Cruise Report

This last weekend, I went on a cruise with one of my best friends. I loved it! It was one of the best experiences of my life! I enjoyed it so much that Chad and I are planning to go on another cruise in a few years for our 15th anniversary, and my sister and I are hoping to book one once her kids are all grown (probably in about 10 years).

We rode on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. It was a nice ship. All of the crew members I came in contact with were very friendly. 

They had fun activities and great shows each day.

We mostly ate from the buffet. There was such a good variety of food. My favorite part was the cheeseburger bar. I also had soft serve ice cream after each lunch and dinner. They had pretty desserts other than the ice cream. I tried a few, but I'm not a big cake fan, so I didn't eat much of them. 

The view of the ocean was amazing from almost anywhere on the ship. Our favorite place to go was the deck at the back of the buffet, especially at sunset.

The best part of the trip by far was our stop in Nassau, Bahamas.  After the planned excursion was canceled due to a boat malfunction, we booked another excursion directly through the Sand Dollar Resort. Rather than just going snorkeling with the turtles and over the coral reef, we were able to go snorkeling over the coral reef, swim with the pigs, go turtle watching, and enjoy a wonderful lunch of barbeque chicken and rice with spices and beans for the same price. (We were refunded by the cruise line for the original excursion.)

What would I have changed? I would have packed as soon as we got back from the excursion and gone to the show the last night. I liked the shows and should have just gone alone since my friend was too tired to go. I would have also spent more time at the pool. We went one morning and didn't go back. I would have gladly not gone to some of the trivia events and gone to the pool. The last thing I would have done is go to the restaurant that was included in the price other than the buffet. I wanted to see what they had to offer with the hope of having something a bit different. I enjoyed the food we had, but it would have been nice to check out something else for one meal. 

Overall this cruise was a great experience, and I can't wait to do it again. Maybe I'll book a longer one when Chad and I go.

Trip Getting Closer

 I am going on a trip next week with my friend, Michelle. We started planning this trip late last year, and it seemed so far away. For a while, it felt like it wasn't even happening even though I knew I had already paid for it. I drug my feet on getting my passport for the longest time because the trip felt so far away. Now, my passport will be here Friday. I will be on a plane to Florida a week from tomorrow and on a cruise to the Bahamas the next day. 

I am nervous and excited about this trip. I feel guilty for leaving my internship for a week, but I have already discussed it with my supervisor. I just hope it doesn't cause problems with the school for me to miss the majority of my hours. I am a nervous flyer, and all of the plane crashes over the past year have made me even more nervous. I have never been on a flight that long, so I hope not to have a panic attack on the plan. I am excited to see things that I have never seen and thought I would never see in my lifetime. I am excited to get out of my comfort zone for a bit and spend time with my dear friend. I am excited to see the ocean and go on my first international trip. (I'm not counting my Niagra Falls trip barely in Canada when I was 12.) I am excited to just get away for a while. I have been so stressed and need to have this reset. 

What do I still need to do? I don't totally know. I know I still need to pay my friend back for the plane tickets and make sure I have the money available for the hotel room for Thursday night. I need to make sure to pack everything I need, but I'm not totally sure what all I will need. I will be meeting up with Michelle Saturday to make sure we each have a checklist to make sure we are ready to go. 

I hope this vacation is as amazing as I imagine it will be. I have been told it is a great place to go and a good first cruise. 

Georgetown's Christmas Train

 

Yesterday, I went with my friend and her family to ride the Christmas Tran. (Her son-in-law was unable to go, so she invited me.) It was SO much fun. I enjoyed riding the Georgetown Loop 4 1/2 years ago, but this was even more fun because of the decorations, music, and Santa. I am so glad that she thought of me when she needed to find someone else to use the ticket!

Scripture Bag

I have been studying in my scriptures a lot lately. I read in the morning as part of my Miracle Morning, and I listen/watch a scripture study podcast on YouTube called Don't Miss This later in the day. As I have dove deeper into them, I have accumulated some colored pencils and a pen to mark important passages and note insights as I go. The problem was that they kept falling out the flap that snaps down, and I didn't have another way to keep them with the scriptures. 

One day I came up with a solution; I would put everything in a scripture bag. I looked online several places for the perfect bag. I found several that would work but none that I loved or could see myself carrying around. (I am one of those weirdos that likes to bring and use paper scriptures instead of using the app on my phone.) After looking for a few days, I decided I would make one. 

The idea I came up with was to use the left-over yarn from a sweater I made earlier this year to make a modified version of a bag form the same pattern book. The original pattern was a bag that lied flat, but I wanted it to fit around the book, so I made sides for it. Also, the original pattern was twice as tall as I needed it, so I just made it shorter. Finally, I wanted the handles to be shorter because I wasn't looking to have one that went over my shoulder, so I made them shorter. Other than that, I basically used the pattern as written. 

Within two weeks of starting it, I had a bag for my scriptures that I love. It is big enough for the book, gum, and my colored pencils and pen. It was harder than I thought it would be, but it was totally worth it!

Preparing for Next Year's Travels

Within the last four years, I have been traveling a bit more than I ever have. Most of the trips have been within Colorado, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being a tourist in my own state. I know there is more to see, but I also want to branch out more. 

I have exciting plans underway for next year. First, we will be going to Florida for our anniversary in February. Chad wants to do something big for lucky 13, and we have friends that just moved to a lakefront property that have asked us several times to come visit them. Since Chad works for Comcast and can get free tickets, we will also be going to Universal Studios while we are there. Then, we will be going to Utah in June. We will visit his mom for a few days in southern Utah before heading North to visit my dad and (hopefully) run a marathon. Later that month, I will be going on a cruise with one of my best friends. She got some kind of killer deal through her job and has invited me to go along. I'm sure we will fit in at least one camping trip later that summer, but that is yet to be decided. 

I am so excited for next year! Now, all I have to do is save the money to make all of this happen. Wish me luck!

50 Years of Pomona

 

My high school had a 50th anniversary carnival today, and I brought Sean along for the fun. There were a bunch of booth seeking things, a few food trucks, a car show, and an open house in the school. It was fun looking at the cars while joking with Sean about some of the more unique designs. I loved walking around the school and showing Sean where I went to school. I ran into some of my good friends and enjoyed catching up with them, as well. We also had ice cream, and I bought a yearbook from my senior year since the dog ate it mine a few years ago. 

I was glad I went and was able to share it with one of my kids. There is something special about doing things like this with the people I love. 

Purple Sweater Done

I finally finished my FRIENDS sweater. I love the purpleness of it. I love the yellow frame on the pockets. I love how warm it is. I will definitely be wearing this often. 

This sweater really challenged me. I have never crocheted something like this, and the only sweaters I have made were knit as one piece. Sewing it together was the most challenging part for me. I have also only knit the few sweater I have made. Learning new techniques and stitches really worked my brain. I am excited to continue to learn my crafts. There are more patterns I will make from this book. 

Unintended Social Experiment

I have been wearing my Christmas sweaters from December 1 through Christmas for three years now. This year, I was out in public more than past years. One day, I went to the grocery store with Chad wearing a sweater that has lights and pom-poms on it. I got several different types of looks. There were the people that just gave me a polite smile. Others did their best to ignore me. I saw a few snickers. Then, there were the people that gave me a disgusted look as if my sweater was affecting them in some way.

My friends are supportive of my sweater endeavor. I had a few ask how many I had saying they were impressed that I had at least one for each day. Others commented on how much they moved my social media posts. One friends didn’t even bat an eye when we went out to lunch, and another even talked up my sweaters around others. Have I mentioned how much I love my friends?

I started wearing my sweaters when I found out I wouldn’t be going back to work in an office as a way to brighten my spirits. Now, I look forward to wearing them each year other people can judge me if they want  They are just jealous. 

Our Favorite Christmas Party

 

Every year, Chad and I are invited to the Riemans’ Christmas party. It gets bigger and bigger every year, and it is always fun. They have a few games, play Christmas songs on chimes, and have a white elephant gift exchange. In the past, we have won a few games including an ugly sweater contest. 

This year, I went alone because Chad went to a lacrosse game with his brother. I was so nervous because I don’t typically do well in big crowds. I was pleasantly surprised to feel comfortable as I found a person to attach myself to. We laughed and joked most of the night. She helped me get the gift I actually wanted with strategic steals, and I came home with a s’mores kit included an electric s’mores warmer. It will be a perfect addition to our appetizer dinner on Christmas. 

I love going to this party each year. I’m not sure it would feel like Christmas if I didn’t go. 

Random Thoughts of the Week

I have had a lot of random thoughts going through my head lately. They have invaded so much that I’ve been struggling to sleep the last few nights. Some are political or religious in nature, and others come from who knows where. 

First: New York is trying to force Chic-fil-a to be open on Sundays? That is wrong in so many levels. I understand they have donated to anti-LBGTQ organizations. That is not a good thing. This is not how to retaliate. Maybe they could kick the restaurant out of their state? They wouldn’t do that because they enjoy the tax revenue they get from all of the people buying the delicious food. Maybe they could boycott the restaurant because they don’t agree with their values? That’s what a normal person would do. (In my opinion.) Instead of doing these things, they want them to go against their beliefs and open the one day a week that would breach RELIGIOUS practices. Is that even constitutional? I would think not. Religious freedom and free commerce are protected under the constitution of the United States. Also, the argument that people will be starving while they travel on Christmas Eve is lame. Are there no other restaurants travelers can go to that day? As they wage this war against this business, are they doing the same to other businesses that choose to close their doors one day a week? 

Ok. That is probably the most heavy one. It just makes me mad that so many government officials don’t know or care about the liberties granted us by our founding fathers. 

Second: I love Christmas more each year. We may not be able to make this one as nice as the last couple of years due to inflation, but I am determined to make it as perfect as I can. I know I have gotten everyone things they didn’t ask for, but I hope they like them. Seriously, what are Eric and Peyton going to think about the taco holders? Was that a dumb idea? Hopefully, they at least get a chuckle out of them. Also, I want more Christmas sweaters. 

Third: I have great friends. I really don’t mind that I don’t have a lot of them. I feel like I have carefully curated the ones I have. I don’t feel ill towards most of the people in my life that I don’t regularly spend time with. I just choose to be friends with people that I feel a genuine connection. I get invited to parties with other people and enjoy being around them, but I don’t think I could create a deep bond with that many people. 

Fourth: I am so thankful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have been though a faith crisis and come back. I love my Savior and want to honor His sacrifice for me. I know the teaching of the Church are true. I am thankful my parents, especially my dad, raised me in this church. I have a testimony of eternal families. I know I will see my mom and brother again. 

Fifth: I am never going to finish these socks. What was I thinking? Maybe I can just give Eric one sock with the promise of the other one for his birthday…no. That probably a dumb idea. 

And these are just the thoughts that roll around continually. That doesn’t even count the little things here and there. How does one sleep when all of this is happening all of the time? Maybe I need psychological help…

Dinner at My House

Last night, I hosted a Christmas dinner at my house. It was originally going to be a Friendsgiving with an ornament exchange, but I’m in Christmas mode now. I made a roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions like my dad does and cheese broccoli casserole that I have been making for holiday meals since I got the recipe from my former mother-in-law. Chad made a gluten free bread and an applesauce bread that was gluten and dairy free for people that came that had allergies. Each couple or family that came brought a dish as well: soup, peanut butter cheesecake, and sliced oranges. We also serve a festive punch, water, and hot cocoa. The food was excellent. And with 13 people in my home, there was only a little left over. 

I had a lot of fun hosting this dinner. It was a bit more involved than I had expected, but I’m glad I did it. The next one will be for Chad’s 50th birthday in February. I can’t wait!

My Cheerleaders

In Relief Society today, we discussed Sister Tunis’s talk from this last conference, Seeing God’s Family Through the Overview Lens. During this discussion, there was a conversation about the people that lift us up, help us through hard times, and generally have our backs. I sat quietly thinking if the people who have supported me through the years. As each person that contributed to the conversation talked about that one person, all I could think was that there are different people during different seasons of life. 

When my mom struggled with mental illness, my dad was there for me. He wasn’t perfect, but he was there for me the best way he knew how especially after she moved out. 

My Young Women’s leaders encouraged me to be my best. They helped me make tough decisions and told me I was a good person even when I didn’t think so. 

My former mother-in-law is a cheerleader to all. I don’t think she has met anyone she doesn’t like. When I was struggling to feel my worth, she would show it to me. I remember one Sunday arguing with my then-husband about whether I was a good driver (a stupid fight) on the way to her house for dinner. (He had told me I was a bad driver because my license had expired. It had expired because we couldn’t afford fir me to renew it.) As I helped make dinner, she asked me why I seemed upset. After explaining the fight, she told me she would fix it and made the plan to take me to the DMV to renew my license. She made no judgment, just helped me feel like my needs mattered. I could go in and on about the many things she has done to heal the wounds she didn’t even know were there just by being her and seeing the best in me. 

My best friend was there for me when I needed her the most. I could stop by her house just to cry without notice. When I struggled with my testimony, she met me where I was and helped me see how I could do better when I needed it. When I was pushing everyone away, she pulled me in closer. I will forever be thankful for her love and support during the good and bad times. 

There are many others. I have been truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I know my Heavenly Father sent them to me when I needed the most. I pray that I will one day be able to be this person for someone else. 

Reluctant but Glad

I have recently been called as the secretary in the Relief Society. With this calling comes new responsibilities. (I have had this calling before, but different want different things.) Earlier this week, the new president realized that no one had signed up for the monthly temple trip. (We have only been in these calling for about two weeks, so that is not too surprising.) She sent a text out to the presidency asking us to go, and I agreed. The problem was that I had also said I would take my friend lunch and hang out with her the same day because she had surgery earlier in the week and we hadn't had our monthly lunch together yet. When I realized what I had done, I felt bad and considered backing out of the temple trip. As of Friday morning, I did not know who was going and  was very tempted to cancel. A big part of me felt guilty for this. 

Friday afternoon, I was told that there were five of us going and was asked how many I could fit in my car (5 including me if the people in the backseat squish). At this point, I knew I was locked in to this trip. I spent a good amount of time dreading it and feeling guilty that I would have to make lunch with my friend late. I stressed about it so much that it interrupted my sleep. 

This morning, I got up and got ready and reminded myself of the feelings of peace I get in the temple and started to feel peace. Suddenly, I was in a better mood as I continued to get ready. When I met up with the other ladies, I was ready to fully participate the blessings of the temple. There were only four of us that showed up, so we were able to all fit in my car. 

I am so happy that I went to the temple this morning. I had some wonderful memories as I participated and learned things I had not thought of previously. I texted my friend as we left the temple and called her after dropping everyone off at the church. She was not upset at all. We have had lunch at 1pm in the past, so it wasn't something unusual. Also, I let her pick what food I would pick up on the way to her house and what I would buy for her and her son for dinner. 

Even though I left the house before 8am and didn't get home until about 5pm, I feel like my day was well spent. I do not regret my decision other than not getting my homework done after I got home. (I now have only two hours until everything is due and have done very little.)

Redoing the Seams

Apparently, I have been doing the seams on the Friends sweater wrong. I need to take them out and start over. This is so frustrating! I figured it out a few days ago and promptly put it to the side for later.

I have never make a sweater that had to be pieced together before, so this is something new for me. When you add to it that it is a crocheted sweater, it makes it even more complicated. (Knitting is more my thing.) I really want it to be done and ready to wear. Part of me wants to find out if there is someone that can do it for me. The problem with that is that I wouldn’t know how to do it next time. 

I can figure this out. I just need to sit down with it when I have a chunk of time to do so. I’ll bet I could get it done if I had a few hours to devote to it. Maybe that’s a Sunday project. 

Golden Bachelor Girls Night

I want to a girls night in which we watched The Golden Bachelor. It was weird. I haven watched the Bachelor or the Bachelorette in a long time, so I knew some of what was going on, but not all. I think I was the only one there that hadn’t watched it in a while. One of the girls even has friends that had auditioned for the show. They were totally into it, but I am not really drawn to stuff like that anymore. The thing is that after 3 episodes, I feel drawn to it in a way. I want to know who he chooses. I guess that is why it has been in for so long. 

Umbrella Time

 I decided to make an umbrella from the same book as the purple sweater with some of the yarn I have lowing around. I didn’t make this for me or anyone in my family, though. I stuffed it with Hershey Minis and gave it to a friend. It was a fun, quick project that I can do for other friends as well. 

Sewing the Sweater

 I started sewing the seams on my sweater today. Fist, I laid it out on the table to make sure it was set to be seen properly. Once it was laid out, I got start. So far, I have seen the left front to the back. I’m hoping to finish the rest tomorrow. I’m so happy this is working out so well!

Matthew Perry Gone

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/amp/s/pagesix.com/2023/10/28/photos/matthew-perry-through-the-years-the-friends-stars-life-in-photos/amp/

I am not the kind of person who is saddened by most celebrities’ deaths, but there have been a few that have gotten to me: John Ritter, Robin Williams, Luke Perry, and now, Matthew Perry. I am not the type of person that cries over the death of people I don’t personally know, but I do feel sorrow for the loss of these talented people. 

The loss of Matthew Perry feels a bit different from the others. I watch Friends every night when I go to bed, so I see a younger version of him daily. I also read his memoir earlier this year which made me feel like I knew him better than other celebrities. I was rooting for him to continue to straighten up his life and fulfill more of his dreams. I honestly hope that he was able to continue to stay sober for the rest of his life. We may not currently know how he died, but I have a feeling it was something to do with the abuse he put his body through for so long. I will miss hearing about the good he was doing through his book as he tried to raise awareness about what addiction can do.

This week, I will be sewing together the Friends sweater that I have been working on. It kind of feels like the one thing I can do to show my support in a small way. 

New Hook

 

For my Friends sweater, I need two hook sizes. For the most part, I use the larger hook (the one I already broke and had to find a replacement for). However, I needed to use the smaller one for the cuff of the sleeve a few days ago. I was excited to go back to a pretty, sparkly hook, but I quickly realized it was flimsy and worried about breaking it without a backup. I didn’t want to have to go to a boring one. Thankfully, I don’t have to. Through the magic of Amazon, I was able to find a pretty hook with a rubber grip. For only $5 I was able to order it and have it delivered today. I am excited to use it for the next cuff and both frames! 

Feeling Accomplished

 

I’ve been trying to concentrate on my small victories lately because I was feeling like a failure for various reasons. Today, I had more than one victory. 

First of all, I finished the left front side of my Friends sweater. It only took about a week to do compared to the week and a half for the right front side. I am so extra have started the first sleeve. 

Then, I got the kitchen more under control. It’s Chad’s week to do dishes which means the rest of the kitchen has been a disaster. I did some dishes and cleaned counters while I cooked. 

Lastly, the washing machine cleaner was delivered while I was out. When I got home I started the cleaning cycle before sitting down to finally relax. 

I feel so alive and so accomplished. I want to feel this good more often.