and I know life is getting shorter, I can't bring myself to set the scene

It's Tuesday! We survived a Monday of a short week! We were actually really busy at work. I took 49 calls, and I was also doing other things, so it definitely picked up from last week. The people were mostly nice, but I swear that 20 of those calls were people calling to see if we had cancellations this week. The "But mah deductible" calls have begun in earnest.

By the time I finished for the day, I was very tired. Fortunately, Jess made jambalaya for dinner. It's their speciality, though at the house, we did it in the crock pot. It's 500 times better in the pan, may I say. Sautéing the mirepoix helps develop flavors a lot. We made it easy on them, and just ordered the diced mirepoix from Walmart, so all they had to cut up was the peppers. The recipe they used didn't have tomatoes of any kind, so they added a can of tomato sauce, and adjusted the liquid accordingly. It turned out SO well. I had two helpings! Jess did a good job.

Tonight will be BBQ short ribs, which should be tasty.

I have branched out in my studies to include the ship we're scheduled to go on in 2027 as well. They're sister ships, but the Rotterdam (2027) is a little newer, and I think has the teen club that opens up to everyone after 6. I'm going to play skeeball on the cruise ship.

We're under 130 days til the Koningsdam, and I'm very excited. Every time we pass another multiple of 10, it gives me a kick. When it goes down into the double digits, I'll be bouncing. It's still 5 months away, but it's creeping closer.

I'm still obsessing a little bit, making sure we have everything we need for it. Right now, I'm on the search for a dress for the vow renewal ceremony. After consideration, I decided that with all the work I'd need to do to the Siriano dress to make it fit, and be comfortable, it would just be a new dress. I'd need it hemmed, fitted, and I want sleeves to cover a bra, plus I hate the neckline and would need that changed. It would just be a lot. And I don't know that I have that much patience. I liked the color and some of the style, which is why I bought it, but it just isn't going to work.

I had ordered a dress from Ever-Pretty in their largest size. The measurements looked good, but when it arrived, I could barely get it over my head unzipped. I couldn't get my arms into it. I felt like a total whale, and felt moderately bad about myself for a good chunk of the afternoon and evening.

I've got two dresses coming from Torrid, a green long sleeve mini (I'm short, so the mini's tend to hit me mid to lower knee) and a black mini flecked with gold. I'm not sure either is the dress, but we'll see. I kind of envisioned a longer dress, but I do really like the silhouette of these. The green is a tie front, which usually makes my boobs look mighty, and the other is a skater dress, which I've always enjoyed. Torrid usually fits me really well, so they might not require any tailoring. I've also got a few dresses for dinner that I really like, including one for the Holland America Orange Party, which is a celebration of their Dutch heritage. I also have a sensible gray one for regular dinner. I plan to dress up a little bit for dinner. Nothing fancy, just a pretty dress or skirt.

Packing for Alaska is difficult, since in May, you never know what temp you're getting. Could be 60 (yes please), could be 40 or lower. We'll see what the weather says when it gets a little closer. Definitely taking my fleece and raincoat--we'll see if the heavy coat is needed. We have free laundry on the boat, so I don't need to pack a ton. Enough for 5-6 days should do it. Lots of leggings. Maybe fleece leggings. Night gowns, a mixture of tops, long and short sleeve. My best bras, and of course, underwear like I plan to shit myself twice a day. lol. I always overpack underwear.

I need it to be under 50lbs, with room for some souvenirs. Though I'm just going to get a few things. A magnet from each port, maybe some sort of native art, and little gifts for a few friends. I think between the four of us, we should be able to distribute our treasures between the suitcases without going over the limit. Though if one of us does, I'll pay the fee. Not going to get my knickers in a twist.

My suitcase looks huge anyway, so I think I'll be okay under 50. I may take a pair of jeans, just to have something other than leggings if I want it. (I probably won't want them.) A pair of flats for dressing up and a pair of hiking boots, though I may wear the boots for the flight. Tennis shoes will take up less room. That's about it for me. Oh wait, and slippers. Fuzzy, nice slippers for sitting on the balcony with a coffee and croissant.

Okay, time for me to go forth and get myself together for another fun day! Everyone have an amazing Tuesday!