We made it safely back to Florida from our cruise today. Vacation was wonderful. Not having to follow a schedule or deal with stress was amazing. The laundry created, weight gained, and money spent, not as wonderful or amazing but well worth it.
I did not get my passport stamped, despite having visited Mexico and Grand Cayman, so clearly I still need to cross that off my list. As I fell in love with the Mexican Riviera, it may just be the place I visit for an extended vacation and finally get my stamp.
Swimming with dolphins was everything I had ever hoped for and then some. “Dolphin” is now on my wish list after goat, cow, goat, petting zoo, horse, etc. Dear Santa, are you listening?
While I learned that cruising is not for everyone, I still sincerely enjoyed meeting and talking to the staff on the ship as they are from all over the world and therefore have diverse backgrounds (shout out to my new friends, Aswar, Pavle and Carlos!!!) Not only is learning more about their countries interesting, but it also makes one realize just how blessed we are to live in a country that is doing well.
Despite what some may argue, especially around election time, America is actually still doing well. Remember that saying “it could always be worse?” Count your blessings you don’t have to leave your country to find work in another and be separated from family.
As for me, I’m counting lots of smiles this week. I crossed off two bucket items in one trip (more posts to come on that), cruised for the first time, had a fun and carefree vacation and get to come back to friends and family that I adore. Pure bliss.
What were your smiles this week? Fill me in on what I missed!
Happily home,
Stephanie
Travel makes me smile! Thanks for the visit
Thanks for the return visit!
Oh Stephanie, It sounds like you had an amazing time! I’m so happy that you got to cross two things off of your bucket list (despite not getting that stamp….. argh. I hate when they don’t stamp the passport). I’m so excited to hear more details. As far as my smiles this week- I had a lovely dinner with 10 of my favorite eating disorder therapists this week, attended a workshop all about the brain, and went apple picking with my hubby today! It’s been a fantastic last few days. xoxo- Amber
So at first when you said you had a dinner with eating disorder therapists…I read it wrong and thought they had eating disorders. I was thinking, “that was probably an interesting dinner…” Ooops! Your week sounded super fun! The brain fascinates me, so that workshop sounds awesome! I saw your apple picking post last night and it looked like a blast. Plus, you looked amazing, as always! I’m going to try to start emulating your style.
Hi there! thanks for liking my post : ) in reading your very first post here about your cruise and wanting a dolphin (and therefore, goat), I must say: i had a goat as a pet before, and they are simply awesome! : ) the farmer i purchased him from looked at me as if i were crazy, but i knew better. he was a nigerian dwarf goat (he got quite large, for being a “dwarf,” and while i would be just fine to have another of his kind, the pygmies are the ones to go for (they are more like the size of a sm to almost-medium dog). i didn’t think there was much of a difference between pygmy and dwarf.. but there is lol! anyhow, they are great, love human contact, and get attached much like dogs do, to one person. They are great little spirits (and no, mine did not eat tin cans, he was actually quite a finicky eater..) : ) great vacay pics, and nice to “meet” you
-b
Oh my gosh I’m so jealous you had goats!! Pygmys are the ones I want too! I don’t know if I have ever seen a dwarf goat come to think of it? I’ll have to keep my eyes out! Thanks so much for leaving a comment! Nice to meet you as well.
I had one (at first), and later on got him a friend – thinking it would be good for him. The new addition was the pygmy who was pasture-raised and 2yrs old. Turned out to be a terrible influence on my little kid, so i couldnt jeep him lol!
Oh bummer!
Well at least the one worked for you!
: ) Oh, perhaps you’ve heard of fainting goats? I’d love to have one of those as well LOL!
So I have heard about it, but do they actually faint?
LOL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_3Utmj4RPU
OMG that is so weird!? I wonder how that is advantageous to them? I would think they would get eaten that way??? Crazy!!!
Not only did you sound like you had a wonderful holiday, your sentiments on meeting people along the way are beautiful; it is true that we are so fortunate & are given so many opportunities due to the country of our birth. It nice to recognise that and be thankful at the same time as having a ball!
Love the pics you posted they are gorgeous & Im loving the updated title photos/tag line
Can’t wait for more adventure details!
Awe, thank you dear! I’m glad that others share my sentiments, even if they are in other countries. It is a wonderful feeling to share!
Thanks for the props to the pic updates too…I was waiting for some feedback either way on that. 
I’m breaking down the various posts for next week so I don’t do one massive one! LOL! 
I will have to blog stalk you this weekend to catch up. I feel like I’ve been gone a year!
Stephanie,
Please clone your smile and send it here to the West Coast. Thank you.
Cougar
I agree! You have a radiant smile, Stephanie. Thanks for liking my blog, I’m settling in here to do some reading now.
Thanks Sue! I hope you enjoyed what you read.
Glad your home safe Stephanie! You look radiant and relaxed in the photos. Having been to Cabo San lucas a few years ago, I get what you say about living standards. I knew you’d bring back a couple extra pounds with you… Oh the cruise food!! Look forward to more on your trip.
Hi John! You know I thought about you, as I had the “real” Mexican food…and was totally shocked! It wasn’t the least bit spicy at all! It was soo fun though and well worth it. You’re right about those cruise pounds.
It was very different though aye? We have never found anything close to the goodness of it back home in Michigan. You have a dandy park to ride your bike in year ’round there, you’ll lose the cruise pounds.
It was different. Totally unexpected. And yes, I will begin operation lose cruise pounds today! Lol!
Cougar,
I’ll do one better and send the real smile over.
Xo,
Stephanie
Lol! I’m sure you will be successful at losing the cruising poundage. Cruising is just unforgettable.
Wife and I will be passing near your area first week of November on our way to Tarpon Springs, I’ll be wavin’ as we pass. A short layover then off to Richmond, VA area to visit my stepdaughter and her babies.
Oooo, I will be wavin back!
How long are you visiting family for? I have never been to Richmond, but heard it is beautiful.
It’s a nice area, kind of like Michigan as it has lots of pine trees and rolling hills. Not sure how many days. But away from home about ten days. We need a trip…
Time away is always nice! Sounds like a beautiful place. I can’t wait to read about it.
I’ll have pictures galore.