As Smoky Would Say..."I love it when I'm cruisin' with my baby..."

Observations and interpretations and remarks
Cruise 2009

We had the enormous blessing and good fortune to be able to go on another Carnival Cruise last week.

I had the short-lived thought to do a daily Blog each night of our trip (for 2 reasons – 1-to keep up with my “trying to Blog everyday” and 2- I forgot). I nixed that idea before our departure because this was going to be a relaxing trip (and it was) and I didn’t want to have anything I “had” to do and plus it AINT free to use the internet on the ship.

So, instead of a nightly/daily blog, you will get it all in one.

The highlights and/or observations if you will.
Some negative, some positive.

First off, Carnival Cruise line is a superb company. Their “Fun Ships” are really that. Fun.
This was the most relaxing Cruise we have taken. It was a true treasure in our vacation chest.
We sailed to Mexico and spent days there in two different ports.
Cozumel – the fun spot.
Progresso – the relaxing spot.
Mexico has and probably always have a warm (2 seasons: hot and hotter) place in our hearts.
We have been to each of these ports before and were happy to see some of our favorite places still “kicking.”

Lets me get through the negative. Do you know, many people that cruise can’t read (or don’t care). I am no prude, but they have a policy of “No shorts pants in the dining room” for a reason. But people disregarded that and Carnival failed to stop them. Also people actually smoked in No-smoking spots (until a Carnival employee told them to move). And finally, some people acted like they have never been to shows before. They stampeded the door, pushing and shoving, saving seats when they weren’t supposed to, etc etc etc.
No more negative. The negative was really nothing major (except the cigarettes) so I will move on.

What a trip.

We met some wonderful people. We met some interesting people. We met some fascinating people.

Our Dining Room Table mates were terrific folks. Jim and Gene are from Arkansas. Jim and Linda are from Idaho. Our dining room time was filled with delightful conversation and rewarding fellowship. Plus when we met on the boat or in Mexico, we shared the same great time and visits. We could not have asked for better people to dine with and get to know. We really hope our paths will cross again in the near future.

Tristan Gene: An American in Mexico. We both had on our LSU caps that day in Progresso. This guy walks up and says nice hat. Of course, we agreed. He proceeded to tell us about the restaurant he ran. You can sit on the beach, he’ll pump you with free snacks and a nice place to eat and use the restroom. Most of the restaurants along the strip have that service but his was the most appealing. So here we were a couple of LSU fans sitting about 10 feet from an Oklahoma fan in a Florida fans place. College football irony (Florida would end up beating Oklahoma that night in the National Championship game). Tristan said he a beautiful Mexican wife and a wonderful kid brought him to Mexico. He seemed happy. He seemed relaxed. He was a pretty nice guy.

Gorge’: George was a little Mexican boy who said he was 11 (not with spoken word but with his fingers). He looked like he was 7 (at the most). This little guy hustled. He cleared our places and kept our table clean. He played with kids that were sitting there too, but never missed a beat when it came to picking up a dirty plate or empty bottle. He was a nice kid and hope he has a nice life in Mexico. I’m not sure about the other tables, but he did well with tips from ours.

The Little Heavy Metal dudes: Tried for Arson. I noticed one of them before the ship sailed from New Orleans. He looked like a short version of Axle Rose. As the time would have it, we would end up talking to a few if them. Listening to their take on music and life. And giving them just a hint of advice. They were nice young men who on the surface may have seemed rough, but were not. They were just some guys on vacation who happen to be in a Heavy Metal band. So Dylan, KC, Cody, Daniel and Josh keep on playing the music and stay out of trouble.

Big Tex: the cruise director: He was apparently a fat guy at one time. I can’t remember how long he was on the Carnival Fantasy, but it wasn’t that long. He lost 90 pounds since coming on the ship. Amazing. Plus he brought back memories and caused a want and desire to go to a wedding. He did some dances one night. Some we all do at weddings and some new twists on some others. You know the classics. The lawnmower, the sprinkler, the flight attendant and the shopper. I can’t wait to go to the next wedding.

And last but certainly not least: Eduardo Basulto: We were in Progresso in May of 2006. This little old leathery faced Mexican man walked up to our table and sang to us (they do this all over Progresso for tips). He was great. Well low and behold, we saw him again. We had translated to him that he sang for us in May of 2006 and requested the same song. He was great. He ended up singing 3 songs for us and sat for a moment while he fixed one of his guitar strings. That was one of the highlights of our trip. Hopefully when we make it back to Progresso we will run into Eduardo.

Some pictures will soon follow.

A Wednesday Quote

"We are in constant danger of being not actors in the drama of our lives but reactors... to go where the world takes us, to drift with whatever current happens to be running strongest."
Frederick Buechner

Back to Reality...

Back to Life…
Back to Reality
With a continued slap in the face

Last Blog: 1-5-09: off to Mexico. “what fun..Rock n Roll High School!”
Well we are back and well the dreaded “R” word greets us.
But we are so thankful for the trip and the good “R” word: RELAXATION.
I will blog about the trip next but…

THIS AND THAT: A BACK TO REALITY BLOG…

“Back to life, back to reality…” Have you ever heard that song? Hate it.

I am officially on the Arizona Cardinals bandwagon. But I have always been a Kurt Warner fan. I hope he wins another Super Bowl.
I would love a Ravens- Cardinals Super Bowl, but wouldn’t be upset regardless of who gets there.

The economy AINT all that bad.
A while back we switched some $$$ from a Chase money market account to another investor. We went with the “guy”. We had to leave $2.85 in the Chase account. Explanation: too long to write or understand. BUT, great news, in 2008, that $2.85 made a profit. It is now worth $2.86.

Sports Illustrated – even though I cancelled – still send me issues. It is am ok magazine but I only got it so I could get the free LSU gifts (after LSU won the National Championship last year – football). In the latest issue I saw this news…
Jan Kemp passed away at the young age of 59.
Who is Jan Kemp? 1-Someone I applauded. 2-An example of how many Americans put sports in front of truth, honesty and “doing the right thing.”
Jan Kemp (died of complications from Alzheimer’s) blew the whistle on “academic irregularities” at the University of Georgia in the 1980s. She went through hell while trying to do the right thing. She was fired after complaining that the University exaggerated grades of many football players. She was awarded a $1.08 million dollar settlement after suing and was reinstated as English professor. Changes were made at the school – for the better. She was blamed by lots of fans for the school’s football struggles after the scandal. She attempted suicide twice after she was initially dismissed. After reinstatement she stayed on until her retirement in 1990.
I leave you with this. It is ashamed at how we put so much emphasis on sports that we are willing to overlook what is right and true.
When I think of Jan Kemp, I think of the fictitious character Batman. He did so right, but was judged unfairly by Gotham City citizens.
In the title, I wrote a "slap in the face". I will leave that alone right now....Adios

Have a great day!

Mexico

We are off to Mexico today, so in that spirit we leave you with a few "ditties"

3 from The Refreshments: One of our Favorites

Banditos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc5JUD8zaK0nd

Una Soda: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g6aBVzm5B4

Nada: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTt517AAPNE

and a tune by our LATINO cousin: Rafeal CORTEZ

Badica Quando danco com sea corpo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93SdOznl0N8

ADIOS AMIGOS!!!!!

The Southland in January

1-4-09

The other day I was listening to the Indigo Girls and the song Southland in the Springtime came on.

What a great song (will it make Wade's top 100 songs of all time? - see future blogs - the research is on going...). Click on the link to listen to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqFcWnVMTVo&feature=PlayList&p=98365BAA85497D79&playnext=1&index=31

The clip is not the whole song but you get the idea...

When i listen to that song i can't help but think of where we live. One of the positives is today - Jan. 4, 2009. The following pics were just taken in our back yard......."the southland in January"

The New Year and old thoughts

1-3-09
Resolute?

Yesterday was my Big-Bros Birthday. Happy Birthday Herman.

Day before yesterday was the first day of 2009. LSU fans were high and Alabama fans were feeling good (i bet they aren't feeling so hot today). I root for the South Eastern Conference in football, but not last night. I love the Utes from Utah.

on to the blog:
I have never really made New Year's resolutions, but since I do this blog now, I will give it a crack....so here goes...

Wade's 2009 Resolutions
Part 1

1-Blog more. I am still new at this and sometimes I wake up in time to shower and get to work so...I want to average 20 blogs per month....
do you want to check out an awesome Blog? This is my Cousin Amy and her hubby Gil's Blog....it is a regular Wade read: http://www.chimeraobscura.com/
2-I need to study the Bible better. Not just read and think, but devour and dive deep.
3-Learn Italian.
4-Read more: I always have a book going, but I read slow. I need to find a way to combat that.
5-Let go of the STRESS!!!!!! Totally!
6-go see Flogging Molly sometime in 2009 (going in March).
7-Eat at Vizards and Broussards and One and Commander's Palace at least one time in 2009.
8-meet with Les Miles to discuss the LSU defense and QB position.
9-eat less. Exercise more.
10-Go to Cuba.
11-Dance on Dancing with the Stars. http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancingwiththestars/index?pn=index
12-to finally totally understand LOST. http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=index
13-to better understand my handwriting (it took me a few moments to decipher this).
14-to finish my book (i started it over 2 years ago).
15-To cut a record with Mike Ness. http://www.mikeness.com/ http://www.socialdistortion.com/
16- NEW YORK CITY!
17-To pitch the Dodgers to a 2009 World Championship. http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=la
18-To be the best that I could be.

.......to be continued.

I will leave you with one of the "Things to Ponder" selections that appeared on my blog today...this is great:
Things to Ponder



If you set to work with a knife that will cut through anything and Tupperware that's guaranteed not to break, what happens?

It Really Does Taste Like Chicken - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

...and the Route is on!
1-1-09

LSU-38
Georgia Tech - 3

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=283660059

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4eraCT7HOk

GEAUX TIGERS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!