Non sequitor
October 24, 2008 | Filed under: Humdrum
“Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it…. Success is shy - it won’t come out while you’re watching.” ~Tennessee Williams
I’ve never been on a cruise before for two reasons 1) My mother is afraid of boats. Cruise ships, small craft, either way she was hell bent on flying to a location and remaining on solid ground, feet firmly planted in the soil. And for all that is holy, do not get my started on my father. A man who is hell bent on driving everywhere. Want to go to Georgia? Let’s drive! See North Carolina all up close and personal. But that’s a different story. 2) Despite port stops I feel like once you’re on a cruise, you’re on it for the long haul. None of this being able to hop over to an airport right quick because you’re sick of the people and the relentless sharing of the oxygen.
For me a cruise is like the ultimate resort in vacationing. Like if I *had* to go on one, I would. Just like if I *had* to take that precious Dooney and Bourke off of your hands even though I despise Dooney and Bourke, then I would. But only in extreme circumstances. Cruises feel like such a commitment. Once you’ve embarked, there’s really no going back.
Driving into work this morning, it wasn’t all rainbows and puppies, it was all embarkment and strapping myself with the necessary accoutrement to fully throw myself into something. On the radio, they were playing the songs that will get you through those last 3-4 minutes of a workout. My favorites being Body Moving by the Beastie Boys and It’s Me Bitches by Swizz Beatz. A couple of weeks ago I had my friend Danielle send me her favorite work out songs and suddenly I feel like embarking on a marathon. Or at least preparing myself for one of three upcoming 5Ks. I was once asked if I would ever run a marathon to which I said “Hell NO”. Again, too much of a commitment and the only thing I willingly do for 6 hours is sleep or drive or attend wine tastings.
In 48 hours I turn 25 and I’m just ‘eh’ about my birthday this year. I remember the days leading up to my 21st birthday rather fondly. The anticipation of being able to walk right into a liquor store and not worry about having my ID being taken away or getting arrested and being sentenced to 50 hours of community service by street cleaning in Adams Morgan the day after Halloween (That’s a good story. Remind me to tell you about that one later)…but I digress…the point is the days before my 21st birthday I was all excited to buy a handle of cheap, esophagus burning gin because it was my RIGHT, dammit! This year, I’ve got nothing. Well not nothing entirely just the decision to embark on something that involves commitment and time and thought and potential and a plan to be in it for the long haul.
And oddly enough, here we are, back at the beginning.
laurie says:
Good luck with whatever it may be - and true best wishes for your personal new year.
Cat says:
Cruises are awesome. Especially the part where you hit rough waters and everyone on the boat is vomiting all willy nilly in the formal dining room. Especially when you’re the kind of person who doesn’t suffer from motion sickness, but DO suffer from sight/sound/smell of countless others suffering from motion sickness.
Happy Birthday and may you enjoy a full year of balanced equilibrium and peaceful dining!
Momo Fali says:
The long haul can equal the rest of your life, so be careful what you wish for.
And, I am so old that I could technically be your mother. Granted, I would’ve bore you in the 7th grade…but, still.
slynnro says:
Do not go on a cruise. You will hate it. TRUST ME.
Also, 25 is the last year before your late 20s start. So enjoy that shit, because it’s all downhill….
Hilary says:
Yeah, I hear cruises suck but I understand the temptation. I vote No. 25 freaked me out but approaching 28? Really blows. Enjoy your day!
Rebecca (Bearca) says:
Don’t go on a cruise. You will feel TRAPPED. It is not fun.
lindsayc says:
I went on a cruise for my honeymoon - and we loved it. Basically no one can get it touch with you unless you want to be on call. So it is perfect for dropping out of the world for a while. And um, you pretty much eat and in our case DRINK the whole time be prepared to gain 5 pounds in one week. Loved it. And Happy Birthday !
Angella says:
I’ve never been on a cruise, and have no desire to do so.
I think you owe me another phone call to tell me what this “long haul” business is about…
frances says:
25 is 5 squared. AND those are it’s only factors, except of course for itself and 1. Twenty-five will be an amazing year for you. Myself, I’m headed for another *prime* number year (47) and would you children please stop bitching about turning oh my god 28!? Life is pretty wonderful as long as you’re still in the game, people
Camels & Chocolate says:
At least you can rent a car finally! And having been on three cruises myself, I can say you’re trepidation of them is pretty spot on. Not. A. Fan. Unfortunately, if going on a vacay my fam is paying for, it’s sometimes out of my hands.
Kristabella says:
To me a cruise is like prison with really expensive booze.
Just wait until 31. Talk about a meh birthday. At least you can rent a car at 25. And your car insurance goes down.