Cactus527

IT'S CRUISE DAY!!!!! Have an awesome time. When we're in PDCC on Tuesday, I'll wave to you on your balcony.

I typically do too; however, today we have something in the morning I wanted to be here for with the family before I leave them for 10 days. I kind of wish I was skipping it now...

1 day to embarkation, TODAY IS TRAVEL DAY. Stressed already. I'm flying Southwest and they are already delaying afternoon/evening flights into Miami. Yesterday was apparently a s*show for a number of people, and I'm concerned that if they're delaying this early in the day, things could fall apart. Then again, if they are delaying this early in the day, maybe that's giving them some wiggle room to catch up? It's stressful. I've looked at all the other flight routes I could take and this is really the only one now. STRESS. I'm also going through my suitcases again trying to figure out what I can leave behind. As I said before, I'm doing the cruise and then flying straight to my conference. Clothing and needs for both are very different. However, focus on the positive - TOMORROW IS CRUISE DAY. Travel photos to come today.

YES I ACTUALLY THOUGHT ABOUT THIS Also, Joey is amazing. He was my favorite on Friends. I'll be honest, I can't recall having bourbon. Maybe I'll have to try it this cruise! Thanks for mentioning the BBQ place. I saw that on a map and it piqued my interest. I know, I know, I'm actually in the process of whittling it down right now. I also figure that I can ship things that I purchase at the conference (if I do, because it would mainly be books) since they have a UPS store right in the hotel. I've not ever purchased it before. Typically, I would just buy it at the airport if it was available because I get four reimbursements on my Southwest credit card per card year (for me that's July to July). However, I've already used all of them and thought hey, this will save me from having to stop what I'm doing at X time to check in. It doesn't seem like the best way to do it, for sure! I like the middle of the plane, aisle seat, so 17 rows back actually sounds perfect. I pretty much only do Southwest unless my organization is paying - they typically only do American. However, they messed us up a LOT when we did Hawaii a few years ago (anyone remember October 2021 with Southwest? *shudders*) and today is looking stressful too (see my post below)...

*I'm* getting stressed from all of that information because I have to fly Southwest tomorrow. that all of those issues are rectified by tomorrow morning, and that all those people driving make it to Miami safely.

"Look, it's not as expensive as Daddy's Flowrider board, I don't understand why you're giving me that look."

It will be closer when I'm done, which is where I fear my problem will be returning. I'm going to a conference after the cruise, so I want to be able to get goodies there, but if I'm already at weight now........!

I fear putting more in and then being over weight! Thank you, I'll try! I'm trying to leave room for souvenirs......and the rest of my toiletries.

This is going to be fun!

@jbrinkm here it is

2 days to embarkation, 1 day to travel! Pulled out the big guns today (aka suitcases) and started packing. I managed to fit everything into the suitcases, but then had to make another list of things that still need to go in. One is sitting at 48 lbs while the other is at 42 lbs. My carry-ons are going to be HEAVY, lol. Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In has got me in the A boarding group, so I'm happy with that. It turns out that my connection is in Dallas-Love Field, not Houston Hobby like I originally thought. I don't know if I've ever been through that airport. DFW? A million times. That place is MASSIVE. I hope DAL is more like HOU in terms of size. Cruise planner is no longer allowing purchases or changes for this cruise. It's feeling real now! Can't wait to get into Miami and check out the ship.

I have looked and looked and looked for it online and cannot find it. When I get a chance, I will take a photo of the list for you and post it here.

3 days to embarkation, 2 days to travel. Now that work is done for awhile, I've started packing in earnest. So. Many. Packing. Cubes. Some of the stuff I don't want to pack until the last minute (less wrinkles), and some I've got to figure out how to arrange. That's a Future Me problem. Got the email regarding stateroom requests today from RC. The only thing I requested was extra blankets, so hopefully that gets taken care of. Also, found a list of amazing mocktails that can be ordered with the Refreshment Package - I LOVE MOCKTAILS. Can't wait to try some of them. Hotel also emailed to confirm my reservation. I'm so grateful for credit card points, otherwise this room would have been PRICEY. Hopefully the 3-hour time change doesn't throw me for too big of a loop. Back to packing!

Through a TA both times

3 days to boarding! RC sent out an email this morning that includes stateroom preferences. Check it out and do it TODAY if you have preferences like separated beds, sharps container, medical fridge, etc. Today is also the LAST DAY you can do anything in the Cruise Planner. If not today, you'll have to reserve on board. Finally, RC says there is construction around Port Miami, so give yourself extra time. See you on board!

Safe travels!

I love our Doberman, but even as a senior dog, she has way too much energy! I keep waiting for her "puppy energy" to mellow down but....10+ years later, here we are.

4 days to embarkation, 3 days to travel. RC send an email through this morning listing the "benefits of being royal." I actually read it this time - I didn't realize I was supposed to have a robe in my cabin! Will definitely be asking for that. Today is THE LAST DAY OF WORK PRE-CRUISE. I'm so excited it's ridiculous. I'm grateful that there's a new RCB podcast to listen to on the drive. Anyone have any other recommended podcasts? Bookworm was SO excited for the box the suitcase came in yesterday. She apparently has to make a cardboard canoe in engineering this semester, and the bigger pieces of cardboard were exactly what she needed. They will race against the engineering students at a nearby high school at the aquatic center at the end of the school year. I definitely want to see this.

I sense a great restaurant AND potential RC show for the future!

It's here. IT'S HUGE. I'm in love.

5 days to boarding, 4 days to travel (Part 2): Today is appointments and work. My youngest, Drama Queen, had a braces appointment this morning. She turned it into a drama by begging to go to Dunkin, or Dutch Bros, or Starbucks, because she couldn't POSSIBLY survive the day without 70 shots of something-or-another in an overpriced drink. Nope, not happening. We went to the appointment, drove to school, and DQ stomped her way to the office to get to class. Parent win! (it's a temporary tattoo that says "Fear My Power") Once work is complete, Potato and Black Lightening need pedicures. One is terrifed of having anything done to her feet while the other covers me slobber because she's so happy to have me so close. Anxiously awaiting the delivery truck too... I also discovered that @Lovetocruise2002 will be on PDCC the same day as I am! It's funny that that's the only person I know of cruising next week, but on a different ship.

@Lovetocruise2002 WE ARE IN PDCC TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What are your plans for that day?

Years and years and YEARS ago, Spouse had a friend that worked at Amazon. He was neck deep in some of the heavy IT work for switching Amazon from a bookstore only to a regular store when we met up with him once in...2004? 2005?. We all scoffed at the idea that Amazon could succeed outside of being just a bookseller...and here we are today. No clue whatever happened to Spouse's friend. It's so strange to think of how Amazon was around 2000 and what it is now.

5 days to boarding, 4 days to travel. GUESS WHAT'S ARRIVING TODAY?????? #imabagfiend