Honeymoon Part 2: What does Chocolate Covered Strawberries Have To Do With Australia?

Day 2

Day 2 was a day at sea.

Which means we pretty much ate all day long. True Story.

And can someone tell me why drinks taste better when they come with an umbrella?

After some roaming around the boat we decided to play some putt-putt. Yes, there was a putt-putt golf course on the ship! 

Taken from Google Image

I started out strong but Marine made a fierce comeback and beat me in the end. 

I blame it on to many of these.......

My homemade concoction.

Yes, I did a little research before going on the cruise to see how we could possible sneak on a little extra alcohol. Cause the drinks on board are great.... but they are sky high! I stumbled upon this site called Rum Runners Flask. Seemed simple enough and all the reviews were good so I took a chance and ordered the Spring Break Pack.

Marine and I filled half of them with Rum and half with Crown.

They worked great!! And I highly recommend them.

Marine and I still bought drinks on the boat but not near as much thanks to these little guys.

This day at sea was also when I made a slight fool of myself...

Don't even pretend to fain surprise.

That morning the boat's cruise director hosted a morning show that was aired on the onboard TV station. As Marine and I got ready for the day we had the TV on that station. Well I'm wondering around the room picking out my bathing suit, fiddling with my hair and such. Marine is in the shower and I'm half way listening to the TV.

The Cruise director is asking people to call in and guess where his co-host is from based on his accent.

I thought it was definitely an English accent or may Australian accent.

The Cruise director answers the line and I hear a guest guess a town in England. They tell her she is wrong.

For some crazy reason I decide to call in! I mean if England's wrong the guy's gotta to be from Australia. I picked up the phone and dialed the extension not really thinking I'd get through... But then the Cruise Director answers!

He starts off by asking me the typical questions:

CD, "So who are you cruising with?"
Me, "My husband Marine."
CD, "And is this a special occasion?"
Me, "Yes we are on our honeymoon!"

He congratulates us and then ask if I know the answer to the question.

"Australia!" I exclaim.

And the two Morning Show Hosts nearly fall out of their chairs laughing! And they continue laughing.

Immediately I realize that it's best not to try and answer a question that you never even heard.

I laugh, "Ok I admit I didn't really hear the question."

Turns out the question was what town in England was the Co-host from.

Wow.

"Well at least I gave you guy's a good laugh this morning," I try to recover.
"That you did and just for that we are going to send you a consolation prize!!!"

Marine gets out of the shower and I tell him the story to which he just shakes his head and laugh's.

The consolation prize rocked!! And I'll be honest I was kinda glad I got the question wrong.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Champagne!

So delicious!

But little did I know this show would re-air the entire cruise so even though Marine missed the live show he did get to see the replay..... at which he may have laughed harder than I have ever seen him laugh.

Yep I'm good like that ;)

Ticket Agent: Okay, Mr. Bing, you'll be in 25J,and Mrs. Bing, you're in 25K.

Monica: Oh, no, you see, um, we're on our honeymoon. So, um, can you do you're little thing and bump us up to first class?

Ticket Agent: I'm sorry, all the first class seats are taken. That couple got the last two.

Monica: You see, if we'd gone around them like I said, then she would have given us those tickets! Damn it!

Chandler: 25J and K. Any chance those aren't together?

~ Friends ~

Honeymoon Part 1: It's Not A Honeymoon Till There's Cake

Friday May 13th was the kickoff to Honeymoon week. Marine and I got up early and got started on our road-trip. Yeah for a little more we could have flown to where the boat was leaving from...... but Marine and I like to road trip and stop at places along the way.

Call us weird. It's ok.

A little after noon we started to get hungry and agreed we wanted to stop and stretch our legs a bit and stop for lunch.

The signs for St. Augustine looked appealing so Marine pulled off the exit. I'll admit we had no clue where we were going. Then I spotted a sign reading "Cabo Taco". We can always eat Mexican so Marine pulled in. IT WAS DELICIOUS!!! 

If you're ever in the area try it. You won't be sorry!

After more driving we finally arrived at our destination and checked into our hotel room for the night. It was about 2pm when we arrived. We were both exhausted from all the hectics excitement of the past few weeks and figured we would take a quick power nap and then get up and go explore before diner.

What was meant to be about an hour nap kinda lasted a little longer than planned..... Like 5 hours longer!

We had both needed the sleep so it was very refreshing. We went out and explored the town a little, did a little shopping and then ate a quick diner before heading back to the room..... where we laid in bed and just watched TV. Such a simple thing. But something we never have time to do at home.

Marine joked, "You realize we had to drive nearly 9 hours to just lay in bed and watch TV?"

Saturday was Cruise Day!!! We were so excited. After a quick stop at Wal-Mart for some more sunblock we were ready to head off to the boat.

After waiting in lines and checking in we were able to go aboard. Since we had some time before we could check into our room we hit the first bar we came to in the lobby.

Lobby

After a couple drinks we headed up to our room. Marine unlocked the door then held it open for me to enter first. I walked through the door and stopped and gasped.

The room was decked out in Honeymoon Decorations and a card telling us happy honeymoon from Blondie and her Hubby. 

The honeymoon was off to a great start!

We decided to explore the boat a bit before diner.

The Main Deck

Looking out at the port

The boat was beautiful!! Not to mention Huge!

 After that we dressed up and went to diner.

If you've never been on a cruise let me explain how diner works. Pre-Cruise you choose either early dining (6:30) or late dining (8:30) {give or take on the time maybe it was 8........} We had chosen later diner that way when getting back on the boat from the ports we would have time to shower and get ready.

At these diners everyone is assigned a specific table at which you are paired up with other guests.

This can be a wonderful thing or it can be a disaster.

So Marine and I are escorted to our table and realize it will be just us and another couple who has yet to arrive.

We take our seats and watch as others enter the dining room playing the guessing game of who will be our diner companions.

By this time we have met the elderly couple seated at a two seater table next to us.

Then a man and woman walk by our table and Marine and I exchange a look of relief they didn't sit with us....  because let's face it some woman just put off the witch vibe and this woman was radiating it.

And then the couple comes back and sit at our table.

I inwardly laugh but think it'll be ok we can make friends with anybody.

At least that's what I thought.

We start in on the small talk; where are you from yada yada yada. The woman throws in they are on the "Elite" spa deck several time as she looks down her nose at us.

The couple was late 30's, from Washington State, with 3 kids.

Granted we may not have the most in common with them but that's no big deal. The husband says he used to be in the Coast Guard so Marine and him small talk about that.

Marine then turns to me and asks me a question about something on the menu.

As we look down at the menu the woman whispers says to her husband snootly, "They really should give people compatibility quizzes before matching them up."

Wow. Ok what do you say to that?!

Do we pretend we didn't hear?

In the awkwardness of the moment I do the only I know how. Try to lighten the mood, "Yeah I wonder how they match people up on these....." and then I pointed out another table that appeared pretty mix-matched to throw the eyes off us.

Wow.

The husband was nice and seemed slightly embarrassed by his wife's comment.

Let's just say the couple never showed up again. Which was fine by us. We enjoyed visiting with the other couples around us and then enjoying our meal just the two of us.

But as Marine said, "I wish I would have been drunk and at least showed my @ss or something."

It may not have helped matters that the wait staff sang us a Happy Honeymoon song and delivered a cake.

But she did seem quite envious when we handed some free drink vouchers courtesy of our wonderful Carnival Cruise Agent (want to cruise Carnival? Let me know and I'll give you her contact info. She was GREAT).

The first day was off to an interesting start. And there was 6 days to go....

To be continued......

"Phoebe: So, how was the honeymoon?

Monica: Oh, so much fun. But the best part is we met this incredible couple on the flight back.

Phoebe: That was the best part? Good honeymooning, Tiger." -  ~ Friends ~

Side note -- this was the only day Marine and I got sea sick as well. As we started to leave port it began to rain. Our room was on the very front of the boat and let me just tell you it felt like that really bad drunk when the room just won't start spinning. Word to the wise take Dramamine. 

The End of 2010 The Start of 2011

The Tuesday morning after Christmas I found myself hiking up an iced over hill at 5:30 am by the light of a flashlight. Oh and did I mention it was about 20 degrees out?

This my friends is love. 

We had finally been able to get out of the house Monday after all the snow but had postponed our trip back to base to Tuesday in hopes the roads would be better. And Tuesday before leaving Marine pulled the ol "this will be my last chance to go hunting" pouty face. 

Like the sucker that I am, I fell for it. 

So we rolled out of bed early and headed over to Marine's mom's house for him to go hunting before we started our road trip.

While he hunted I curled up in the big comfy chair by the fireplace and went back to sleep listening to the crackling of the wood in the fire. 

I figured out why Marine likes to hunt over at his parents versus hunting at my house. At my house he returns from hunting to a bowl of cereal. There he returns to pancakes and French Toast. Yeah hunting may not be so bad. lol ;)

By 10 we were on the road. 

The rest of the week passed way to fast! 

We had diner with one of our Marine Couple friends one night at their house. Another night we had a date night and went to the on base theater and watched Mega-Mind. We also went to diner another night with Roommate and Roommate Wife who had flown in from California to celebrate the New Year. 

During the mix we also registered! Another wedding thing that can be checked off the list. 

Registering was interesting. Why is it as soon as you give a grown man a scanner gun his eyes instantly light up like a kid at Christmas?

Taking Giggles advice we used this opportunity to upgrade some of the stuff we already have and to fill in some of the blanks. Realistically we don't really need that much. Maybe towels. And according to Marine we need a good iron. Apparently the one I have is insufficient. I personally wouldn't know. The only time I'd ever touched it was to take it out of the box and put it in the closet before Marine and I started dating. 

Now imagine standing in Bed, Bath and Beyond and you see this guy picking up and inspecting every iron on the shelf........ yes that was my Marine. Bless his heart. Gotta love him. 

Hey I can't complain..... case in point:

On New Years Eve we met up with our friends for diner then went downtown to Rum Runners. This is where we spent New Years last year and I pretty much insisted we go there again. The Dueling Piano players are just to awesome for words to describe!

Before long the round of shots were ordered.....

Marine Couple Hubby, Marine, Two of our Buddies (& groomsman) Roommate, Roomate wife, and me.
Sure the guys would love to know I covered their faces with hearts ;)

And this is one of the reasons we love our friends......

Marine and I so had no clue this was going on in the background......

Midnight came and went and we headed to the pizza place for a midnight slice. So delicious! Pizza and beer after midnight is hard to beat!

Overall it was a pretty calm night. Surprisingly. 

New Years Day we split from the group and headed downtown for lunch. We went to the Brewery where I had some of the best food I think I've EVER eaten! I'm not sure why but it was just so delicious!

While we ate a couple came and sat down at the table next to us. On the table they sat down a large brown box...... obviously a pastry box. Out of the corner of my eye I strained trying to read the label on top. 

Marine and I guessed about what could be in the box. By the time we had paid the tab and rising to leave I just couldn't take it. I had to ask. 

"Excuse me........" 

The couple was super nice and told us about what was supposed to be this fabulous local bakery. They gave us vague directions. Which Marine and I followed to the best of our ability and after some wondering around we found it! 

It was everything I hoped of and more.

I got a chocolate chip cupcake while Marine opted for the basic vanilla with chocolate frosting cupcake. We took our perfectly cute brown box and walked down by the river before heading back to the hotel to enjoy our desert. 

Needless to say I ate mine way to fast...... But I used Marine's for a photo op just so that I could remember how delicious they were....

That night we went out with our group of friends to see a movie. The only movie playing that wasn't sold out was Tangled. It was cute but not near as funny as I expected it to be!! But the lack of comedy was made up by Marine's side comments...... "Please don't sing again. Don't do it!!...... Awe crap she's going to sing again isn't she?" 

Think it's safe to say Marine probably never appreciated the Disney classes that were full of princesses singing... 

But the horse was pretty funny. 

After diner Marine and I called it an early night and headed back to the hotel. Where we watched American Pickers...... yep we are really exciting.

And if you ever get a chance stay at a Comfort Suites.... Do it!! They have the best pillows. Seriously. And I NEVER sleep on hotel pillows. But with these I make an exception. I want these for my house!

Ignore Marine in this picture and just focus on the wonderful pillows. 

Sunday (Jan. 2nd)  was the day I left to come back home. Somehow saying goodbye at the airport is so much more sad than getting in the car and leaving. Not sure why that it is but it is...

(Sorry this post is so late..... )

Weekend Getaway With Marine's Family

This past weekend Marine and I went on a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee with his whole Mom's side of the family.

It was his grandparents, his mom, step-dad, sister, 3 uncles and their wives and families. I'm telling ya, we were a big group!

It was a great trip though!

We arrived early Friday morning and spent the day shopping --- yes black Friday Madness. The crowds were awful! And the sad part was the only thing I bought was a sweater. For myself.

After checking into the hotel we all freshened up and headed out for diner. It was a simple night of pizza and holiday football.

Saturday we visited Cades Cove (miss the pictures? Check out this past Wordless Wednesday). It was BEAUTIFUL! So many old buildings. You know that I wanted to jump out and take pictures of everything! But I had to refrain we were on a time schedule so not much time for dilly-dallying. This is a place Marine and I will definitely be taking a trip back to.

That evening we all went to diner at the restaurant of Marine's Grandparent's choosing. They choose a steakhouse which was wonderful and left all of us to stuffed to even consider desert.

Afterward we went to race go-kart's. The time when adults become big kids! I laughed so hard at Marine's one uncle who was determined to beat everybody. Of course I got crashed by Marine..... on purpose. It was fun though and good time with the family.

After that we went ice-skating. I haven't been ice-skating since High School and some how I remembered it to be much easier than it was!

Now I'm all about mind over matter ---- if you are confident enough and you go into something thinking "I can do this" you can do it.

Works for me anyway.

However it wasn't as easy as I remembered and I ended up clinging to Marine's hand like it was a life line as we skated around the rink.

At one point I got my courage up and let go. We skated a few laps and then I leaned up. To far. My feet literally flew over my head and I hit the ice with a hard THUD!

I lay on the ice the wind knocked out of me looking up into Marine's face.

"Babe you ok?"

"Yes," I croak as I lean up and take his hand.

At hearing that he starts dying laughing. "Oh my gosh your feet went higher than your head!!! You sure your ok?"

I was ok but boy was I sore the next day.

It was fun though and totally worth it.

Sunday we left and returned home. It was a good weekend getaway, one that I think may become an annual trip.

Homecoming ~ The Final Chapter

So I came back to the real world and out of my "homecoming bliss bubble" this past Wednesday.

But before I can tell you more I got to finish telling you about the trip.

To sum it up it was fantastic!!! But you already knew that.

Tropical Storm Nicole - Google Images

I had booked us a place on base to stay. Right on the beach. Same place we stayed during his deployment week.

But remember that awful tropical storm Nicole? Yeah she had other plans for us.

The roads to the lodge were damaged by the flood waters caused by Nicole. We find this out Friday evening when we go to check in. Upon calling we are told that the roads will be open the next day after 10am.

It's just one night so Marine and I decide to stay in his barracks room since no one is there anyway.

So we spent that night snuggled close in the twin bed.

The next morning we wake up and throw what few items we had brought up into the back of the 4Runner. It's exactly 10am so we decide to give them a little more time just in case. We run to Dunkin Doughnuts and grab a quick breakfast then make our way to the side of the base the lodge is.

All roads closed. Still.

Oh well. We return to the barracks, shower and head out to enjoy the day.

It was Saturday, the day we enjoyed the Seafood Festival.

On the way back from the festival Marine calls the lodge check-in.

Roads are still closed.

Ok......

One more night in the barracks. Could be worse. At least we're together.

Sunday we awake and once again try to make it out to the lodge. Roads closed. We are told of a back way to get there.

I wish I could tell you it worked......

And it may have except Marine had to report for work at 8:30 the next morning and this "detour" would mean that he would have to leave around 6 to be there in time and to beat traffic.

He politely asked if we could cancel our reservation. Luckily the lady was in a gracious mood and canceled our reservation and credited us back the money we had already paid for the week.

So now what?

We both can't help but laugh. True to form our luck is still the same as it was before he left.

We get ready at the barracks before meeting his family to eat brunch at Cracker Barrel before they left to go back home.

After which Marine and I are driving along and agree will check into the first hotel we come to.

Bad Idea.

The first hotel we came to was a My Hotel (which I'd never heard of) and the sign advertised standard rooms for $59 a night.

Not to bad and the outside looks decent so Marine pulls into the parking lot.

We get out and hand in hand walk into the lobby.

I can immediately tell this is not going to be good.

I squeeze Marine's hand in a 'lets turn and run' gesture which he must confuse as a 'I can't wait to get up to the room' gesture.

Before I can backpedal Marine is at the front desk and booking a room for three nights.

I sigh and turn to go get the bags.

I reenter the hotel with our suitcase and my computer bag just as the clerk is handing Marine a key.

We proceed to the elevator and ride it to the 2nd floor.

"You missed the heath score didn't you?" I ask.

"What was it?"

"83."

"Well the outside looked nice..... as long as the rooms clean it'll be ok," he replies obviously not getting what the health score means.

He unlocks the door to our room and pushes it open for me to enter first. Except we both just stand there in the doorway staring.

Now I've stayed in some less than stellar hotels over the years, I've slept in a horse trailer, we go camping, and Marine has spent the past 7 months sleeping on a cot in the desert---- our standards aren't real high.

Hesitantly we both enter and I keep a hold of my stuff reluctant to set it down.

"It could be worse," I say trying to sound positive.

The room is about 90 degrees, Marine walks around the bed and flips on the AC. A cloud of dust comes billowing out and a smell that can only be described as awful.

I see the romantic images I had pictured in my mind slowly drifting away.

I go to turn down the comforter on the bed thinking I'd rather sit on the clean sheet than the probably not so clean comforter.

"UGH!" I gasp/groan/screech.

The bed is far from clean. We'll just leave it at that.

"We're not staying here," Marine states.

"Thank god!" I hug him in relief.

I replace the comforter on the bed, Marine switches the AC off and we exit the room.

I head for the car and leave Marine to explain why we are checking out not 5 minutes after we checked in.

Sometime later he climbs in the driver-seat and in response to my unspoken question, "The guy didn't know how to refund us. He said he would have to charge us for at least one night but a girl came up and said she knew how to do it so they gave us a refund."

Huge sigh of relief, "I'm sorry, you know I'm not high maintenance and I would have stayed there if we had to but..."

"I know," Marine laughs and pats my leg, "But that was pretty bad."

We went the safe route and headed for the hotel we had stayed at the first night. The standard room was more expensive but totally worth it!!!

Monday morning Marine reported for his day of classes and I spent some time hanging out.

When he got off work we traveled a little way up the coast to eat lunch at a quaint little restaurant on the water and afterward we walked a few blocks to our favorite coffee shop/pub and ordered desert and a beer. The desert was chocolate decadence --- which is to die for --- hot brownie with a crispy crust and soft center that has hot fudge in it and this is topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Its wonderful!!

After that we took a few picture on the pier and again I'm sure Marine questioned as to why he had ever given me a tri-pod.

If it ever shows up missing I will know who to blame.

Stuffed we decide to walk the streets and admire some of the beautiful seaside homes.

I LOVED this front door

It was a great day and Marine and I enjoyed some time to ourselves.

Tuesday while he was at work I met up with NorthernGirl - she is a fellow Marine spouse and we became friends during deployment since Marine and her Marine were together.

We ate breakfast while the guys were at work and then drove down to the beach. We walked and talked as we soaked up the sunshine, looking for neat shells and sharks teeth.

From the storms the beach was littered everywhere with shells. More shells than perhaps I had ever seen.

We found several beautiful ones along with a sharks tooth and part of a sand-dollar.

We also found a victim of the storm.... a poor octopus that had been washed a shore. Having never seen one outside of an aquarium I admit I was saddened but also amazed. And I did stand and study it for maybe a moment longer than I should have.

After work Marine and I ran errands taking care of things he needed to get while I was there and he had a car to use. That night we stayed in at the hotel and just relaxed and enjoyed a lazy night of watching TV.

The next morning (Wednesday) I dropped Marine off at base and then begin my drive home.

It sucked leaving but the days have passed quickly and I am about to leave now to go pick him up from the airport! 2 weeks of post-deployment leave begin today!!!

And needless to say I'm looking forward to it! :)

The Dream Cruise is BOOKED

Today I booked our honeymoon and I am so excited!! Seven days of pure bliss as we cruise the Western Caribbean on the Carnival Dream making stops along the way at Cozumel, Isla Roatan, Belize and Costa Maya.


Saying that I am "so excited" does not even really begin to explain just how EXCITED I am!


I booked through a Carnival Cruise Vacation Planner that I had used on my previous cruise and she is great! She found us a much better deal than I had found us..... because we all know that I shopped around before contacting her just to see what all was out there. 


Thats one more thing checked off the "to do" list.

Cozumel

Isla Roatan

Belize

Costa Maya

Monica: "Did you hear that? They bumped them up to first class because they're on their honeymoon! Come on, let's act like we're on our honeymoon!"

Chandler: "We are on our honeymoon."

~ Friends ~

Sometimes The End Just Makes Way For New Beginnings

Life Lesson 36: 

It is NEVER a good idea to start drinking at 9:30 in the morning past the age of 21.

When my alarm went off at 3 a.m. I would like to tell you I sprung out of bed. In reality I fell out of bed, grabbed my Monster, and stumbled to the 4Runner. Perfect example of why I had been smart enough to pack the car the night before!

Giggles was late of course because she is, a bitch in the, not a morning person.

Vixen is smart though and had thought ahead and met us with Waffle House in hand. The way to Giggles heart is thru her stomach and after four bites of hashbrowns the anti-morning-she-devil had been replaced by our lovely friend.

Now I admit when Vixen called me last Thursday morning and demanded requested that we go to the beach for the weekend instead of having the planned bachelorette party I was ready to kill her!!! And that is putting it mildly. So last minute I cancel the few plans that were already set, uninvited people with a vague excuse of rescheduling, and started looking for beach locations anywhere within a 6 hour drive.


Maybe murder would be a better word....

Of course it was so last minute that not everyone could go and the large bachelorette party dwindled down to three; Vixen, Giggles, and myself.

By 5 a.m. we were easing our way thru traffic and laughing at the morning radio personalities.

Due to the forgotten time change when crossing into the new Time Zone we arrived a little earlier than we had planned. Like 10:30 a.m. early. Thank goodness the hotel receptionist was nice and let us go ahead and check into the room.

We dropped our bags and changed into swimsuits and headed for the beach.

Vixen and Giggles were hell bent on getting a tan and me and my 70 SPF and umbrella was hell bent on not getting sunburned. Yes, I am a pasty white girl. I don't tan, I burn.

Lunch time arrived and we walked to the beach-side restaurant located next to our hotel and promptly ordered seafood and frozen drinks. I mean what is a beach vacation without a frozen drink?

Now here is where I said my stupidest comment of the trip:

Giggles: "How's your pinacolada?"
E: "Here try it... It's almost to sweet. To pineappley."
Giggles: "Pineappley?"
E: "Yeah."
Giggles takes sip of my offered drink.
Vixen: Pineappley?"
E: "Yeah!...... What do you think pinacolada's are made of?"
Giggles and Vixen in unison: "Coconut!"

All three of us burst into laughter! Yeah that was just one of the dumb things I said over that weekend that I'm sure I will never live down.

After lunch we headed for the store to get some snacks and other grocery items. Our hotel room had a kitchenette so we planned on buying cereal for breakfast and snacks...... well because let's face it we are "snack" type of people.

Giggles is pushing the buggy and of course she heads straight for the beer aisle; she beelines for her beer of choice (Yuengling) and Vixen and I stand debating what will be our poison of choice for the weekend. I want Landshark but they don't have it in cans (gotta have cans to take on the beach) so we go with Bud Light Lime. We are trying to deciede between the 12 pack and the 18 when I glance behind me and do a double take.

I tap Vixen who is mid-sentence and point to the buggy. Giggles has 2 yes 2 - 12 packs in the buggy. "If she's planning on drinking 24 surely between the two of us we can drink 18!" I laugh.

"What?" Giggles responds to our laughter and glances at her beer, "We're at the beach!"

18 it is.

We returned to the hotel, unloaded our goodies and returned to the beach.

Where we spent the rest of the day.

Diner was Little Caesars Pizza and Bread-sticks eaten on the beach by moonlight. Like always over pizza and beer late at night is when we contemplate life. We talk about the past, the present and the future. I was sad none of our other friends could go but as I sat there with two of my best friends I realized it was kinda symbolic. Like beach trips of the past it was just the 3 of us. We've grown from the 15 year old girls we once were but our friendship remains the same. This would be the last trip we would all take before tying the knot.

Saturday was much the same--- wake up, head to the beach, go out for lunch, return to the beach.

From the safety of the umbrella and 70SPF shield I snapped pictures. Then like kids we threw care to the wind and, despite the cool temperature of the water, plunge in. Koozies with beer in hand of course. WE HAD A BLAST!! Trying to stay afloat while dodging waves and keep our beer from getting submerged. Being short the ocean pretty much had it's way with me, tossing me wherever it felt like. End score - Ocean 2 : E 0. The amount of sand found in my bathing suit afterward left me feeling totally violated. Thanks Ocean most action I've had in 3 months. lol ;)



For lunch we headed to Margaritaville . Best food eaten on the vacation hands down! Two frozen drinks later I feel a little buzzed. I get up to leave and realized that I may be more than a little buzzed. We had started drinking beer at 9 am.

Stupid?

You betcha!

But as Vixen put it, "It's my Bachelorette weekend!!!"

So it's 1:30 p.m. and I've reached the fun part (as my friend Red would say).

Yeah unless your 21 it's really not a good idea...... and even at 21 I really don't remember it being a good idea.

Needless to say back at the room I took an hour refresher nap before once again joining Vixen and Giggles on the beach.

By this point we hit the harsh reality we aren't the alcoholics we used to be and the fact we are getting older is almost a happy reminder.

We went out for diner. This point sober and Giggles saying, "I remember now why I don't drink much anymore."

After diner we head back out to the beach and under the light of the moon we pop the top on a bottle of champagne to celebrate the last night.

The last night of vacation.

The last trip before the weddings.

The last night before we embark on the next chapters of our lives.

But this wasn't an ending it was a toast to new beginnings. Somethings in life change. Things come and go. But friends never fade.

So together we bid farewell to the past and welcomed the future and discussed what it may hold; kids, jobs, and marriage. One day we're going to be the little old ladies that still get together for drinks, lunch, and gossip. I see many more vacations in the future, but this was the last one just us. Next year our husbands will be with us. And then who knows summers after that may bring kids. But no matter what happens we will always have each other.

Oh and in case you're wondering, It takes 3 people to open a bottle of champagne... :)

"Growing up, does not mean growing apart."
~ E. ~

Quotes from the trip

E, "If I sit to long in the direct sun I die."

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Vixen, "In this light your hair looks kinda blonde."
E, "My hairs kinda like a mutt."
Vixen, "A mutt?"
E, "Yeah such a mixture of things your not really sure what it is. I mean is it blonde? Is it red? Is it brown?"

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Giggles as she takes the bottle away from Vixen who is pointing the champagne bottle right at her face, "Ok let's not go home with a cork black eye....."

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Vixen, "Ok who's ready for beer!!!???"
Giggles, "It's 9 a.m."
Vixen, "Ssooooo.... It's my Bachelorette weekend!!!!"............................ "and you got 24 to finish in less than 48 hours." tosses her a beer, "Drink up bitch."

Photos From The Trip

And my pic for Marine....

Time Flies When Your With The One You Love

The Date: Friday February 26th.

The Time: Late

I arrived on base and Marine and I headed to our beach lodge. We laughed at the small size, some things just always look larger online. Nothing could put a damper on our good moods though.

Saturday we awoke early and headed out to explore. We went to the next town north and explored the downtown streets that ran along the water. We ate a waterfront restaurant that I couldn't even tell you the name of, the open sign and the wonderful smell wafting down the street was all that was needed to draw us in. The crab dip appetizer was amazing along with the rest of our lunch.

After lunch we continued to walk around enjoying being tourists and not being in a rush. So much history in these southern waterfront towns. Old buildings all with plaques out front telling the story and history of the building.

We also saw a duck and a cat either enjoying each others company or having a stare down.... either way I had to take a picture. Because really how often do you see something like this?

After our downtown adventure we went to the local aquarium where we saw fish, fish, more fish, sharks, and baby sea turtles. It was a great afternoon. And an overall nice relaxing day.

That evening we met up with Roommate and Roommates wife and went to see Shutter Island. Weird movie. At first I wasn't sure I really liked it but on the ride back to the lodge Marine and I discussed the movie and the different twists, turns and "what ifs". The discussion made me like the movie better I think. I liked analyzing the different possibilities. I like movies that make you think.

Sunday was our lazy day. We literally did not get out of bed till after 2 p.m. -- which is so not like us!! Normally we are up and out the door by 9 at least, especially on a pretty day. But not today. I got up at 10 and took a shower. Marine was still in bed so I crawled back in and curled up next to him and drifted back off to sleep.

After being sick for the past couple of weeks, were were both finally feeling better. The sleep helped though and was very much needed!

Eventually we dragged ourselves out of bed and I made Marine take me down to the beach. Did I mention our lodge was right on the water? So pretty!!

I set up the tripod and made Marine pose with me for pictures and he also probably started regretting the fact they he ever gave me the tripod.

Either way we laughed and had fun as spent time on the beach. The sun was warm but the breeze was cool. A tease that Spring was soon to come. We walked along looking for sharks teeth. Rumor was they were easy to find on this beach.

As we walked I said I never found a sand dollar before. Two steps later Marine starts laughing. Right in front of us is a perfect Sand Dollar.

I mean really what are the odds??!

That evening we went to diner with Roommate and Roommate Wife. Then we headed back to the room for a game of cards and some drinks of course. The guys wanted to teach us how to play spades. We played a few games but Crown and Dr. Pepper + trying to learn a new card game = no such luck.

So we played a game of Battle of the Sexes. Of course Roommate Wife and I won! I mean really were there ever any doubts?!

Then we started playing P&A (president's and assholes) my all time favorite drinking game. We had so much fun.

Perhaps to much fun. When the alarm sounded the next morning (Monday) at 4:50 a.m. I still felt slightly intoxicated. Marine drug himself out of bed leaving me to sleep for another hour. This would be my last day of the week to sleep in, if you can call sleeping till six a.m. sleeping in.

We spent the morning tying up loose ends and adding me to mailing lists and signing me up for Marine Corps newsletters that I wanted to get while he's away.

Tuesday Marine had a surprise scheduled for us. Marine always seems to have some kind of surprise up his sleeve. Couple's Massages ~ Oh so wonderful!! And what a great surprise.

Deep tissue massage - perhaps the most enjoyable pain I have ever experienced.

Marine's family also arrived Tuesday along with Marine1's. So we all met for diner of sushi and Hibachi.

The week was already half way over. Time was going by to fast. But time always seems to fly when your with the one you love and having fun.

More to come....