Feeling Better
I know I am feeling better because I am so bored, lol. A couple of days ago as long as I had my warm bed and thick comforter I was fine. I have been up and about today, thinking, well, that was over quickly, now what???
I spent about $300 on my nephew for Christmas and my husband is annoyed about it. It's not that we can't afford to go all-out, he says, but Jack has parents for that. He is my only nephew under 24 and I want to spoil him rotten. It's really more about me than him. I spoiled Cassi and enjoyed it immensely. I thought I could buy her happiness and for short periods of time, I could. I love the process, the wrapping, the decorating the packages...one year I wrapped 14 presents for adults in their own particular theme so I didn't have to use name tags. It was so awesome, lol.
My birthday was last week, my 45th, which is a milestone birthday and I thought I had let my husband off so easily. All I wanted was a pecan pie and a sweet potato pie...that's it...sooo easy, right??? I expected him to get me something anyway, but I guess I have to put his finger on anything I want, of just go ahead and buy it myself and tell him about it. So anyway, I said...Just let me go all-out for Jack (my nephew). He said okay but now he is starting to fuss. We live so modestly and so far below our means, we save a lot of money. There is no reason for him to be so tight, but he has always been. The first half of our marriage we were stretched financially...but we are not anymore. He just can't seem to adjust his way of thinking.
Soooo...my mother and sister and I have planned a cruise. My husband doesn't like me gone, so there is that for him to worry about as well as the expense, even though the cost is minimal for what all you get. Just a little more than a hotel room and including food, entertainment, etc. We even got a large stateroom with an oceanview so we can sit outside together, they can drink their coffee while I enjoy my morning tea. I am so happy about going. To help his feelings I am considering telling him it can be my Christmas present... also our 26th anniversary is December 23rd...so, yeah, he kinda owes me. I have been home full time several months now and he enjoys his adult time with me, ahem, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day...yeah, not a week, a day. So I kinda think he has it made.
I know some of you sisters will have some advice for me...I did NOT want to go when it would be hot so we are going the middle of February. What do I wear??? Can I wear casual shorts during the day or will it be too chilly...we have to dress for dinner...I am hoping there is a hair salon on ship to help me with my hair. I have a feeling it is going to freak out and turn into a 5 foot afro, lol. I hate heat, hate the sun, hate humidity...and I was born and raised in the deep south...oy ve Also I am assuming there will be a lot of wind which will turn my hair into a rats nest...sigh...So, any advice from my well-traveled sisters???
I spent about $300 on my nephew for Christmas and my husband is annoyed about it. It's not that we can't afford to go all-out, he says, but Jack has parents for that. He is my only nephew under 24 and I want to spoil him rotten. It's really more about me than him. I spoiled Cassi and enjoyed it immensely. I thought I could buy her happiness and for short periods of time, I could. I love the process, the wrapping, the decorating the packages...one year I wrapped 14 presents for adults in their own particular theme so I didn't have to use name tags. It was so awesome, lol.
My birthday was last week, my 45th, which is a milestone birthday and I thought I had let my husband off so easily. All I wanted was a pecan pie and a sweet potato pie...that's it...sooo easy, right??? I expected him to get me something anyway, but I guess I have to put his finger on anything I want, of just go ahead and buy it myself and tell him about it. So anyway, I said...Just let me go all-out for Jack (my nephew). He said okay but now he is starting to fuss. We live so modestly and so far below our means, we save a lot of money. There is no reason for him to be so tight, but he has always been. The first half of our marriage we were stretched financially...but we are not anymore. He just can't seem to adjust his way of thinking.
Soooo...my mother and sister and I have planned a cruise. My husband doesn't like me gone, so there is that for him to worry about as well as the expense, even though the cost is minimal for what all you get. Just a little more than a hotel room and including food, entertainment, etc. We even got a large stateroom with an oceanview so we can sit outside together, they can drink their coffee while I enjoy my morning tea. I am so happy about going. To help his feelings I am considering telling him it can be my Christmas present... also our 26th anniversary is December 23rd...so, yeah, he kinda owes me. I have been home full time several months now and he enjoys his adult time with me, ahem, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day...yeah, not a week, a day. So I kinda think he has it made.
I know some of you sisters will have some advice for me...I did NOT want to go when it would be hot so we are going the middle of February. What do I wear??? Can I wear casual shorts during the day or will it be too chilly...we have to dress for dinner...I am hoping there is a hair salon on ship to help me with my hair. I have a feeling it is going to freak out and turn into a 5 foot afro, lol. I hate heat, hate the sun, hate humidity...and I was born and raised in the deep south...oy ve Also I am assuming there will be a lot of wind which will turn my hair into a rats nest...sigh...So, any advice from my well-traveled sisters???
Replies
Hi There! There is nothing wrong with you spoiling a nephew. My sister used to do that with my kids. She didn\'t have her own kids, so she showered mind with a ton of stuff and fun times. So I personally see nothing wrong with it. If the parents do, then that is another story...
As far as your cruise goes, shorts is good for daytime wear as it likely will be warm wherever you are headed and for the night time, yes you will dress for dinner, depending on which cruise line you are on. I always did Carnival and only 1 night was a fancy night. The other nights were casual dining, just no bathing suits. There typically are salons on board, but that all costs extra and NOTE... They a lot of services put their own gratuity on the bill. I had a massage on my trip and my lady charged me and also put her gratuity on the bill. If you are a drinker, be prepared to pay a good chunk of change for drinks. You won\'t see it initially when you get the drink, it goes on your bill at the end of the trip that they slip under the door. There are drink cards, at least on Carnival. But alcohol drinking is a $50/day card. Soda cards are $6.00/day. Also NOTE... If you want to get an alcohol card, they force the rest of the people that are in the room with you to get one as well. This is so you don\'t go get drinks and bring them back for them to drink for free. You can bring soda on board in cans. I believe you can bring 12 pack cans, probably like 1 or 2 of those. I\'m not sure if this will help.
Be prepared for tons of pictures. They take photos all the time. There is shopping on the boat as well and tons of stuff to do. Line dancing, swimming, eating (constantly). You will have a blast!
Makes me want to go on a trip again... Have a good time!
Happy you are feeling better, Gina, and I\'m sure shopping for your nephew has brought much joy.
I have never been on a cruise before so our other sisters of the heart will have to help you there. Having trips such as this to look forward to is the BEST! I know that Penny has been on lots and lots of cruises and should be a great resource. :)
Love and Light,
XO Joanie
Hi Gina: I had to chuckle when you said that your husband didn\'t want to spend money. That is me. Joe is the one who has no problem! I hate shopping too.
I am so glad you are going on a cruise. It is wonderful - and your stateroom sounds perfect. Most lines do charge or drinks and don\'t want you bringing your own booze. They are getting fussier. But the food is phenomenal and there is a lot to do. You can be as busy or a lazy as you want.
I think you are ready for a break.
I will be thinking of you on Thanksgiving.
Tight hugs, M
Pull your hair back, with a beautiful scarf, or clip. Let the wind blow and enjoy it.Cruises are for relaxation and pampering yourself. The food is always awesome. Have fun and Happy Thanksgiving :)
(((HUGS))), Julia
Oh what fun...cruise to where? I assume warm since you mentioned it...
It will be fun. You deserve it!
so glad to see you in good spirits...makes me smile right with you!
Love you,
AnnM
We have never had the luxury of taking a cruise. I guess in our case, saving for retirement is more important to us. Maybe someday...? Wishing you a wonderful time with your family as you go on this adventure! Happy belated birthday too.
Sending love,
Leda
Cruising is the best. I go on Royal a 7 day cruise has 2 dress up dinners. A nice dress & shoes will do. If you put your hair up just bring something cute to put in it, no need for the salon very pricey. Lots to do on the ship and on Islands they have lots of excursions to go on so much fun. The Western or eastern Caribbean is warm. We usually go in Feb. the islands are 78-85. My next one will be Nov of 2016 just before our 40th anniversary.
Keep in touch depending on your island I will be able to tell you what is good to see,
happy hugs
Penny
Ann M. we are going to the Bahamas and Nassau...Leda, it is surprisingly affordable. It is a short cruise, 4 days 3 nights for $400 each, barely more tan a hundred dollars a night and a hotel anywhere is the same, a decent one anyway...and the food and entertainment is free. It\'s a Royal Carribean and they do charge for alcoholic drinks, but I don\'t really drink much anyway, just makes me sleepy and I don\'t want to sleep my time away. The biggest part of the trip is spending time with my sister and mother...we have never been away, just the three of us, since our adult lives. Cassi and I planned a Christmas trip to New York City...and I waited too long to make it happen.