Our Enchantment of the Seas Cruise

I have neglected my blog. One reason was because I was gone on a CRUISE!! Then once we got back work got crazy again.

But I am back to give you a day by day review on our trip. If you would like to go ahead and read my full review you can check it out at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1912863 . I am in the process of putting my full review online there.

This was my fourth cruise but my first “family” cruise. So I may have been more excited for this cruise than any other, besides maybe my very first. Husband and I have always sailed just the two of us, with the exception of one cruise where we met up with some friends and cruised with them. Our dear son has been too cool to vacation with Mom and Dad the last several years, so you can imagine how excited I was when he asked if I would plan a cruise and take him. I started planning immediately of course!!

I chose the four day to the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral. It worked perfectly because 1) My son's girlfriend was coming with us and she could only miss so much school. 2) I had never been to the Bahamas and 3) I wanted to sail from Port Canaveral. During the planning my brother in law and a friend of ours starting asking us about cruising and costs. So I did some research for them, and told them they could do an inside for right under $500 each. They decided to tag along with us.

I was now planning for six of us. I got to experience the process of having two rooms booked, getting our dining linked, and getting us all to the ship! Royal Caribbean was great with all of this.

After the next couple months I planned excursions and read everything I could about the Enchantment. I put together these goodie bags for the “kids”.

  

I saw these cute bags at cracker barrel and thought to myself I could do something neat with these bags. I decided before I even left the restaurant that they would be treat bags for the cruise. I filled them with snorkel equipment, beach shoes, a beach towel, and snacks for the trip to the port.

Finally its time for us to leave! The cast for this story will be:

Terri-myself

Tony-my husband

Tabor- our 20 year old son

Loren- Tabor's 21 year old girlfriend

Shane- Tony's brother

Brian- family friend

We headed out at 10pm because Tony decided he wanted to drive straight to the port this time. Our normal routine is to take a couple of days and take our time. But we had a lot of work going on and Loren had school so this was not an option this time. It did make me nervous about something happening but luckily it didn’t and we pulled into Port Canaveral at 12:30.

Me driving, This is after I changed my shirt after spilling coffee all over me.

First glimpse of ship.

We stopped on our way in to put luggage tags on everything because I wasn’t sure if we would be dropping off everything before we parked or not. We ended up parking and then carrying our luggage to the porters, so there was no need stopping ahead of time. We could have done it right there in the parking lot. But I needed to change my coffee covered shirt anyway, so no big deal.

The parking lot is right beside the terminal so it was just a matter of crossing the parking lot and dropping everything off with the porters. This pic was taken in the parking lot by our van.

Since we had a suite we had priority boarding and was checked in fast. I would say it was 15 minutes or less and we were ready to board the ship. But...we decided we had better wait for Shane and Brian since this was their first cruise. We waited maybe another 10 or 15 minutes on them.

Shane and Brian are somewhere all the way on the other end of the terminal.

Waiting on Shane and Brian

I am going to leave you tonight with our Embarkation photo. Tomorrow will be Sailing Away from Port Canaveral! 

Pre-Cruise Planning

I leave in nine days for my fourth cruise. I love cruising. This is not a surprise for anyone who knows me. I love to discuss it, I love to post things on facebook about it, but what I love most is planning my next one! So this blog is going to be a insight on how I go about planning for a cruise.

I took my very first cruise in May of 2010. It was all very overwhelming. What cruise line should I use? How long should I go for? How much money is it going to cost me? I knew absolutely nothing about cruising! Thankfully the good ole internet was there to help me.

Step one is actually choosing which cruise you want to take. This cruise was chosen for several different reasons. One, we wanted a shorter itinerary since we had just cruised in May. Two, I wanted to do some ports I had not done in the past. Three, this cruise was booked as a family vacation with our son and his girlfriend, and it was their first cruise so I wanted something that I thought they would enjoy. Four, I wanted to try sailing out of Port Canaveral. I have wanted to ever since August 2009. On a trip to Orlando, we drove to Cocoa beach for a day. As we drove pass Port Canaveral and the cruise ships I tried to explain to Tony's cousin's son Joey about how big ships were. I told him that they were like floating cities. He pretty well thought I was telling a big ole fib and then told me that I could have never been baptized because I was lying..lol.

A picture of the Kennedy Space Center as we drove through Port Canaveral. Ironically I did not take any pics of the cruise ships. I think it was because I was in too deep of a conversation with Joe.

I ended up deciding on a four day cruise to the Bahamas in August on the Enchantment of the seas. Which brings us to the next decision, choosing a cabin. I stress and research the rooms way too much. I know this, I admit this, but I also know I will never change. Tony and I have only cruised in suites so far. Our first two cruises, that was the only way we could have our own balcony. The last one was a score after I upgraded during a price drop. (I'll get into that more later.) We loved that suite and decided we didnt want to go smaller on this cruise since we would have two other people in the room with us. Even with booking a suite, it was still cheaper than I could have booked just a beach vacation for.

After deciding which category you want. (inside, oceanview, balcony or suite) You now have to decide what area of the ship you want. (forward, midship, or aft) I like midship and lower in the ship because you feel less movement if you hit rough waters. I gave all those up this time to stay in a suite. They were all forward and on deck 8.

But in all honestly, it doesn't matter which room you are in....just as long you are on the ship!!!!!


OK, now we are booked!! Now the long wait..lol.

This may be my fourth cruise but its my first planning for other people than just Tony and I. Along with Tabor and Loren, we also picked up two other travelers. Tony's brother Shane and our friend Brian. I always have a folder when we travel. Anywhere. So this trip I have two folders.

I made two because Shane and Brian are in a different room therefore they have their own paperwork.

I am a researcher. Before my first cruise I scoured the internet for any information I could get.  One of the best sites I came across is Cruise Critic. The forums there were wonderful! The information I learned from fellow cruisers was invaluable.

I am still a huge fan of the site. I read it almost daily and love writing reviews of the cruises I take. Other peoples reviews have helped me so much I also feel like I need to give back...lol. I also still have things that I dont know about pop up, so I am still asking questions and getting answers. I love Cruise Critic.

Back to the planning. Once you have decided on your room there are so many things you now have to decide on.

Dining Time- You have three options. Early dining, Late dining or My Time dining. We went with the traditional late time dining this cruise. When its just the two of us we go for My Time dining. If we have cruising companions we like the late dining where we have the same table every night and the same waiters.

Ports- What are you going to do? This in its self is a whole other world of planning. You can pick something that is offered by the cruise line. Upside- if these excursions are late the ship will not leave you. Downside- they cost more than planning something yourself.

Soda- I dont drink pop, but Tabor and Loren does. So I did the math and decided to buy them the soda package where they will have unlimited pop the trip. I have never purchased this for Tony and I, even when we did drink Diet Coke like mad.

Packing- I have a list that I use every time I cruise. Because if you forget something you are not going to run to Walmart and pick it up. I made this list after our first cruise when I forgot to pack Tony's socks. oops. Thankfully the gift shop in our hotel we stayed at the night before had some, but I paid premium for them. So I start packing several days ahead of time and go over my list two or three times.

After all of these things are decided I basically read everything I can about the ship I am sailing and the ports I am visiting. I keep a list of things I come across that I dont want to miss or want to experience. This list will eventually go in the folder.

What else goes in the folder you ask? The first thing is our set sail pass when it is ready to be printed, which is after final payment. Then there is the luggage tags. We are sailing Royal Caribbean which will mail you your luggage tags if you are in a suite. If not, then you print them off your self. Either way..they go in there too. Next is any confirmations from any excursions you have bought and planned for at the ports. Other cruises my folder has contained the reservations for the hotel we are staying at prior to sail day. This time we are driving straight there. I let you all know how that goes when we get back...lol.

During the wait I also watch the prices. If the price drops before the final payment is due then you can get a refund of the price difference. If it is after then there is a chance you could move up in categories for little or no money. The last cruise I scored a great suite for only $100 more than the original room I had booked. This cruise I upgraded Shane and Brian to a ocean view from an inside for only $10!

Large Ocean View cabin

I had better get to packing...I will be back with a review of the cruise and I will let you know how my planning worked out.

Concert Road Trip!!

It seems like Tony and I are always at a concert. But of course we are always working! It had been awhile since we had been to a show where we were actual ticket holders. So when our friend Blair texted me and said she was getting ready to buy tickets to the Tedesuchi Trucks Band/The Black Crowes and wanted to know if we were in, there was no hesitation...YES!

The venue, Lifestyles Pavilion,  where we would be watching the show had a little history for us. Several years back, our friend Brett called us up and asked if we wanted to go see Government Mule in Columbus, OH. Not only would it be a great show, but it would give us a chance to meet and get to know his then girlfriend (now wife) Blair. That weekend ended up the beginning of a friendship that feels more like family than friends. So we knew that there would be a lot reminiscing on this trip. This venue also started another important relationship. This is the venue that Tony first heard Umphrees McGhee, where he bought the cd and brought home to Tabor. I think anyone who knows Tony and Tabor, knows how strong those feelings are.

So this past Wednesday morning we packed up the Jag, picked up the Bentley's, and hit the road to Columbus.

The Crew.

We had reservations at the Hyatt. We got there in time to get settled in and changed for dinner. Tony and I had stayed at this hotel before and I really liked it. The beds were comfy and I loved all the new retro furniture they had.

Another feature about this room I liked was that the door had a little entrance way that blocked of the room from the door.

This little alcove not only blocked off the rest of the room, but it had a little mirrored area that was great to do hair and makeup without needing to be in the bath area. Unfortunately I failed to
get a picture of that.

So it was off to dinner! All four of us had just snacked that day so we were STARVING. We decided on Ted's Montana grill, where we ended up totally pigging out. Normally when I do reviews I like to review the food, but I completely failed at taking food pics. So all I am going to say about the meal is that everything tasted great and we ate too much of it.

It was now CONCERT time!  The Lifestyles Pavilion was only a couple of blocks from the restaurant. So we headed there where we were to meet up with Brett's brother Kristofer. Which was fitting because he was part of  the history of this venue too! The first time Kris, being just a young pup, rode in the back seat of Brett's Xterra smooshed between Tony and I. In which Tony kept telling him to quit rubbing his hairy man leg against him...lol.

Here he is looming over Blair and I during the show.

We were excited about this show because one, we love love love Derek Trucks and two, Tony and I  had never seen the Black Crowes  live. We had tried. We actually drove to Cleveland once with the plans on seeing the Crowes one night and Government Mule the next. But we ended up getting to Cleveland late and decided to crash at the hotel where we scarfed down way too much Chinese food.

Ok,,,back to this concert. How was it you ask? It was Epic. Derek's playing was mind blowing as usual, and the rest of the band was phenomenal. Then the Black Crowes came on and did all the songs you know and love......and did them unbelievably good!!!  And just when you thought "This show can not get any better." The entire Tedeschi Trucks band joined the Black Crowes on stage and THREW DOWN!. Best encore ever!

Tedeschi Trucks

The Black Crowes

Here is a link to some video of the Crowes

The show was over and Tony turns, looks at me, and says, "Well, we  have seen The Black Crowes" I think he was in shock.....lol.  So on a music high, we decided to go the bar next door and watch the band playing there and they were awesome. We listened to them until there set was over. So it was a very successful night of music. And if I had to describe it in one sentence, I would use the wise words of the drunk guy dancing in front of us....NAILED IT!

At this point we were hungry again..lol. So we headed to the room and ordered pizza. The perfect after concert meal. Welll...actually Tony wanted eggs and toast, which made us all want breakfast but we couldn't find anyone serving breakfast within walking distance so we went with pizza.

Here we are waiting for our grub.

The drive home was fantastic. The weather was great so we rolled the windows down and just enjoyed the drive.

And it was on the drive home we discovered one more musical gem of the this trip. We had only caught the very end of one of the songs of the opening band, London Souls. Tony liked just that little bit and bought their cd. He was not let down.  So with the wind in our hair and the London Souls singing us home, we headed back to Pikeville.

It was a perfect road trip and I can't wait til we head out with our best buds on another adventure. And again thanks for coming along on another one of my adventures.

                                                                                                 The Boss Lady

Another birthday? Already?

The older we get the faster the birthdays appear. It just happens.

I turned 42 yesterday. I do struggle sometimes with my age. Because honestly in my mind I am the same person I was when I was 25. Of course my body likes to remind me that I am not. My hair gets more grey every year, even tho no one will ever know that because I am adamant about covering it up. (which I have an appt. today at 1 to do just that.)  But there is way more joints that crack and pop in the mornings when I get out of bed.

But I think the key to being "OK" with your age is that you're happy where you are at in life once you get to that age. We will all have regrets. And I am not talking about the kind of regrets like, "Why did I eat all of that cake last night?" I have that regret more times than I like to admit. I mean life altering decisions. We ALL have them. I wish I hadn't dated that person, or married that one. I wish I hadn't went to that school. etc...

 But I have come to the realization if we had not made those choices in the past, we would not be where we are here in the future. The key to those past regrets is how long did it take to move on from bad decisions and make your life right and happy. But everything from that experience made you who you are today. Its your decision what you want to make your life now from it. Make it a good one!


So another birthday was celebrated, which means another year has passed us by. Which means what is really celebrated is all the laughter, heartaches, anger, and love the year held.  And I can honestly say I cant wait to see what all I will be celebrating next year!

                                                                                                              The Boss Lady

NAMM...minus me.

Every year Tony and I attend NAMM in Nashville. Its a time of year vendors set up on a large showroom floor and try to sell us the newest and greatest things in the music industry. Its like a large candy store for musicians. It's a time to try out instruments, check out the new products, and see some talented people perform.


Plus you are in Nashville. One of my favorite cities of all time.

But this year we decided last minute not to go. BOOOOOO!!  But we have several projects going on, one being a pretty large paint job on our house. So it just didnt make sense to go.


So in honor of NAMM's gone by, I decided to show a few photos from previous trips.

This is Tabor at one of his first NAMM's

Tony walking through the showroom taking it all in.

And at any given time someone famous (or semi-famous) will be performing or just shopping. In the early 90's during my college years I was in love with the band Nelson. So when I found out Gunnar Nelson was going to be there one year, I ended up stalking him.

And then getting my pic taken with him.

I have to admit this was an awkward moment for me. Because in my business it is a big deal to ask artists to have your pic taken with them. If you are any kind of sound professional, you just don't do it. And if you are working for me and ask someone for a pic you will be sent home. Backstage is off limits to cameras!!

So it took me a long time to convince myself that I was there as a spectator, a fan, not staff. And of course he was happy to oblige.

So its with a sad heart I remember NAMM's past and wish I was in the Music City this weekend. But next year things will be better planned and maybe, just maybe I might talk Tony into attending the one in California in January.


                                                                                                     The Boss Lady

My Life Changing Week in Honduras

I have been home for two days. My body's core temperature hasn't gotten use to the change yet. I'm freezing in 80 degree weather..lol. The suitcases are unpacked and the laundry done. So now its time to tell my story.

I headed out on a Saturday with a group of ten from Allen Baptist Church. We would be meeting up with four other team members from Allen Baptist and one from South Carolina that had already spent a week there. We would also be joined by three other women from Arkansas.

This is the team.

We arrived at Faith Home to this welcome.

The kids won our hearts immediately.

Faith Home is a Christian based center for children. It's basically an orphanage with some really good people who love these kids, taking care of them. This was our home for the week. Not only did we work with the kids at Faith Home but we would travel to neighboring villages.

Here we are having carnival type games with the children from one of the villages.

I loved the village experiences. I loved meeting the people and hearing their stories. I loved playing with the kids and seeing their faces light up with every piece of candy I gave them. And I hope that everyone walked away knowing a little bit of God's love.

But, my biggest love was being with the kids of Faith Home. Working and playing with the kids everyday changed my life. I only hope that I showed as much love to them as they showed to me. These kids were funny, smart, and very patient with my horrible Spanish speaking abilities.

Here I am with Elly and Ivan.

On Friday we visited a government ran orphanage. This is where my heart was shattered. I am a woman who has never been able to conceive. I thank God daily for giving me Tabor and letting me be a mother. But Tony and I always wanted more children and would have loved to have had a house full. So to see these children without a home, knowing the life I could give them was hard to deal with. I held a baby girl while watching the others interact with the other children, all the while my heart broke for them. And my heart broke for myself.

This trip was a trip of a lifetime, it was life changing. I can never look at my home and complain about closet space again. I can't look into a child's face and not think about all the children in Honduras who were thankful for just a small piece of candy. I sit on my back porch and thank God for blessing me with everything he has because I have never had to live like a lot of these people have. The things that are most important in my life are my Husband, my son, and the rest of my family, good friends and meals on the table. All the rest is just a bonus and I realize if they were all gone tomorrow I have been truly blessed with Love.

Honduras changed me, and I hope I changed it a little. I can't wait to return and be reunited with the children who kept a little bit of my heat with them when I left.

                                                                                           The Boss Lady

I will have other blogs about this trip. I will be back with different experiences as I relive them in my mind.

Off On A New Adventure

I'm leaving for nine days. I am headed to Honduras with a group of people, most I  have just met because of this trip. I am sure we will know each other real well before this trip is over.

I am headed to Honduras for a missions trip. I will be working at Faith Home Child Care Center.

I am nervous, I wont lie. It's a new adventure for me. I have done missions in the US before but this will be my first international missions. I am not nervous about leaving the country but I am nervous about leaving home. Tony and I work together, we do most things together. I like to sound things off of him and be able to discuss things with him when I need to. Plus its always just weird when we are apart for so long.

Always before when we were apart for long periods of time we were usually able to have pretty good contact. I am not sure how much I am going to have with him in Honduras. This makes me nervous because I do own a business, and I will have people working while I am gone. There is no picking up the phone and just calling me if a questions arises. Well there is but it can be expensive and I wont have my cell with me for the most part. I will pick up the phone when I feel the need to hear his voice, no matter the cost.


But I am also Super Excited. I like new adventures. I am excited to be a part of this group and this trip. I can not wait to share my stories when I get back!

Please keep me and the entire missions team in your prayers while we set off on this adventure that God has put on our hearts to take. See ya when I get back!