Back to reality

First, I want to mention that we had a great cruise and Chris and Ian were mainly responsbile for that. We were able to spend quite a bit of time with them, and even spent some time with their kids on the FlowRider during our private session. Thanks so much, you two, for a wonderful vacation and for many more happy memories. You're the best!

I have posted my FlowRider and rock wall adventures on Webshots so you can see my progress. Here's the link: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568729982LzOzvq?vhost=good-times

For those who need instant gratification, here are a few photos to satisfy your curiosity. I took a private lesson along with Philip and Carina, Chris and Ian's kids (that's them on the right).

First time in the water

Look Mom, no hands!

My statue of Liberty pose

Pride goeth before the...

wipeout!!!!

After a rest of three days (but still achy) I decided to try out the rock climbing wall. As I had never tried this before -- not even before my surgery -- I wasn't sure I would do too well, but I climbed higher than I expected.

Just starting out

I got about halfway up the wall before I got really tired and remembered I'm afraid of heights. I did better than I expected but not as well as I had hoped.

Other than relaxing, eating, drinking and hanging out with Chris and Ian, those were my main adventures. I had thought about doing a karoake video, but they wanted $29.95 for a three-minute DVD! We spent the entire cruise on the ship because our itinerary was changed due to Hurricane Paloma. That moved our San Juan visit to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., which means we missed our opportunity for dinner with our friends Lydia and Wilfredo. We were very disappointed to have missed them again, and at that point we decided we were going to stay onboard the entire cruise and enjoy all that the ship had to offer. On the port days, we were even able to get chairs next to the pool at 10:30 a.m.!!! Unheard of on sea days.

We returned Saturday afternoon and after a quick pizza dinner, I went to bed and slept from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 a.m. Then after breakfast it was off to the hair stylist to have my hair cut off and my wig fitted. I'll post those photos in a few days. I had to start my steriods yesterday morning in anticipation of beginning treatment today, and it took me three sleepless hours last night to remember that the steriod makes me wired. I finally fell asleep sometime after midnight and woke up at 2:40 a.m. I've been up since.

Dr. Yamada's office called an hour ago to ask me to arrive at 2:30 rather than 3 today, so maybe I'll get out a few minutes earlier than I expected. I'll post tomorrow about my experience. At least my abdomen in its post-vacation glory will remain hidden until next Monday. The bad news is that steriods usually make me gain weight, so it could be really ugly by then. I'm having a smoothie today in the hopes of losing a bit more than the 0.4 pounds I've lost since we got home.

Before I sign off, I want to wish Melinda a very happy birthday. You are a beautiful woman inside and out, thoughtful, caring, generous, brave, sensitive, and a fabulous story teller, and I'm so happy to call you my friend. I wish we were celebrating it in the SS United States all dressed up in our formal night finery. Maybe next year!