When you wish upon a star

makes no difference who you are
anything your heart desires
will come to you


ASHLEY, COMMANDING OFFICER.
I just returned from quite possibly one of the best vacations I ever had. I couldn't believe how much I needed it until it was over. For those that don't know (because you've been living under a rock OR just don't pay that much attention to me) Tomato and I went on a Disney cruise. Let me tell you something about Disney and their cruises...and just Disney...they cater to you. Seriously. I've never sailed with another cruise line as this was my first cruise but I can't imagine that anyone else will give you quite the same experience that Disney does. What's more? I don't even have children and I'm telling you this. We heard many of the parents aboard say that they dropped their children off with counselors (yes, provided) for the day so that they could have some alone vacation time as well. Free soda, everything cleaned immaculately, seminars, full scale DISNEY broadway-esque shows, gourmet dining, fireworks on board, full scale pirate night (complete with Captain Jack Sparrow) and the opportunity to speak with so many different people from around the world. All this doesn't even include the ports of call.

My thoughts on St. Maarten:
Beautiful water. Gracious islanders, however a bit pushy with the hustling. We literally couldn't walk 10 yards without being sequestered by beach salesman. "Buy my umbrella, complimentary beer!" "Buy this lovely doll! It's reversible!" "Buy this beautiful sarong!" etc. That, I could have lived without.

My thoughts on St. Thomas:
Again, beautiful water. We did an excursion on this port of call and it was awesome! Swimming next to Green Sea Turtles is tops. We set sail on a power cat called the "Virgin Breeze" which was captained and crewed by people no older than me who were set on getting everyone the boat drunk for free. I think I consumed my fair amount of "pain killer" which is essentially a pitcher of rum with a splash of coconut, orange juice and pineapple juice mixture. Needless to say by the time I got to the boat my liver was thoroughly punished and I was in love with the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas.

My thoughts on Castaway Cay:
My favorite. Again, Disney knows how to do it. Castaway Cay is Disney's private island in the Bahamas. Again, adults only beach. Awesome. Food provided, free umbrellas, reasonably priced alcohol, no kids, reading without being badgered by beach hustlers, Jack Sparrow roaming the island (but the rum wasn't gone), jungle gyms in the middle of the water and pristine beaches.  I can't say enough about Castaway Cay, which is why I bought a cup that is work approved so that I can remind myself of it daily.

All in all, I would definitely cruise Disney again, it's so worth the extra money. I have never felt so carefree. It was nice not to have a cell phone, email or any communication with the outside world with the exception of my husband. I was tempted to call home once or twice to check on the boys, but...I restrained myself and lived to tell the tale.

See ya' real soon Disney Fantasy!


Then we got back to Florida, but we still had one more sight left up our sleeves. A while back Tomato said, "Well since we're in Florida already why don't we go to Universal to do Harry Potter?" Are you kidding me. My childhood screamed in delight and wonderment. So...when in Rome.

I spent the day in Hogsmeade and in the castle of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and lived out every childhood fantasy I ever had. I wore my Gryffindor t-shirt and everything. It was one of THE most awesome days of my life. Don't even think about judging me. Everything looked so amazing and just liked I imagined. Tomato did point out that Ollivander's is not in Hogsmeade but in Diagon Alley, but you know...you win some you lose some.

The castle was immaculate, inside and out. Honeydukes and Zonko's were on point. So, I can now say that I've ordered a Butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks, played Quidditch, drank pumpkin juice, had a chocolate frog, went into Ollivander's, rode a hippogriff, dueled with dragons and have my very own Hedwig.

Wonderful, stupendous. awesome vacation. Back to the real world tomorrow. I know it's unbelievable but I'm ready. It was good to reset life. I feel fully restored and ready to take on the world with a fresh outlook: one patient and one photograph at a time.

We even got home with enough time to celebrate mother's day with Ms. Linda and Sarah...two of the most wonderful mothers I know.

TOMATO, THE HUBS.
Tomato got no phone calls from work, did not have to worry about a single helicopter or wayward Marine. I got to spend 8 glorious, uninterrupted days with the most adorable ginger on the east coast.

I think he had a good time too.

It's going to be so hard to say goodbye in the morning, but that's life. It's how it goes.


ZERO, THE DRAGON and ALPHA, THE DOODLE.
Zero and Alpha got Aunt Lauren time for a whole week. I bet they were in dog heaven, they just love her so. I'm willing to bet that she had fun too, but I will have to find out how my toilet seat got broken. Haha. Zero probably had some wild raging party.

I was so glad to see these guys when I got home. It's the little things that mean so much.

What I just got finished reading:

Fifty Shades of Grey
by E.L. James

Well, it was a lot about sex.

A lot of dominance issues. 

However, the main male character is intriguing.

The female lead? Not so much, she kind of makes me sick. 

It's like a train wreck, you can't look away.
Horrible writing.

Overall? Fifty Shades of Meh.

I don't think I'll waste time on the next two.

2.5/10

Storm of Swords
By George R.R. Martin

Martin delivers again. 

Why didn't I know about these books sooner?

I wanna meet Tyrion Lannister.
I want to shake his hand. 

He best not get killed off.
BUT I still love House Stark.
SUCH AN INTERNAL CONFLICT!!

10/10 solid.

Song of the Day:

When You Wish Upon a Star by Jiminy Cricket