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.

If you've not yet voted, be sure to get out there on Tuesday and rock it! I'll be there bright and early, joyfully choosing the next president and obtaining a happy little "I Voted" sticker to adorn my outfit (mainly for braggin' rights).

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I have Monday and Tuesday off due to lack of daycare, so if you want to stop by, I'll probably be here, pulling out my hair and screaming bloody murder. I was not meant to be a stay-at-home-mama.

Luckily, or not so, Morgan has her 3-year doctor's appointment tomorrow and I have a hair appointment, so that will keep us somewhat busy. And Tuesday I'm also watching Nikki's little girl, Gillian, so that will be fun.

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In more exciting news, we leave for our cruise in a week. Mexican Riviera here we come!

Our first stop is Cabo San Lucas where we have booked an afternoon of snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez. And plenty of time to explore.

Then on to Mazatlan where we've booked a 3-hour island tour (sound like Gilligan's Island to you?) with an open bar and lunch. And even more time to check the sights.

Then to Puerto Vallarta for a tequila factory tour (with samples!). And more time to shop, etc.

At some point we hope to try para-sailing. Who knows, maybe we'll decide to zip-line through the canopy of the high Sierra's or off-road through the Mexican desert. There are so many possibilities... and no kid to slow us down or keep us sober. Not to mention the spa on board where I hope to have a lovely massage, the casino where I can expect to lose some money and the rock wall where I'm sure to steer clear of.

I love stars! My living room is decorated in stars (not to be confused with America, which it is NOT).

Here are a few quilts I've made that adorn my living room:

Buggy Barn Star quilt:

Oh My Stars quilt (currently on the wall):

Big Star (almost finished and will be on the wall):