched our friends participate in a game show called "Love & Marriage", hilarious. And really just relaxed.

Day 8: Arrived at the Port of LA, waited our turn to de-board, caught a ride from our friend Cory, had brunch, then headed to the airport to come home.

All in all a lovely vacation and one we will never forget. I highly recommend taking a cruise and know that this will not be our last. And maybe next time we'll take Morgan.

The thing is, I'm in a commercial for United Way. It starts airing next week on local and cable channels in the Utah Market.

Here is the 30 second and 15 second versions. Enjoy!
Also, I've been told that I will be on a bus billboard in the Salt Lake area... so keep your eyes peeled.

Ryan and I celebrated five years of marital bliss, yesterday.

I can't believe how much I adore him, even more and more every day...

*sigh*

I just want to be adored.

Is that so wrong?

My head felt heavy, my nose stuffy and my throat sore. I figured it could only be one of two reasons, either it is a reaction from the major allergy attack from the previous night, or Morgan has graciously shared her cold with me. Either way, I feel like ass. And that I am not super happy about the way I feel.

Also, in my stuffy-headed attempt to grab everything as I’m running out the door to get to work, I forgot my Cherry Coke. If you know me, this is a tragedy; if you don’t know me, imagine a morning without your precious coffee. Cherry Coke is my morning coffee. To top it off, the vending machine, where I thought I could find my needed salvation, did not have Cherry Coke. I figured I could settle with plain Coca-Cola, but alas, the only bottle it had was stuck and I was forced to settle even further with a plain Pepsi. Don’t get me wrong, Pepsi is just fine and I was once committed to the sweet, syrupy beverage, but after a long and fruitful love affair with Cherry Coke, I cannot go back. I would have been happy with Cherry Pepsi, but again, none was available.

Because of all of the above events, I know this is going to be a bad day. And it’s only 8:45 AM.

Wish me luck.