Cruising Mexico

Just finished my last day on shore of a 7 day cruise around Mexico. the next two days are on the boat sailing back to California. I am not looking forward to being confined to the ship, but the trip has been fun.

We spent the day at the beach in Cabo and Mazatlan and today in Puerto Vallarta.

It occurs to me that cruises appeal to Americans because we are gluttons and cruise ships cater to your every gluttonous desire. You can eat as much as you want when and how you want. You can drink a lot because you don't have to drive home. You can gamble all day and night and it may be the last place in the world for hardcore smokers. I think this paints a picture of the average cruiser. you will see them at Costco every weekend. To be fair, there are also a few young couples and lots of older couples, for whom the cruise is all about romance. For a single dad, not a lot of romance goin' on. But it was a great family reunion for me, the kids, my Sister and her family and a few of my cousins and their kids (17 in all!)

In Puerto Vallarta today, we swam with dolphins, rode jet skis and baked in the sun. All of this in December.

Just when i think Mexico might be the best place on earth, I go into a public restroom and i am reminded of this country's Achilles heal... indoor plumbing. I do not know what Mexico decided was more important than water pressure when they were building this place, but they made a huge mistake.

I do love it here though and really loved Mazatlan.

Baby it cold outside

We have a winner

Runner-up Tree skirt parka

Someone gave me an idea for our company Holiday Party that turned out to be so much fun. The theme was "bad holiday sweaters" with a contest for the best...or worst holiday sweater. Nearly everyone was into it either buying from (you guessed it) Kmart the most horrific garments you have ever seen, adapting some winter wear or even making something from scratch. I am happy to say that the winners were not store bought.

My adapted sweater/vest number was a joint effort. Sarah painted the snowflakes with white-out and I came up with the eye-catching stocking sash design. The valet got a kick out of it.

The best part of the night for me was how seeing how thin the line is between comedy and reality. I know that all of you have aunts, uncles and increasingly Friends who will be wearing many of these ensembles for real this season.

Good times.

The Sureal Life...

I have a Blog... I am not kidding

You should first know that anytime I pose for a picture and someone tells me a funny story, I say (or think of saying) "I am going to put that on my blog." This is my way of making fun of the very thing I am doing right now. After a very good Friend told me about her blog and I saw how simple it was to do, I thought I would give it a shot. Most of my family and friends are scattered around the country and often ask me about the things that I hope to remember to post here. I am really thinking of it as more of an electronic Journal, but one that I leave out on a coffee table and act embarrassed when someone picks it up.