And I begin again. . .day 36 of 100

Well, really that should be day 19, because I missed a whole bunch of days while I was busy cruising through the Panama Canal!

What an absolutely amazing experience that was! We saw six countries in 14 days.

Had a ton of fun on the ship – from eating and drinking to dancing, playing Deal or No Deal, eating and drinking, watching great entertainment every night, playing numerous games of backgammon and Racko, eating and drinking, visiting exotic ports of call and swimming, soaking in hot tubs and enjoying meeting so many nice people – we did it all.

Aside from some mild sea-sickness I enjoyed every moment of it.

I’d guess the only purging I did while on our trip was of the reality kind, as in I left reality at home. Cruising really is the great escape.

It’s very expensive to have your phone on all the time – $7.00 a minute to make a call, plus roaming charges. Internet is available at the bargain price of $1.00 per minute – if you buy the 15 minute/day package. So the only thing I used my phone for was the camera and to hold my room key. It was actually quite liberating.

I thought I’d be able to blog while we were in port but I was so busy with excursions and trying to keep to deadlines, plus the fact that I didn’t travel all that way to miss out on the sights, that I simply decided blogging could wait. I’m glad I made that decision. The last thing I want is for this blog to become an obligation, something I feel anxious or uptight about doing.

Today, I knew I was ready to get back at it. I wanted to sit down and get my thoughts out.

So let the 100 days begin again.

Here a few photos from our fabulous trip.

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Day 17 – 18 — I’m not gonna be able to purge no more

Yesterday and today have been taken up with getting ourselves to Miami where we will embark on Friday for our two week Panama cruise. I can’t wait to leave.

Being able to purge is really not feasible, considering that we had to be very particular about what we packed.  If I toss anything out it could lead to catastrophe.

But if I had to say I’ve purged anything over the  last two days it would be: Stress and anxiety. Stress because getting ready for a trip is always an ordeal – did I pay the all bills that need paying; did I remember to pack everything; did I get all the documents in order that we need for the trip? Anxiety because, well, even though I’m getting better at letting shit go I still have to keep working on it.

Yesterday though I was quite pleased with myself. After making sure the suitcases were finally organized and packed once and for all, I laid down for a nap, and then I went for a walk. It was such a beautiful Alberta chinook-y day that I couldn’t resist.

Dad and I talked and walked and enjoyed the sunshine.  I saw a friend at the post office who I hadn’t seen in ages and we had a wonderful conversation. It was so nice to see her and get caught up on her life.

Then, before I knew it, it was time to head to the airport. After nearly  7 hours of flights and a two hour stop in Toronto, we landed in Miami. We’re only here for one night and then we embark on the Norwegian Star tomorrow at 2 pm. It’s been a good day of getting to know our cruise mates a little better over food and drink (and a little synchro swimming by my husband and one of the other guys at the hotel pool).

To the lady who yelled at her kids to grab their towels and then barked “we’re leaving” all I can say is: lighten up, life’s to short to not enjoy every moment of it whenever you can.

Bon voyage!