Christmas 2014
9 years ago
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Heading Home
When we wake up tomorrow morning we'll be back in Miami, Florida. Our vacation over and our adventurous nature subdued until next time. These are the voyages of the starship NuttHouse, it's continuing mission, to explore strange new worlds, to seek out cool people and new places to explore, to boldly go where no Nutt has gone before...... (play Star Trek theme music).
Okay....they kept playing the new Star Trek movie on the ship so we watched parts of it a few times. Great flick!
The trip was awesome! The weather was perfect, the food was fantastic, and the memories are priceless!
Okay....they kept playing the new Star Trek movie on the ship so we watched parts of it a few times. Great flick!
The trip was awesome! The weather was perfect, the food was fantastic, and the memories are priceless!
Nassau, Bahamas
It's Friday! Our last stop, boooooooo! We woke up early this morning to get off the ship for our excursion. We booked a booze cruise. There was a note under our door saying the excursion was cancelled due to operational difficulties. Booooooo! So we went back to bed and slept in, really slept in. So we get up at 11:00am and head to the Lido Deck for breakfast. Then make our plans for the day. Since we didnt have an excursion to make, we decided to freestyle it.
We walked about a half mile and found the closest beach access, swam and laid in the Bahama sun for a while. Then we walked some more while indulging in the local beverage, Khalik Beer. Nassau is really great. Hot, dirty, and poor, like a lot of those caribbean islands, But I love it, it's gorgeous. It's where Anna Nicole Smith is burried, you know, and we went right by the hospital where her son died. It was a bit surreal, seeing it so many times during the media frenzy at the time of that story (yes, I read rag mags!) and then being there right in front of it. Pretty cool in a dorky sort of way.
The straw market and the little bars were great. Of course Senior Frogs was fun, but it didnt beat the un-commercialized atmosphere of the smaller bars.
We got back on the ship around 2:00pm and went back to our room so I could sit on the deck and finish some reading. I'm finishing the book The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. For anyone not knowing or having a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, this is a must read. I must confess, I've lived my life beliveing in God, but not really understanding The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost meaning. This book has been an enlightening enjoyment. I've been particularly attached to page 127. Even as I past this page, I kept coming back to it and reading it again. Please, someone else read it and tell me what I'm attached to. This book seems to keep my inner fire burning for the faith I've always wanted to feel. I cant explain it in terms of what people could say i've usually commuicated my faith with....but it has touched me in ways i'd like to communicate now. If I could recommend any book this year, it's The Shack.
Nassau, Bahamas was awesome. Brian and I had laugh after laugh after laugh. We walked the steets of Nassau and enjoyed being with each other. I love the way Brian travels and he loves the way I travel. We are always on the same agenda and love to do the same things. We love a certain amount of the touristy stuff and then love to get off the beaten path and risk a little unfamiliarity in conquering the uncertainty of the non-touristy stuff. As long as we are in it together, we'll be fine. That is our motto!
Tonight, we leave the Bahamas and head home. I think we are both really anxious to get home and start our routine once again.....a little bit sad that we are leaving pardise, but knowing that our love for one another creates our own paradise within a small town called Tulsa, Oklahoma. xoxo Stacie
We walked about a half mile and found the closest beach access, swam and laid in the Bahama sun for a while. Then we walked some more while indulging in the local beverage, Khalik Beer. Nassau is really great. Hot, dirty, and poor, like a lot of those caribbean islands, But I love it, it's gorgeous. It's where Anna Nicole Smith is burried, you know, and we went right by the hospital where her son died. It was a bit surreal, seeing it so many times during the media frenzy at the time of that story (yes, I read rag mags!) and then being there right in front of it. Pretty cool in a dorky sort of way.
The straw market and the little bars were great. Of course Senior Frogs was fun, but it didnt beat the un-commercialized atmosphere of the smaller bars.
We got back on the ship around 2:00pm and went back to our room so I could sit on the deck and finish some reading. I'm finishing the book The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. For anyone not knowing or having a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, this is a must read. I must confess, I've lived my life beliveing in God, but not really understanding The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost meaning. This book has been an enlightening enjoyment. I've been particularly attached to page 127. Even as I past this page, I kept coming back to it and reading it again. Please, someone else read it and tell me what I'm attached to. This book seems to keep my inner fire burning for the faith I've always wanted to feel. I cant explain it in terms of what people could say i've usually commuicated my faith with....but it has touched me in ways i'd like to communicate now. If I could recommend any book this year, it's The Shack.
Nassau, Bahamas was awesome. Brian and I had laugh after laugh after laugh. We walked the steets of Nassau and enjoyed being with each other. I love the way Brian travels and he loves the way I travel. We are always on the same agenda and love to do the same things. We love a certain amount of the touristy stuff and then love to get off the beaten path and risk a little unfamiliarity in conquering the uncertainty of the non-touristy stuff. As long as we are in it together, we'll be fine. That is our motto!
Tonight, we leave the Bahamas and head home. I think we are both really anxious to get home and start our routine once again.....a little bit sad that we are leaving pardise, but knowing that our love for one another creates our own paradise within a small town called Tulsa, Oklahoma. xoxo Stacie
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Today was amazing! Half Moon Cay is pretty much just a big beach island out in the Bahamas. Carnival Cruise Line has a sweet little set up here and brings cruisers here for beach fun and adventure. There isnt really a city or town on this island. When the cruisers arent here, there's really no one here. We did a Snorkle and Stingrays adventure tour. It was awesome! Stingrays are so soft and cuddly. I couldnt believe I was snorkeling and petting these big creatures. Obviously these are pretty tame and used to travelers coming to see them, and they know exactly when feeding time is.
After the bus took us back to the main beach, Brian and I layed out for a while and swam in the crystal clear water...and the beer and strawberry daquiri's werent bad either. I almost fell asleep on the lounge chair. The sun was hot, but the breeze was strong and cool, so it really made for a nice nap time. Again, check back for pictures when I upload them from home. My words just cannot do the scenery justice. These are some of the most goregous beaches and water that I've ever seen.
We got back to the ship early in the afternnon, about 2:00pm. This gave us time to have a late lunch and a good nap before dinner. I sat out on our room balcony for a while too, just listening the water softly hit the ship. We were tethered out in the water and had to take smaller passenger carrier boats to shore. The ships have to do this when the water isnt deep enough for the cruise ships to pull up to a pier.
Off to the Lido Deck to get some chocolate soft serve icecreme. Yummy!!
After the bus took us back to the main beach, Brian and I layed out for a while and swam in the crystal clear water...and the beer and strawberry daquiri's werent bad either. I almost fell asleep on the lounge chair. The sun was hot, but the breeze was strong and cool, so it really made for a nice nap time. Again, check back for pictures when I upload them from home. My words just cannot do the scenery justice. These are some of the most goregous beaches and water that I've ever seen.
We got back to the ship early in the afternnon, about 2:00pm. This gave us time to have a late lunch and a good nap before dinner. I sat out on our room balcony for a while too, just listening the water softly hit the ship. We were tethered out in the water and had to take smaller passenger carrier boats to shore. The ships have to do this when the water isnt deep enough for the cruise ships to pull up to a pier.
Off to the Lido Deck to get some chocolate soft serve icecreme. Yummy!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands
Today was were at Grand Turk for the day. We were here 2 years ago on our honeymoon cruise and I absolutely loved it. Its some of the best snorkeling I've ever done. We didnt book any excursions for this stop. We just beached it all day. The island looked a bit more inhabited than 2 years ago. Last time we were here there was only one restaurant on the island, Margaritaville. There was a second food/drink hut this time and they were building an additional pier down the beach from the Carnival pier. Their port shopping area was larger and they had more shops this time. Of course everything says "made in china", that's funny!
There is a lot of history in Grand Turk. It was founded hundreds of years ago and there are still wild horses and flamingos roaming the island. It is said that these islands were founded in 1492 by Columbus, but some argue that Ponce De Leon actually founded the islands prior to that. Astronaut John Glenn landed down at these islands in 1962, and since that time the Turks and Caicos Islands have become more well known to travelers.
When we were here 2 years ago I found a sand dollar while snorkeling. I was able to baby it and brought it back home with me. I looked for one this time and found a small one, the size of a quarter. When I dove down to pick it up, it crumbled in my hands. At least I have the memory of finding one this time too.
We started the night off by attending the Captains "Past Guest" mixer and enjoyed the free champagne. The cruise ship is celebrating halloween so there are many spooky decorations up tonight. They are having a costume contest for both kids and adults. Brian and I did our fair share of bar hopping this evening and even spent some time in the sports bar so he could try and catch up on sports news.
Time to hit the Lido Deck for some soft serve chocolate ice creme. My nightly favorite!
There is a lot of history in Grand Turk. It was founded hundreds of years ago and there are still wild horses and flamingos roaming the island. It is said that these islands were founded in 1492 by Columbus, but some argue that Ponce De Leon actually founded the islands prior to that. Astronaut John Glenn landed down at these islands in 1962, and since that time the Turks and Caicos Islands have become more well known to travelers.
When we were here 2 years ago I found a sand dollar while snorkeling. I was able to baby it and brought it back home with me. I looked for one this time and found a small one, the size of a quarter. When I dove down to pick it up, it crumbled in my hands. At least I have the memory of finding one this time too.
We started the night off by attending the Captains "Past Guest" mixer and enjoyed the free champagne. The cruise ship is celebrating halloween so there are many spooky decorations up tonight. They are having a costume contest for both kids and adults. Brian and I did our fair share of bar hopping this evening and even spent some time in the sports bar so he could try and catch up on sports news.
Time to hit the Lido Deck for some soft serve chocolate ice creme. My nightly favorite!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I'm On A BOAT!
4 am came early yesterday. It was hard to get out of bed since i didnt actually fall asleep until about 2:30 am. That always happens when we go on vacation...I just cant sleep the night before. I'm a last minute packer and have been for as long as i can remember, so i was up till midnight finishing packing. then I was just awake. As soon as I drifted off the alarm clock rang.
This is our 5th cruise in the last 3 years. Yes, we love the Carnival Fun Ships! what do I love about cruising you ask? Well, it's one big party on a big ship in the middle of the ocean. there is always stuff to do and everyone is so nice. The ocean is amazingly beautiful and to sit out on the Lido Deck and watch the whitecaps of the waves at all hours of the night is therapeutic. The ocean is amazing. There are usually 2 dress up nights during each cruise so we can dress up and have professional photos taken at one or more of the many backdrops scattered throughtout the main deck. some of our best pictures together have come from our cruises.
Right now I'm in the Internet Cafe, located in the back of the Cigar Bar. One of many bars with bands playing. The band playing in here is a classic rock band. they just finished singing Free Bird, and now they are singing I Cant Fight This Feeling Anymore. The lead singer has a Eurpoean accent, so its a far stretch from the REO Speedwagon version that I'm used to. But you cant help but like it...he's putting so much emotion into it.
We were assigned to a 4 person dinner table this cruise. I usually prefer 8 tops or 10 tops. It's fun to meet different people and come together at the end of the day and share stories over great food. We arent "those people", meaning the ones who like to make friends on cruises and hang out. We pretty much keep to ourselves during the day, a "Brian and Stacie conquer the world" kind of thing. But it is fun to spend an hour an evening with strangers and share stories. The sad thing is...our table mates have yet to show up! Yep, a big disappointment. Fortunately, there are some cool people at the table next to us, so we can shoot the bull with them.
Last night was a blast. it was a casual night and after dinner, we came down here to the cigar bar and listened to the band and then went to the karaoke bar. I sang a song in honor of our favorite cruise buddies, Jeremy and Amy. Yes, I sang Miley Cyrus, See You Again. I sucked! I'm pretty sure I will be recieving a letter from the Carnival Destiny staff stating that I'm not allowed back in the Karaoke bar. It was that bad. But I sang with enthusiasm and finished with pride! Yes, it was fun. (video to come later.)
Today was a fun day at sea. We took it easy. (Okay, the band is now playing the theme song to the movie Mannequin. This rendition of the 80's Starship song is very intertaining.)
We laid out today, I got some reading done, and napped. it was awesome!
Tomorrow we are in Grand Turk, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I love this place. We came here 2 years ago on our Honeymoon and it's by far my favorite set of islands.
I was hoping to be able to upload some pictures but i've only got a screen and keyboard to work with, with no USB ports. You'll get some pictures later.
We are calling this our 2 year anniversary cruise. If we were to have made tshirts for this one, it would be 2YAC. :-) We celebrated our 2 year anniversary a week ago. Brian is an amazing husband and has really stepped up and taken the lead in our relationship. He really gets things done, makes things happen, and he loves me so much. I adore him. We are in such a happy place right now and it's only bound to continue as we go into year 3. He has this way of making me laugh and smile like no one else can. And it just gets better every day.
Brian is on the other computer right now emailing friends. The band just finished playing Sweet Home Alabama and is now playing Africa by Toto. HA!! The cigar smoke is getting to me. That's all for tonight. xoxo
This is our 5th cruise in the last 3 years. Yes, we love the Carnival Fun Ships! what do I love about cruising you ask? Well, it's one big party on a big ship in the middle of the ocean. there is always stuff to do and everyone is so nice. The ocean is amazingly beautiful and to sit out on the Lido Deck and watch the whitecaps of the waves at all hours of the night is therapeutic. The ocean is amazing. There are usually 2 dress up nights during each cruise so we can dress up and have professional photos taken at one or more of the many backdrops scattered throughtout the main deck. some of our best pictures together have come from our cruises.
Right now I'm in the Internet Cafe, located in the back of the Cigar Bar. One of many bars with bands playing. The band playing in here is a classic rock band. they just finished singing Free Bird, and now they are singing I Cant Fight This Feeling Anymore. The lead singer has a Eurpoean accent, so its a far stretch from the REO Speedwagon version that I'm used to. But you cant help but like it...he's putting so much emotion into it.
We were assigned to a 4 person dinner table this cruise. I usually prefer 8 tops or 10 tops. It's fun to meet different people and come together at the end of the day and share stories over great food. We arent "those people", meaning the ones who like to make friends on cruises and hang out. We pretty much keep to ourselves during the day, a "Brian and Stacie conquer the world" kind of thing. But it is fun to spend an hour an evening with strangers and share stories. The sad thing is...our table mates have yet to show up! Yep, a big disappointment. Fortunately, there are some cool people at the table next to us, so we can shoot the bull with them.
Last night was a blast. it was a casual night and after dinner, we came down here to the cigar bar and listened to the band and then went to the karaoke bar. I sang a song in honor of our favorite cruise buddies, Jeremy and Amy. Yes, I sang Miley Cyrus, See You Again. I sucked! I'm pretty sure I will be recieving a letter from the Carnival Destiny staff stating that I'm not allowed back in the Karaoke bar. It was that bad. But I sang with enthusiasm and finished with pride! Yes, it was fun. (video to come later.)
Today was a fun day at sea. We took it easy. (Okay, the band is now playing the theme song to the movie Mannequin. This rendition of the 80's Starship song is very intertaining.)
We laid out today, I got some reading done, and napped. it was awesome!
Tomorrow we are in Grand Turk, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I love this place. We came here 2 years ago on our Honeymoon and it's by far my favorite set of islands.
I was hoping to be able to upload some pictures but i've only got a screen and keyboard to work with, with no USB ports. You'll get some pictures later.
We are calling this our 2 year anniversary cruise. If we were to have made tshirts for this one, it would be 2YAC. :-) We celebrated our 2 year anniversary a week ago. Brian is an amazing husband and has really stepped up and taken the lead in our relationship. He really gets things done, makes things happen, and he loves me so much. I adore him. We are in such a happy place right now and it's only bound to continue as we go into year 3. He has this way of making me laugh and smile like no one else can. And it just gets better every day.
Brian is on the other computer right now emailing friends. The band just finished playing Sweet Home Alabama and is now playing Africa by Toto. HA!! The cigar smoke is getting to me. That's all for tonight. xoxo
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Carnival Destiny
Two more days and we are boarding the Cruise ship! I'm so excited. You either love them or you hate them. Brian and I love them. This will be our 5th cruise in the last 3 years, and we hope to take 2 cruises in 2010.
Remember when we were young and we had our little boyfriends/girlfriends and we played so innocently and playfully. Everything was laughter and joy. It was heartbeats and bliss. We loved that time, we remember that time with emotions and thoughts of wonder. We wonder what happened to that laughter and joy. We want it back. Caribbean cruises play that part for The Nutts. We re-charge, we re-connect. We look out into the ocean and realize how small we are. We tear up at the amazement of the stars in the sky that reflect down on the dark black ocean waves that caress the skin of the ship in the middle of the dark night.
Here's to an awesome vacation! I'm wanting to post a daily download this week and keep you entertained by our awesome away time together. Stay tuned! xoxo Stacie
Remember when we were young and we had our little boyfriends/girlfriends and we played so innocently and playfully. Everything was laughter and joy. It was heartbeats and bliss. We loved that time, we remember that time with emotions and thoughts of wonder. We wonder what happened to that laughter and joy. We want it back. Caribbean cruises play that part for The Nutts. We re-charge, we re-connect. We look out into the ocean and realize how small we are. We tear up at the amazement of the stars in the sky that reflect down on the dark black ocean waves that caress the skin of the ship in the middle of the dark night.
Here's to an awesome vacation! I'm wanting to post a daily download this week and keep you entertained by our awesome away time together. Stay tuned! xoxo Stacie
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Our Nutty Bliss....2nd Anniversary
As B and I get ready to celebrate our second wedding anniversary, I reflect on how we've both grown so much this past year. Year one was all about having fun and joining our lives together...evidenced by the laugh lines and tear stains going into year two. Year two...the first half of it...was all about making a baby. This proved to be unsuccessful, so the second half of the year two was spent doing some much needed clutter cleaning in hopes to clear a path in a new direction. A direction that would get us to where we want to be. A happy marriage is more than just going through the motions. It's about gaining control of those motions and guiding your life in the direction you want to go.
I know that Brian and I werent yet meant to be parents in the first half of this year. Although we wanted it really bad and tried really hard, we just werent ready. I didnt know that at the time and was quite upset that God didnt see things my way. However, as I reflect back on how closer he and I have become these last 6 months, I realize that we wouldnt be this close now, if we were blessed with a child back then.
I think that makes us better and stronger. We are so close now and I am tickled at the thought of starting 2010 with him. We are both focused on making each other happy and in doing so we are finding so much joy in it. We laugh together more now than ever. Again... we grow.
Did I tell you life is good? ;-)
I know that Brian and I werent yet meant to be parents in the first half of this year. Although we wanted it really bad and tried really hard, we just werent ready. I didnt know that at the time and was quite upset that God didnt see things my way. However, as I reflect back on how closer he and I have become these last 6 months, I realize that we wouldnt be this close now, if we were blessed with a child back then.
I think that makes us better and stronger. We are so close now and I am tickled at the thought of starting 2010 with him. We are both focused on making each other happy and in doing so we are finding so much joy in it. We laugh together more now than ever. Again... we grow.
Did I tell you life is good? ;-)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
It's A Lifestyle Change
My lifestyle is a form of habits. Literally. Hubby says I'm A.D.D. and he has even been known to utter that term softly and sweetly when trying to get my attention from across the room. I go about my habits, making stops along the way. Maybe that is just my way of stopping to smell the flowers, so to speak, as I live my life of habits. Who knows how my path might be altered by the influence at one of those stops. Might be better, might be worse, but the experience in getting there is quite enjoyable. Our world is so much more visually stimulating than it used to be. Is a deficit in our attention span really a disorder? Or is it just more of a lack of self discipline and focus generated by an abundance of external stimuli?
Fortunately, I'm not on medication for A.D.D., or O.C.D. which is probably a more appropriate diagnosis for my "quirky habits", or "easily distracted" way of being.
I am, however, making efforts at a lifestyle change. A change in habits. I'm making a bigger effort at recognizing where my habits are waning in self discipline. Eating habits, exercise habits, work habits, wife habits, church habits, even household chore habits. When something starts to seem boring and unenjoyable, instead of looking for other things to do, I'm going to look for ways I can do those same things better. It's a lifestyle change.
I didn't get it in my 20's, how much more I'd enjoy life in my 30's. And I'm sure the same is true with each passing decade. The older I get the more I realize that life can be as complicated or as simple as I want it to be. In my case, I've come to realize that clutter, in all forms, brings me down. The more clutter I seem to notice and remove from my surroundings before it makes me feel closed in and crowded, the better I feel. It's much easier to eliminate clutter in your 30's than 20's. In my 20's I felt more inclined to collect clutter. Not just "stuff" type of clutter, but also relationship clutter, the clutter that emotional confusion creates, head clutter, the thoughts of the unknown. But in my 30's...and more specifically, late 30's, it's been easier to rid myself of clutter. All kinds of clutter. Life is good. It's a lifestyle change. Maybe it's the confidence and security that age brings that helps in letting go.
I'm running again...post lasering. Slowly but surely, the physical pain of that procedure is fading away. And I look great. I love my new shape and I want to keep it. I've removed the cluttered feelings that come with "working out". Running is now part of my weekly routine, a part of my life. A lifestyle change.
Below is a picture of B and I at the Kansas City Royals ballpark this summer. I love this picture and even though it doesn't relate to this blog, I'm including it anyway.
Fortunately, I'm not on medication for A.D.D., or O.C.D. which is probably a more appropriate diagnosis for my "quirky habits", or "easily distracted" way of being.
I am, however, making efforts at a lifestyle change. A change in habits. I'm making a bigger effort at recognizing where my habits are waning in self discipline. Eating habits, exercise habits, work habits, wife habits, church habits, even household chore habits. When something starts to seem boring and unenjoyable, instead of looking for other things to do, I'm going to look for ways I can do those same things better. It's a lifestyle change.
I didn't get it in my 20's, how much more I'd enjoy life in my 30's. And I'm sure the same is true with each passing decade. The older I get the more I realize that life can be as complicated or as simple as I want it to be. In my case, I've come to realize that clutter, in all forms, brings me down. The more clutter I seem to notice and remove from my surroundings before it makes me feel closed in and crowded, the better I feel. It's much easier to eliminate clutter in your 30's than 20's. In my 20's I felt more inclined to collect clutter. Not just "stuff" type of clutter, but also relationship clutter, the clutter that emotional confusion creates, head clutter, the thoughts of the unknown. But in my 30's...and more specifically, late 30's, it's been easier to rid myself of clutter. All kinds of clutter. Life is good. It's a lifestyle change. Maybe it's the confidence and security that age brings that helps in letting go.
I'm running again...post lasering. Slowly but surely, the physical pain of that procedure is fading away. And I look great. I love my new shape and I want to keep it. I've removed the cluttered feelings that come with "working out". Running is now part of my weekly routine, a part of my life. A lifestyle change.
Below is a picture of B and I at the Kansas City Royals ballpark this summer. I love this picture and even though it doesn't relate to this blog, I'm including it anyway.
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