Cruise Eve Eve

Today is Friday, but I'm calling it Cruise Eve Eve. Much like Christmas Eve Eve when I was younger, I'm feeling an almost overwhelming sense of anticipation. And, just like Santa, I've been making lists and checking them twice (and sometimes thrice!!). I've been trying very hard to not over pack. With Delta Airlines now charging $15 for the first checked back/$25 for the second bag, I am forced to get pretty creative. I'm sticking to one bag and one carry-on.

(Please allow me to rant for a moment.)

One of my least favorite parts about flying is dealing with carry-on bags...but they're usually not mine. They usually belong to the rude business person in a suit that has a seat in the rear of the plane, yet he (or she) has selected the bin over my head to put his (or her) luggage that is really too large to be considered "carry-on." Incidentally, he (or she) magically appears at my shoulder as we are landing, determined to unstuff his bag from above my noggin to be the very first one off the plane. Newsflash...there's no prize for being first off, buddy. Unless I'm in a hurry, I prefer to check all my bags. It's liberating to step on a plane with just my purse and a book. Otherwise, I'm fighting for my small piece of overhead real estate. Why, oh why, Delta (et al.) are you now charging for checked luggage? Do you realize that you are now increasing the number of carry-on bags on every flight? There really wasn't enough room for all of them to begin with.

(now stepping off my soapbox)

Perhaps I should thank Delta for forcing me to edit my clothing choices. The bed in one of my guest rooms has been covered in clothes for the past month, but today I had to make my final choices. I have to be packed and ready to go tomorrow morning. Saturn of Western Hills is hosting a free child safety event tomorrow, so that will keep me busy and will (hopefully) make time fly. Our flight leaves at 7am on Sunday, and since I live about an hour from the airport, AND since we all know I'm not a morning person, I decided to start my vacation early by staying at one of the airport hotels tomorrow night. So when I walk out the door in the morning, everything on my to-do list must be to-done.

I'm really hoping this cruise is everything I've built it up to be. I've scoured the Carnival website, reading all of the frequently asked questions twice. I found a website called cruisecritic.com that has reviews from passengers who have taken our same cruise, so I've spent hours reading their tips and suggestions. I am determined to find the balance between experiencing all the boat and ports have to offer and relaxing and recharging my batteries. But, I know that just getting away for a week will be all I need.

For tomorrow's post, I hope to introduce everyone to my friend, Becky. That is, if I can catch up with her as she is running around feverishly trying to get packed. With the demands of work and family, she is constantly on the move. She's probably the only person that needs this vacation more than I do. :)