He is suave. He is stylin'. He has a great sense of humor:
He is understanding, patient and kind. He is definitely the better half.
Forty years looks good on you, baby!
Happy Birthday, Pat!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Happy Birthday, Pat!
Today is the day! My husband, the "Greatest Guy on the Planet" TM, is now officially 40 years old!
He is suave. He is stylin'. He has a great sense of humor:
He is understanding, patient and kind. He is definitely the better half.
Forty years looks good on you, baby!
Happy Birthday, Pat!
He is suave. He is stylin'. He has a great sense of humor:
He is understanding, patient and kind. He is definitely the better half.
Forty years looks good on you, baby!Happy Birthday, Pat!
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Best Part of a Cruise Ship is Getting Off a Cruise Ship - Mazatlan
Alternate Post Title: Pat's B-Day Cruise, Part IV
In Mazatlan we chose the canopy tour as our off-boat excursion. I have canopy toured in Jamaica and Costa Rica and loved it. The NFBF's, Jamie and Laura joined in the fun this time around. Brian and Irene explored on their own. Pat, Steven, Elaine (who have all canopied, or at least tried to canopy, before) and Pat's parents went on a city tour.
Oooh! Two cute Mexican boys attending to my harness! I felt so popular!
Laura had never been zip-lining was a bit nervous about the whole thing.
We drove up the mountain in this army vehicle. There wasn't room for me in the back, so I got to sit up front with the driver. Because I was the leftover extra person, I got to be more scared than everyone else - the roads we were traveling were pure sand, super curvy, way steep and not nearly wide enough for our vehicle. Yikes! I loved it!
NFBF zipping over the dead forest:
Canopy touring in Mazatlan is not pretty. It is absolutely fun, but not pretty! I was sort of afraid that a spark from the pulley on the wire would cause a massive forest fire. They say it greens up in the rainy season. Let's hope so!
Christy zipping:
Me zipping down a particularly long zip line. So fun!
It's such an awesome feeling to fly through the air like that. But I have to say that there is an added bonus if your surroundings are pretty. Flash back to ziplining in Costa Rica:
Yeah, it was much prettier in Costa Rica.
Anyway...back to Mazatlan. Jamie zipping. WHEE!!
And Laura zipping. She did great and, unlike Elaine's attempt in Costa Rica, she did not have to be taken off the ride. :)
The last zip ended in one of the forest's only two living trees. We rappelled down from the platform - very free-falling fun!!
Group shot:
Not all of Mazatlan is dead and brown. We stopped at (another) tequila factory on the way back to the boat. See? It's pretty!!
And the ocean, beach and city around the beach are also pretty. I would love to go back and spend more time in the area.
After the bus from the canopy tour arrived back at the boat, we had about an hour and a half before we had to be aboard. We headed through the city with the goal of reaching the beach. NFBF was grumpy and didn't think random city wanderings were such a good idea (we had no map), so he bailed and got back on the ship. Party pooper.
I loved the beach!!
Yay! Playing in the ocean:
We hadn't expected to have time to go to the beach, so we did not pack swimming suits or towels. No problem - we just swam in our clothes! Oops! White sports bras aren't the best choice of swim attire. :)
We stayed at the beach until the last possible minute, then soggily hailed a golf-cart cab and dripped ocean water and sand all over it. We tipped him extra for the mess!
Playing in the ocean was my favorite part of our whole trip, followed by the dune buggies/death machines of Puerto Vallarta.
In Mazatlan we chose the canopy tour as our off-boat excursion. I have canopy toured in Jamaica and Costa Rica and loved it. The NFBF's, Jamie and Laura joined in the fun this time around. Brian and Irene explored on their own. Pat, Steven, Elaine (who have all canopied, or at least tried to canopy, before) and Pat's parents went on a city tour.
Oooh! Two cute Mexican boys attending to my harness! I felt so popular!
Laura had never been zip-lining was a bit nervous about the whole thing.
We drove up the mountain in this army vehicle. There wasn't room for me in the back, so I got to sit up front with the driver. Because I was the leftover extra person, I got to be more scared than everyone else - the roads we were traveling were pure sand, super curvy, way steep and not nearly wide enough for our vehicle. Yikes! I loved it!
NFBF zipping over the dead forest:
Canopy touring in Mazatlan is not pretty. It is absolutely fun, but not pretty! I was sort of afraid that a spark from the pulley on the wire would cause a massive forest fire. They say it greens up in the rainy season. Let's hope so!
Christy zipping:
Me zipping down a particularly long zip line. So fun!
It's such an awesome feeling to fly through the air like that. But I have to say that there is an added bonus if your surroundings are pretty. Flash back to ziplining in Costa Rica:
Yeah, it was much prettier in Costa Rica.Anyway...back to Mazatlan. Jamie zipping. WHEE!!
And Laura zipping. She did great and, unlike Elaine's attempt in Costa Rica, she did not have to be taken off the ride. :)
The last zip ended in one of the forest's only two living trees. We rappelled down from the platform - very free-falling fun!!
Group shot:
Not all of Mazatlan is dead and brown. We stopped at (another) tequila factory on the way back to the boat. See? It's pretty!!
And the ocean, beach and city around the beach are also pretty. I would love to go back and spend more time in the area.
After the bus from the canopy tour arrived back at the boat, we had about an hour and a half before we had to be aboard. We headed through the city with the goal of reaching the beach. NFBF was grumpy and didn't think random city wanderings were such a good idea (we had no map), so he bailed and got back on the ship. Party pooper.
I loved the beach!!
Yay! Playing in the ocean:
We hadn't expected to have time to go to the beach, so we did not pack swimming suits or towels. No problem - we just swam in our clothes! Oops! White sports bras aren't the best choice of swim attire. :)
We stayed at the beach until the last possible minute, then soggily hailed a golf-cart cab and dripped ocean water and sand all over it. We tipped him extra for the mess!
Playing in the ocean was my favorite part of our whole trip, followed by the dune buggies/death machines of Puerto Vallarta.
The Best Part of a Cruise Ship is Getting Off a Cruise Ship - Puerto Vallarta
Alternate Post Title: Pat's B-Day Cruise, Part III
The first stop of our cruise was Puerto Vallarta. I was happy to get off the boat and have some freedom to explore. The boat is fun and all, but I'm not a big fan of being stuck on it.
We started our day checking out the town and beach. (Brian and Irene went scuba diving and Pat's parents went to a resort for the day.)
There were lots of cool statues along the beach walk:
Jamie and Laura hung out with us in PV until we stopped for lunch, then they went exploring on their own. A well-fed and happy Travel Troupe:
Steven found us (Me/Pat, the NFBF's and Steven/Elaine) a cool dune buggie excursion in the afternoon that was cheaper than what was offered from the boat's excursion list. Lunch took a little longer than planned and we were in a rush to get to the dune buggies on time. My NFBF led us quickly through the streets of PV directly to the dune buggie rental place, as if he had lived there his entire life. My NFBF has amazing map reading skills. We heart him.
Once at the dune buggie place, we signed our lives away and the boys got a quick lesson in how to drive the machines of death. When NFBF pointed out that his passenger seat belt didn't work, this very helpful guide pointed out, "You're in Mexico now."
While the boys received their "safety" training, us girls just stood around looking super-cool. Everyone knows that an eye patch is the coolest accessory going, but in lieu of that, I suggest big helmets, big goggles and a bandanna for looking super-cool.
Me and Pat in our dune buggie/death machine (notice there are no rear view or side mirrors):
We were expecting more of an off-road adventure, but we received more of an on-road (and on-highway! gulp!) adventure. I don't think these things are street legal. It was quite exhilirating driving in traffic in a low vehicle with no brake lights. See the bus on the left? The busses were everywhere and they don't care about any other vehicles. We were cut off at least three times by busses pulling out and separating us from our group. Kinda scary!
We went through most of the town and lots of neighborhoods:
We did do some off-roading, too. We went through this creek and we got soaked! It was awesome! My NFBF went through so fast that he killed the engine and they had to tow them out.
We stopped at a tequila factory halfway through the ride. The boys were very muddy.
They offered a tequila tasting (3-4 shots of tequilas) because the only thing more fun than driving death machines in Mexican traffic is doing it after tequila. Safety last!
Back into the dune buggies and off through the streets and highways of Mexico again. I like living on the edge and this certainly counts as living on the edge. It was a blast! LOVED IT!
The first stop of our cruise was Puerto Vallarta. I was happy to get off the boat and have some freedom to explore. The boat is fun and all, but I'm not a big fan of being stuck on it.
We started our day checking out the town and beach. (Brian and Irene went scuba diving and Pat's parents went to a resort for the day.)
There were lots of cool statues along the beach walk:
Jamie and Laura hung out with us in PV until we stopped for lunch, then they went exploring on their own. A well-fed and happy Travel Troupe:
Steven found us (Me/Pat, the NFBF's and Steven/Elaine) a cool dune buggie excursion in the afternoon that was cheaper than what was offered from the boat's excursion list. Lunch took a little longer than planned and we were in a rush to get to the dune buggies on time. My NFBF led us quickly through the streets of PV directly to the dune buggie rental place, as if he had lived there his entire life. My NFBF has amazing map reading skills. We heart him.Once at the dune buggie place, we signed our lives away and the boys got a quick lesson in how to drive the machines of death. When NFBF pointed out that his passenger seat belt didn't work, this very helpful guide pointed out, "You're in Mexico now."
While the boys received their "safety" training, us girls just stood around looking super-cool. Everyone knows that an eye patch is the coolest accessory going, but in lieu of that, I suggest big helmets, big goggles and a bandanna for looking super-cool.
Me and Pat in our dune buggie/death machine (notice there are no rear view or side mirrors):
We were expecting more of an off-road adventure, but we received more of an on-road (and on-highway! gulp!) adventure. I don't think these things are street legal. It was quite exhilirating driving in traffic in a low vehicle with no brake lights. See the bus on the left? The busses were everywhere and they don't care about any other vehicles. We were cut off at least three times by busses pulling out and separating us from our group. Kinda scary!
We went through most of the town and lots of neighborhoods:
We did do some off-roading, too. We went through this creek and we got soaked! It was awesome! My NFBF went through so fast that he killed the engine and they had to tow them out.
We stopped at a tequila factory halfway through the ride. The boys were very muddy.
They offered a tequila tasting (3-4 shots of tequilas) because the only thing more fun than driving death machines in Mexican traffic is doing it after tequila. Safety last!
Back into the dune buggies and off through the streets and highways of Mexico again. I like living on the edge and this certainly counts as living on the edge. It was a blast! LOVED IT!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Mad Props to a Bitter, Bitter Friend
I interrupt the installations of Pat's B-Day Cruise postings to inform you that Nicole, aka Mrs. Cookie, author of WorldO'Cookie, is a bitter, bitter friend.
Proof:
My facebook status reads: Jill Diamond's new shoes were comfortable this morning. 5 blisters later...not so much on the comfortable. Nicole's response: Serves you right, that is what happens to those who don't give mad props to those who deserve mad props.
Wow! What kind of friend sides with the evil shoes? Especially when the evil shoes caused the blisters because of walking to lunch with said friend? Oh yeah... the BITTER kind.
You can also sense her bitterness in this very sarcastic comment on my Being Famous on a Cruise Ship post: Wow, what a fabulous t-shirt idea. How did you ever come up with such a clever, yet simple thing??
So to ease her bitterness and get her back to her usual sweetness and light, please allow me to offer MAD PROPS to those who deserve it. Here it is, folks....
THE "I HEART PAT" SHIRTS WERE NICOLE'S IDEA!!
I asked for her opinion and suggestions on the cruise t-shirts and this was her reply to my email (corrected for spelling and capitalization): Only other thing I have is you all (except for Pat) wear 'I heart Pat' shirts made to look like the I heart NY shirts. Clean and simple.
Isn't she a stunning genius? I think so!! Clever, cute and insightful, and all other things wonderful. I bow down to her. I heart Nicole!!! Mrs. Cookie - two words: You Rock! And seven more words: Now will you please shut up? Jeez! Oh, and you'd better update your blog now that you're going to get so many hits from all my oodles of readers!
Check her out folks! You can find her at worldocookie.blogspot.com.
Proof:
My facebook status reads: Jill Diamond's new shoes were comfortable this morning. 5 blisters later...not so much on the comfortable. Nicole's response: Serves you right, that is what happens to those who don't give mad props to those who deserve mad props.
Wow! What kind of friend sides with the evil shoes? Especially when the evil shoes caused the blisters because of walking to lunch with said friend? Oh yeah... the BITTER kind.
You can also sense her bitterness in this very sarcastic comment on my Being Famous on a Cruise Ship post: Wow, what a fabulous t-shirt idea. How did you ever come up with such a clever, yet simple thing??
So to ease her bitterness and get her back to her usual sweetness and light, please allow me to offer MAD PROPS to those who deserve it. Here it is, folks....
THE "I HEART PAT" SHIRTS WERE NICOLE'S IDEA!!
I asked for her opinion and suggestions on the cruise t-shirts and this was her reply to my email (corrected for spelling and capitalization): Only other thing I have is you all (except for Pat) wear 'I heart Pat' shirts made to look like the I heart NY shirts. Clean and simple.
Isn't she a stunning genius? I think so!! Clever, cute and insightful, and all other things wonderful. I bow down to her. I heart Nicole!!! Mrs. Cookie - two words: You Rock! And seven more words: Now will you please shut up? Jeez! Oh, and you'd better update your blog now that you're going to get so many hits from all my oodles of readers!
Check her out folks! You can find her at worldocookie.blogspot.com.
Monday, March 16, 2009
There Is Lots of Food on a Cruise Ship
Alternate Post Title: Pat's B-Day Cruise, Part II
They say you'll gain two pounds a day on a cruise. It's very easy to see how it could happen. I certainly ate A LOT!
Mmmm, Princess Love Boat cake:
and Creme Brulee:
And multiple orders of crab legs!
And more dessert!
And so many yummy choices that you can't pick just one. Our super-cool waiters, Victor and Norberto, were blessedly non-judgmental when we each ordered multiple appetizers, entrees or desserts... which we did almost every night.
The best part of the two -pound-a-day "problem" was the Cookie Guy. I LOVE the Cookie Guy. He came around every afternoon...definitely my favorite thing about the boat experience!!
Seriously yummy. Mmmmm!!! Chocolate chip cookies and milk!!!!!
Don't forget the buffet! (Ok, so there is only fruit on my plate in this picture, but that's because it's my second helping. The first plate had cream puffs, pancakes and bacon! Mmmm, bacon!)
Everything is yummy, even in port. Mexican food (yeah, yeah, I know...it's just called "food" in Mexico) in Puerto Vallarta:
I ate A LOT, but we also exercised a lot! Of course, it helps to be genetically wired to be unable to sit still...
7 a.m. runs every day at sea:
Walking two miles with high wind resistance:
Daily ping pong tournaments:
Playing in the ocean:
and dancing non-stop for hours:
We went to the gym a few times, too, but no one thought it photo-worthy to take pictures of us doing crunches!
Abs like Jamie's:
(Wow, that water sure is blue!)
They say you'll gain two pounds a day on a cruise. It's very easy to see how it could happen. I certainly ate A LOT!
Mmmm, Princess Love Boat cake:
and Creme Brulee:
And multiple orders of crab legs!
And more dessert!
And so many yummy choices that you can't pick just one. Our super-cool waiters, Victor and Norberto, were blessedly non-judgmental when we each ordered multiple appetizers, entrees or desserts... which we did almost every night.
The best part of the two -pound-a-day "problem" was the Cookie Guy. I LOVE the Cookie Guy. He came around every afternoon...definitely my favorite thing about the boat experience!!
Seriously yummy. Mmmmm!!! Chocolate chip cookies and milk!!!!!
Don't forget the buffet! (Ok, so there is only fruit on my plate in this picture, but that's because it's my second helping. The first plate had cream puffs, pancakes and bacon! Mmmm, bacon!)
Everything is yummy, even in port. Mexican food (yeah, yeah, I know...it's just called "food" in Mexico) in Puerto Vallarta:
I ate A LOT, but we also exercised a lot! Of course, it helps to be genetically wired to be unable to sit still...
7 a.m. runs every day at sea:
Walking two miles with high wind resistance:
Daily ping pong tournaments:
Playing in the ocean:
and dancing non-stop for hours:
We went to the gym a few times, too, but no one thought it photo-worthy to take pictures of us doing crunches!
Abs like Jamie's:
(Wow, that water sure is blue!)
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