First, Kevin and I had the opportunity to take a "free" cruise. Neither of us had ever been on a cruise before, so it was a perfect--and relatively cheap--chance for us to see if we are cruise people. We had a wonderful time, and both of us agreed that another cruise is in our future.
However, we also noted an interesting aspect of cruising...it is frighteningly similar to going to camp. I fully believe cruise people were camp people years ago. Think about it...cruises have organized activities, a director of all things fun, scheduled meals, sneaky little ways to make you spend crazy amounts of money, and are structured in such a way that prompts the forging of new friendships...sound familiar? Every time we stepped onto the elevator, someone would say to the group, "Hi! Is this your first cruise?" I mean, how many times have you stepped on an elevator on a regular vacation and had someone say, "Hi! First time at a Embassy Suites?" I kept waiting to see people form a circle around the Lido Deck and start singing "Kumbahya."
Kevin and I noted that while we aren't exactly camp people, we thoroughly enjoyed snorkeling in the beautiful waters off Cozumel...
...relaxing on the beach and soaking up some rays (those are my toes right there--and that's as close as you'll get to seeing my fat behind in a swimsuit!)...
...and watching the sun set off the back of the ship. It was incredibly relaxing and a much needed escape for a few days.
I did notice, however, that my children were completely grown by the time we got home. Jackson starts college in the spring. Gosh. Perhaps that is overstating a tad, but he really did seem to be speaking more clearly, using different words and acting more and more like a big boy...and don't even get me started on Sadie! She is growing and changing every day, and she just looked so much less like a baby when we got home!
...at least that's how I remember it. I only got to see them a few hours before rushing off again. This time to a training seminar in the Dallas area.
When I talked to Sadie tonight, she was telling me all about getting her driver's license. Sigh. Jackson was unavailable for comment, as he was attending graduate school out of state.
As I sit in my hotel room, I realize that three years ago, this would've been a great little getaway for me...nothing like a little "me time"...but I'm homesick. I don't want to miss a thing, and yet I know I am. I know these are days that we can't get back...and no matter how small and insignificant the event, I'm not there to see it.
The trip has not been without its bright spots. Last night I had dinner with an old friend from high school. She and I hadn't been in touch in years, and a fluke email put us in contact! We had a great conversation, caught up with each other, and made plans to meet again. It was nice to see that people can grow and change, and still hold onto the parts that made them your friend in the first place.
Tonight I met my beautiful niece Christen for dinner and shopping. Now I'm back in my room, and trying to relax...hoping I'll manage to get to my training tomorrow without missing my exit...and counting the minutes until the weekend.
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