camping

So my good friends, Jonathan and Soleil Smith, have been patient with our busy schedules enough that we were FINALLY able to try out all our camping gear (unused wedding gifts) for the first time with them! We had such an awesome time; having political conversations around the campfire, playing cards, setting up the tents, and watching Matt labor FOREVER churning homemade icecream. The weather was absolutely perfect at Unicoi this weekend. Chilly enough for a bonfire, but warm enough not to freeze in the evening. We even talked Matt into hanging out in Helen, GA for a couple of hours. If you didn't already know...Matt is terrified of midgets, and for some reason or another...he believes that there is an abundance of them in Helen. He came, but not without his concealed-carry. I knew it was bound to happen at some point of the trip, but Matt took down the tent with me still inside. He even zipped it all up so I couldn't find the way out. What a stinker.

Last week part 6

Okay, so technically it was no longer last week that we were in the Bahamas, but there is a lot to tell, and its taking me longer than I had imagined. So running with the scheme of things...its part 6. On the last evening at dinner...our waiters did a little song and dance number as a thank you for being awesome. I thought that was very nice of them, but we already knew we were, so thanks anyways.

Then it was back to Karaoke. Casey really gave us something to talk about by singing some Bonnie Raitt, and then Melissa jammed out to Madonna. I decided to become an international sensation by singing AGAIN, this time "stay"by lisa loeb. I believe they have created a monster, in letting me think that I rock at singing karaoke.

We closed the final Karaoke session out right by Matt Moore and Casey leading our whole group in singing "We are the world." None of us had ANY idea how long that song is (especially since it just constantly repeats itself over and over again). But we had fun, none the less, and we totally sucked.

Early the next morning, we met up in the theater just before becoming land bound...sad to see the trip at an end. Best wedding ever...hands down.

Last week part 5

We disembarked the ship and took the ferry to the island of Cococay, aka paradise on earth. The sea was very blue, the sand very white, the seaweed slimey as ever! We even got pretty close to a massive sting ray.

After swimming around in the ocean, our large group found refuge under some palm trees. I read, many tanned and slept, and Matt modeled. A treat for the mind and the eyes! What a day!

The island was gorgeous. There were hammocks everywhere!

When we got back to the ship, we all decided to hang at the pool, it still felt like we were in the ocean because it was a saline pool and there were small waves due to the boat rocking. And unfortunately yes, Matt was given a speedo, and yes, he sported it with far too much pride. Hopefully, this picture will not haunt me forever.
Arriving back to the room to get ready for dinner was another fun surprise! Matt and I had a new pet swan, this time wearing Robert Goulet's sunglasses. Bethany found a stingray in her bed, which kind of freaked me out a bit.

Last week part 4

The night was young, so we headed to Karaoke. I had vowed to Matt and Casey that I would sing my very first Karaoke song on board, and so I honored my promise. Fortunately, about 40% of the audience was their family and friends, and they were overly encouraging and kept buying me drinks.

There was a surprise appearance from the grave: Robert Goulet, in all his glory, swooned us with an accapela version of "Rain drops on roses, and whiskers on kittens." I'm always impressed that he can sing with a cigarette dangling out of his mouth.

Here's me and Blanche! Living it up! She helped me a little bit with my song selection.

When they called my name up to sing...I felt more terrified than I believe I ever had. That's right...give a girl with anxiety a microphone....see how that turns out. When I say I much rather jump out of an airplane (with a parachute), I mean it. My adrenaline was pumping...but I managed to poorly belt out "Don't Stop Me Now"by Queen. I can not sing, that is not a talent of mine, but I was enthusiastic...with my hand motions and kicks in the air. By the end of the song, I had a few people up dancing! Possibly the biggest rush of my life.

Right after me, Casey, Bethany, Amy, and Amanda joined group of strangers to sing the last song of the evening.

Then the club opened up and dance party began! So Melissa and Fun Bobby taught Blanche to booty-dance.

Last week part 3

So the journey continued and we awoke in Nassau, Bahamas. The weather was beauitful, but very hot. No sign of Hurricane Hanna. We went to an open market where all they sold was Frada (prada), Couch (coach), and Folce & Gabbana (Dolce & gabbana) purses. Melissa, Bethany and I treated ourselves to a purse and wallet of our liking for a decent fee. They looked quite authentic, however, the label in Bethany's had about 11 mispellings...(genuhine leather) hehehe. We went to a resturant called Señor Frog, that was loud but popular, to rest and refuel. We split massive nachos and were given balloon animal hats. But there were a few rules...number 7 was particularly difficult to abide by.

All the fellows bought very cheap beers, and in Nassau, you can drink them on the street with one exception...it must be in a small brown paper bag. Someone offered to sell us pot, cocaine, and prostitutes. The natives were friendly to say the least.

And on to formal night. Matt and Casey looked radiant. Matt and I looked...well... goofy as usual, but it was fun to get all dressed up. And Chad repelled Bethany.

Chad and Matt misbehaved at dinner. They shot spitballs at unsuspecting Anthony as he had a -far too serious for a cruise- conversation about medicines with Mrs. Bozeman. Meanwhile, I ate snails...my little tribute to Paris.

And then, when we went back to the room to change for Karaoke, there was an elephant friend made of towels sitting on my pillow, wearing Matt's sunglasses.

Last week part 2

Friday afternoon, after the wedding, we attended a cake and champagne mini reception before boarding the boat. As Bethany and I were bringing our luggage down from our hotel room, we ran into an astronaut from the NASA cape canaveral center in the lobby. He was kind enough to allow us to take a few pictures, but he ended up getting a little too friendly with Bethany, if you know what I mean. Once aboard the ship, we were instantly bombarded with waiters thrusting large fruity cocktail drinks into our hands. They act like they're handing them out like candy, but we soon learned they went for about $11 a pop! However, Bethany, Melissa and I would occasionally treat ourselves to one. Here, Bethany and I are enjoying our Bahama Mama's in front of a table of the fresh pineapple drinks. Later that evening, a couple of us went in together for BINGO cards...and were much disappointed when we didn't win $500 or an upgraded suite. I do believe the odds were against us. Afterwards, we attended the "Love and Marriage Game Show"which Casey and Matt competed against a couple who had been married for 10 or so years and their own grandparents who have been married for 59 years!