ABCs of a Nursing School Grad Trip + FL Keys Mini Report;D is for: Dang! Last Chapter of this TR...

[Captain_Oblivious]

Every adventure should be chased with some downtime.

What is this "downtime" you speak of?

my eyes had the unfortunate shock of seeing him in the same Speedo we just KNEW he’d be harboring underneath at breakfast.

Gah! Undo! Undo!

After my little power nap, I got bored and needed to do something.

That's how I usually react to "downtime".

After submitting myself to being beachside entertainment, I finally made it up onto the inflatable only to find it needed a bit more hot air. I called up Trump…. oh. Never mind.

I’m a fan of unlimited hot water in hotels because I’m lucky to get hot water in my house with 2 teens and a college-aged leech. I will hog the water all I can on vacay and, without shame, leave a trail of power bill destruction behind me.

Yes! Preach it! These are the luxuries we so rarely get to experience.

Sadly, as delicious as this meal was, the sunset was a bust- not horrible, but not spectacular either.

Looks fine to me. Put it this way--it beat being in the office.

Deep sea fishing isn’t something that calls to either of us, but if it sounds intriguing to you, this would be your haven.

I'll leave that to others to enjoy.

And while I don’t care for deep sea fishing, I do love me a Key Lime Pie.

NOW we're talking!!!

<you've already seen a photo>

But it never gets old!

The resort has a tiny marina all to its own and the lovely and capable “Captain Sue” of Allergic to Land Charters moors there for hire

Cute name.

**A side note** On my last trip to WDW, I asked a Captain on one of the EPCOT Friendships why they were only running one of the two boats. He responded by telling me that licensed captains are actually hard to find. Ummm, if you like boating, have a captain’s license, and wouldn’t mind the same route ad nauseum for 8 hours a day, this might be the job for you!

Well, I'm a Captain on the DISboards. And I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express.

I SWAM WITH SHARKS AND TURTLES!!!!!

Awesome!

They swim exactly like in Nemo and seeing them paddle around 3 feet below me was quite possibly one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had.

Sounds really cool! Even better that you didn't get eaten.

The best experiences in life usually come at a price. Most of the time they are monetarily free like having a child or watching a child be born, seeing a shooting star, or when the Portland Trailblazers go a season without one of their players going to prison.

And some of the best experiences in life take hard work: growing a garden and eating homegrown, sun-ripened tomatoes, hiking to the top of a mountain, and swimming with sharks and turtles in 3-foot chop.

The work is part of what makes the experience so good.

The weather was changing and this was the ONLY day it was good enough that Sue would take us snorkeling. But it took work! Let’s just say my lungs did not appreciate the 3 or 4 tubes full of water they were baptized with over the course of the 2 hours I was in the water.

I know that feeling. Snorkeling is much harder than it looks!

Dear Readers, for a variety of reasons, most notably a waning lack of quality and enthusiasm in my writing, along with a waning reader response and population, I'm sensing it's time to send this TR off into the proverbial sunset.

But...but... We're still here!

And what's this about quality? You always do wonderful work in your TR's!

It's been fun sharing my journey through my Nursing School graduation and Keys vacation, but with my next adventure coming up quickly, I need to focus in other places.

That is coming up fast! Got your PM, too. I just need to check with the calendar/boss.

I highly doubt I'll be doing one for my next trip. But I look forward to joining in your TR's and will be around the Boards as I can.

Thanks for taking us along on your trip, Liesa. It was great to be able to (virtually) celebrate your accomplishment of a nursing degree with you. And I'm glad you were able to get the whole family down to WDW together just as you'd hoped. It's been wonderful getting to know you on the boards. See you around!

 

[pkondz]

But...but... We're still here!

And what's this about quality? You always do wonderful work in your TR's!

What he said. I was trying to figure out what you meant. I see I'm not alone.

Maybe..... just maybe........ you could just put this one on hiatus for a little bit until you're back from Africa and have had a chance to rest and recuperate? I know I for one (and I'm probably speaking for all of us) would love to see how your Keys trip ends.

 

[MeghanEmily]

I also offer support to @Captain_Oblivious and @pkondz! I'm still reading along with great interest and think you produce excellent updates! No pressure, of course, but I'm happy to continue to read whatever you come out with. And I hope that even if you don't write a formal TR for your upcoming trips (Disney/Africa!!)....(though maybe we can convince you to change your mind!??)...that you'll maybe come back to share some highlights with us.

 

[docsoliday1]

I also offer support to @Captain_Oblivious and @pkondz! I'm still reading along with great interest and think you produce excellent updates! No pressure, of course, but I'm happy to continue to read whatever you come out with. And I hope that even if you don't write a formal TR for your upcoming trips (Disney/Africa!!)....(though maybe we can convince you to change your mind!??)...that you'll maybe come back to share some highlights with us.

Okay, jumping on the bandwagon with @Captain_Oblivious, @pkondz and @MeghanEmily.
Your TRs are nothing, if not quality and we've enjoyed you sharing with us.
Even if you don't have the time to do a formal or full blown TR, we'd love to hear about the Africa trip and other Disney goings on.

 

[Steppesister]

AArrghgh! Ooohhh! Ewww!
Unfortunate experience.

My eyeballs were burned.

Oh my goodness, wow!

Truly a beautiful place. Not nearly as amazing as say, Thailand, but quite lovely nonetheless.

WOAH! So cool! I can only imagine how wondrous this was!!

I really wasn't prepared well for what I'd experience that morning. I had done next to zero research really, so didn't know there'd be bigger beasties as well. I kinda thought corals, sponges, little colorful fishies, but NOT SHARKS! And even better.... turtles!

Wow!!

Sorry I fell off the face of the TR. I wished I’d finished your guess the letter quiz . Had another F&W Trip to get ready for, go on, and recover from.

Well, hey there, Tanya! Long time no see! Glad you're back! Yes, you were on track to finish well too. Would LOVE to hear about your trip! How was it? I'm going to catch the last day of it, so am curious!

 

[Steppesister]

Which implies that you actually have ghosts.

Hmm, I know I have a LOT of junk in my attics.

Just a little slice of heaven there.

Yes! And well, maybe after come back and re-charge a bit after my trip(s) I can finish this up. I have a little sweet surprise on the last day of laying in that chair. Maybe if I become re-motivated to write a last chapter or two up I can tell you about that.

Or was it hell?

Welcome to the Hotel California.... what a nice surprise...

Choose the drink! Choose the drink!

Is it Kool Aid?

Yeah, that'd be me, too. "Ahhhh..... time to relax. To unwind....... I'm bored. What's to do?"

Yeah, pretty much.

Okay, that was a fun visual.

I suppose if Mr. Speedo could provide entertainment, so could I.

Oh, piffle. Folks, don't believe a word of it. I've seen her IRL and she ain't round.

The Flab Factor is hiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh.

Yes! Make them earn that hotel bill.

Indeed!!!

Very nice. Romantic.

They can be.

I've only heard of those... and have no idea if I'll ever have them. Or be brave enough to order them.

Very mild, actually. I'd never tried it either, but was pleasantly surprised.

I wouldn't mind trying it, yet... I did feel a bit queasy when we went shark cage diving. (On the boat, not in the cage.)

I can get a bit car sick if I try to read on curves, but seem to do okay on boats. Then again, I"m looking out usually too. I've got dramamine for the boat trip from the airport to the mainland for Sierra Leone.

Love that! So pretty!

Thanks! Dragonflies are HARD to get; so darned fast!

Huh. Interesting. Probably need a mentor, I presume.

I suppose! She talked about a lot of navigation stuff you have to know as well as oceanography stuff and weather.

... okay, phew! Yeah. Just big puppy dogs.

And, for the record:
"Took one look, and said, nope... just not enough meat on that one. Too tiny."

They didn't even seem to notice me... just glided on past without even a second glance.

HA!

erk. I can see how that wouldn't be super pleasant.

I can see how people get in trouble out there. EAsy to get fatigued, get some water, and start to struggle. After the 2 hours, I was pretty chilly!

But with a smile on your face, I'm betting.

Pretty much, Sir.

 

[Steppesister]

I'll be sad to see this TR go! But it lived a good life!! Thanks so much for taking the time to write for us and engage us in your whimsical re-telling. I hope you have an amazing upcoming trip caked in a thick layer of pixie dust.

It did! And perhaps, maaaaaaaaaaaaaybe, after I get back and de-stressed and re-charged, I can put some more thought into writing up the last couple of chapters. There is an eco-tour and a little eco-walk left to share.

I will try my very best to bring back plenty of fun and inspiring stories and photos from Sierra Leone.

I’ve really enjoyed reading about your trips. I wish I had a TR of my own to share, but alas that will be for some unforeseen time in the future. For now, enjoy where life is taking you in the next couple months. Happy and safe travels. I'll be sure to check up on FB for any updates, especially your Africa trip (I assume you would be able to stay connected over there?). Bon voyage et bonne chance.

Hey Jeff!

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I too wish you could get back to Disney to enjoy and make memories. I am not sure how much I'll be able to connect while there. I honestly have NO idea what I'm headed into; it's a very huge unknown to me- could be a lot of net available or zero. But, I will be keeping a journal and taking a lot of photos having gotten prior permission to do so. I hope I come home with some good things to share.

Hi
It has been a pleasure following your report. Your writing style has been brilliant, your photos have been out of this world.The trip to the keys looked like the best way to relax after a family trip to the fast pace of a Disney trip especially when its just the two parants for some quality time together without the kids.Enjoy your time next time not long to go less than three weeks until your Dapper day.Good luck with your time in Africa hopfully you will achieve everything you have set yourselves up to do. Enjoy every minute of reading from your nursing graduation to pilot school and the keys Thanks Liesa for taking the time to tell us all about it.

Thank you so much, Stuart. It was a very nice trip in many ways. And the next one promises to be even better. Loads of fun chased with some time in a completely new place doing something I love! As I've told others, there is a small chance that after I return and find my bearings and re-group I can add a couple of final chapters to this one, which include the Eco-tour and walk in a State Park.

 

[Steppesister]

I’m sorry to see this end so abruptly. Been following along for a long time.

I’m not sure why you say there’s a “lack of quality”, there certainly hasn’t been that I could see. In fact, your last two updates have been some of your best!

I think I was really just losing my mojo and motivation. Life is so busy right now, and until I get back, there's no end in sight. I was finding it hard to reply to the threads I love reading so much (including yours!) and felt rushed to update to finish before leaving. But, looks like folks are really wanting the last chapters, so will seriously consider coming back to it when I get back. THanks for the kick in the pants that I needed!

I’m sad you won’t be doing a TR on your next trip. You had said you would be telling us all about it including Africa and was really looking forward to reading about all your adventures.
But I understand that your life is very busy and writing takes up a fairly large commitment of time.

I think after thinking about it more, I really need to. As a way of debriefing myself if for nothing else. Yes, it does take a lot of time, especially now that I will have to figure out a new photo hosting platform, but will indeed share- many of my readers have financially supported this trip and is right and good that I share the good things that I know we're all in store for.

Thanks for this TR, Liesa. It’s been an adventure and a pleasure to read and share in.

You are so very welcome!

Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

Say it isn't so.

Seriously, I know you have a lot going on and the Africa trip is right around the corner. Although we'll miss your wonderful writing and equally wonderful pictures, we do understand.

May your Africa trip be full of blessings (both given and received).

Thanks, Doc! Just needing a little break I think. Lost my mojo and need to re-group and focus on the final prep for leaving. But, thank you for your encouragement and motivation to keep on keepin' on.

On a positive note (for me), just booked our trip in Feb (18th-22nd). We'll be staying at 2 new resorts for us...Beach Club and Boardwalk.

I saw that! Thanks for for the complement of inspiration I've given too. I'll be following along on your thread.

 

[docsoliday1]

Thanks, Doc! Just needing a little break I think. Lost my mojo and need to re-group and focus on the final prep for leaving. But, thank you for your encouragement and motivation to keep on keepin' on.

To be 100% clear...I was not saying that to try to make you feel guilty or you'd let us down or anything. I have really enjoyed reading your TRs and it was more of a selfish no. I will reiterate...I know you've got a lot going on, so I understand not having time for everything.
On a different note, PM me your address. I just saw the movie "Same kind of different as me" and something in the movie (well many) struck a chord with me and I need to send you something.

I saw that! Thanks for for the complement of inspiration I've given too. I'll be following along on your thread.

I am repeating myself again...
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE MA'AM.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

What a perfectly Florida Vacation day, minus the Speedo!
I didn't sense the waning in interest, because it's way more than I had on my TR (which I didn't finish) the whole time! I do understand, though, and I appreciate you sharing the
Florida part of your trip. Enjoy your planning for the next one, I'll see you on Facebook, and we'll be in the same state by June!

 

[Steppesister]

So today was the day I promised I was going to post on your TR. I check in and what do I find, that you are taking your final curtain here! So I will have to bore you with a very lengthy, overdo post from me ( if you decide to read). Since you probably see me as that high school friend that you see mainly at reunions. But I’m here, determined to chat AKA ramble on about your TR.

Shelly's here!

You can post all that's on your heart and mind here anytime! You neither ramble nor bore!

And no, I see you as someone who thinks out carefully what to say each time you do post and someone I love to hear from.

I don’t know about you but this past two weeks was a lot of…this time last year we were doing (insert WDW moment). Now it’s officially a last year’s vacation. We still talk/wish/plan what our next trip could be like. 2021 would be our 30th anniversary, WDW 50th and all the new project will be done. Hopefully we can experience it with our adult children. How lucky you get to be back there every soon!

Yes, there was some of that for sure. Hard to believe it's been a year already! So much has happened in my life since then. Another year as a new nurse in a dream job, finishing Ground School, developing a trip to Africa, etc.... So much!

A 30th anniversary sounds like a perfect time to head there and celebrate! I'm glad you're already looking ahead to that!

And yes, going with adult kids is something altogether wonderful and different. You will see it things in a totally different light!

I’m thinking back and your PTR had a different title before you added the PTR part 1 & 2 to it. I’m pretty sure it had Oct 2016 graduation trip in the title. That’s the whole reason it caught my eye and I began to read it because that’s when we wanted to go too! That was so many months, now years ago. Remembering the many tests you had and the many “good luck” and “way to go girl” along the way. I still think it is awesome that you accomplished this goal and enjoy what becoming a nurse has done for your life. Having that year to follow your PTR and planning our anniversary trip was a fun time. And now since being back from WDW, reading your TR this past year has been a wonderful way of reliving our trip and some great memories. I’m so glad we had our Dismeet. Wish now we would have joined you on a few others.

I do believe you're right. I changed the title slightly a couple of times, but yes, it at one point it did have Oct, 2016 in it. It was unbelievable the amount of support and encouragement I got along the way. It really did more than you know to help get me through that very stressful time. Phew!

I, too, am so happy we met! It really was one of the highlights of my trip to be sure. And yes, but, perhaps there will be a time in the future we can give another hug and we can hang out again and relive and make more of those fun memories!

Your Contest was very unique and entertaining. Even though I didn’t win, I didn’t think about 30 some points off wasn’t too bad. The ABC drinking challenge was a hoot and a crown you can proudly wear. You had quite a variety of drinks. I may need to print a copy for future reference.

Silly antics, I know. But I sure had fun! And NO 30 points off was actually very close! Very. I know it was a lot of pure guesswork, as anything can go as far as trips go, because, I mean.... who'd have EVER thought we'd be upgraded to concierge!!?

The food porn was guilty pleasure and you had lot of different items. Glad you got to V&A (you deserve it!) and that you enjoyed Jiko too. Funny how dining at Disney is an adventure and experience all in itself and makes for it's own kind of memories. You made some good ones!

I had so much!! We ate like crazed starving beasts! And every one was so yummy and unique. Something I really love about Disney. And I think I've created Disney food snobs out of my kids too. Which is a good thing, right?

This was our 1st MNSSHP and glad you had a good time too! Bummer about the long waits for character meets, but they are rare (7 dwarfs) and special. You had some great pictures from that night. And I might as well say now (was going to at the end of this rant) YOU TAKE SPECTACULAR, GOREGOUS, BEAUTIFULL ONE OF A KIND PHOTOS!! You’ve captured parts of Disney through your lens that makes why Disney is so magical. The details there are not lost on you! THANKS for sharing your pictures!

Wasn't that fun!? I loved all of it and am so glad we went and dressed up too!

Awww, thank you for the high complement! I try to improve with each visit and hope to bring back some new material this trip too. I am DYING to get my camera over to Pandora for some work there. And to be very honest, it does bring a lot of joy to my trips to get some nice photos and share them.

We’ve only been to AKL for dinner at Boma. On this trip we were picked “family of the day”. The restaurant was opening for dinner service with drummers playing, and were the first ones to be seated. Even got a little certificate from them, it was cool. But not as good as getting a club level room there!! Now that's COOL! That would be another, “if I will the lottery I would……. “. It’s was perfect timing since it was the relaxing part of the vacation.

I had no idea they even did that! That is super, uber cool! Yes, club level was nice- especially for Mike who took a lot more advantage of it than I did, but it was nice to have had it even if only to work through the broken suitcase issue.

It was nice that you and Mike had some time in the Keys too. You seem to really enjoy the kayaking and even without pictures you described a wonderful underwater experience. I did question the whole lets go over here where there may have been alligators eating part though. Really?

LOL! But wouldn't it be super neato to capture an alligator in real life eating a fish or something? (I really should have become a photog for National Geo or something.)

So many things I should have said and commented on along the way but will end my current rambling now.

But, but... you are welcome to chat it up all you'd like to here!! Don't be shy!!

I think we both can agree, October 2016 was a very special time. Something we can smile at and cherish.

Yes, most definitely! It was a year that many dreams came true and many fantastic memories were made.

Thanks again for sharing your adventure with all of us.

You're more than welcome. I will be back (and around until I go) for more Adventures of Steppe.

 

[Steppesister]

Thank you Liesa for sharing your trips, your wonderful pictures, your ups, your downs, your wit, your life with us.

Humbly, a lowly peasant.

You are very welcome. I think you've all convinced me that my work here is not done.

What is this "downtime" you speak of?

I wouldn't know. Unless I'm on vacation. And even then, "Hey, let's DO something!"

Gah! Undo! Undo!

No worse than a the scene I caused trying to get onto an underinflated raft.

That's how I usually react to "downtime".

See?

(It's just so hard to lie around.)

Yes! Preach it! These are the luxuries we so rarely get to experience.

!

BUT, do you jump on the bed? Seriously, you need to up your game.

Looks fine to me. Put it this way--it beat being in the office.

Is that like, "The worst day on the golf course is better than...."

I'll leave that to others to enjoy.

Yeah, especially since you adore seafood so much.

Cute name.

I thought so.

Well, I'm a Captain on the DISboards. And I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express.

Well, there's the credentials we're looking for!

The work is part of what makes the experience so good.

It was pretty easy to snorkel in Thailand where the water was like glass; this... not so much!

I know that feeling. Snorkeling is much harder than it looks!

Yes!

But...but... We're still here!

And what's this about quality? You always do wonderful work in your TR's!

I think I had a momentary (somewhat lingering) moment of feeling overwhelmed and just wasn't "feelin' it". It was feeling like work instead of fun, so thought a rest might be good. The funny, the work pictures, etc... it was all just taking a lot of effort to come. But, like @pkondz says, I think maybe a rest, some re-charge time and fresh perspective might be just the ticket.

That is coming up fast! Got your PM, too. I just need to check with the calendar/boss

Let's keep talking- a plan is hatching.

Thanks for taking us along on your trip, Liesa. It was great to be able to (virtually) celebrate your accomplishment of a nursing degree with you. And I'm glad you were able to get the whole family down to WDW together just as you'd hoped. It's been wonderful getting to know you on the boards. See you around!

You're so very welcome! It was a wild couple (several) of years earning that degree and celebrating all of that. Onto new adventures of actually using that degree in an even more meaningful way. Let's hope for some inspiring and joyful stories I'll get to share.

 

[Steppesister]

Maybe..... just maybe........ you could just put this one on hiatus for a little bit until you're back from Africa and have had a chance to rest and recuperate? I know I for one (and I'm probably speaking for all of us) would love to see how your Keys trip ends.

I think this is the best advice. Perhaps a little break, freeing me up to concentrate on getting my ducks in a row for leaving in just 18 short days!!!!!!! EEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKK!!! and getting some fresh perspective on life and writing. Yes, there is an eco-tour with a ton of birds (is anyone super tired of birds on this TR yet? LOLOLOL!) and walk through the State Park, and then some more.... birds.

I also offer support to @Captain_Oblivious and @pkondz! I'm still reading along with great interest and think you produce excellent updates! No pressure, of course, but I'm happy to continue to read whatever you come out with. And I hope that even if you don't write a formal TR for your upcoming trips (Disney/Africa!!)....(though maybe we can convince you to change your mind!??)...that you'll maybe come back to share some highlights with us.

Yes, I do believe after putting some thought into things that I will. I know there will be experiences that will just have to be shared and that many of my readers contributed financially to get me there to serve and teach, so it makes sense that they would want to hear how we as a TEAM made a difference.

Okay, jumping on the bandwagon with @Captain_Oblivious, @pkondz and @MeghanEmily.
Your TRs are nothing, if not quality and we've enjoyed you sharing with us.
Even if you don't have the time to do a formal or full blown TR, we'd love to hear about the Africa trip and other Disney goings on.

Yes, you all have me convinced that I indeed will. It's not often a trip like this one will be happens, and the stories will need to be told.

To be 100% clear...I was not saying that to try to make you feel guilty or you'd let us down or anything. I have really enjoyed reading your TRs and it was more of a selfish no. I will reiterate...I know you've got a lot going on, so I understand not having time for everything.
On a different note, PM me your address. I just saw the movie "Same kind of different as me" and something in the movie (well many) struck a chord with me and I need to send you something.

OH no, I didn't take it like that at all. Just was definitely feeling overwhelmed and wasn't sure how I'd be able to, or if it was really worth it to add the last chapter, maybe 2. But it appears there are those still interested, so will finish it up, but not until I return. I have the other TR (on the Disneyland side) to finish for sure before I leave, so Kari can add to it when she gets back. But, again, working some good hours the next 3 weeks, including some night shifts, so even that's going to be a stretch. Still have to buy gifts to give to the Village Chiefs where we're going, cook more meals for my family for while I'm gone, and a million other little details all in 18 days- many of which I'm working.

PM coming...

I am repeating myself again...
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE MA'AM.

Awww, thanks, so much.

 

[Steppesister]

What a perfectly Florida Vacation day, minus the Speedo!

I just... I just don't get that! I mean. Just no.

I didn't sense the waning in interest, because it's way more than I had on my TR (which I didn't finish) the whole time! I do understand, though, and I appreciate you sharing the
Florida part of your trip. Enjoy your planning for the next one, I'll see you on Facebook, and we'll be in the same state by June!

I wish you could have finished yours, Tammie. I was really enjoying the stories and photos of all those cuties in your family!

And yes!! You have my number; when you get here, call me up! We can def get together and well,.... I was thinking of hosting a little mini PNW Meet here at the house like we did a few years back. Disney POTLUCK again!!!!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[pkondz]

Hmm, I know I have a LOT of junk in my attics.

eep!

Yes! And well, maybe after come back and re-charge a bit after my trip(s) I can finish this up. I have a little sweet surprise on the last day of laying in that chair. Maybe if I become re-motivated to write a last chapter or two up I can tell you about that.

yay!!! I hope you do... but totally understand if you don't.

Welcome to the Hotel California.... what a nice surprise...

Bring your alibis?

Is it Kool Aid?

I suppose if Mr. Speedo could provide entertainment, so could I.

The Flab Factor is hiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh.

Very mild, actually. I'd never tried it either, but was pleasantly surprised.

Interesting. Perhaps someday I'll have an opportunity to try it too.

I can get a bit car sick if I try to read on curves, but seem to do okay on boats. Then again, I"m looking out usually too. I've got dramamine for the boat trip from the airport to the mainland for Sierra Leone.

I can't read in the car either. There lies pukeville.

They didn't even seem to notice me... just glided on past without even a second glance.

It's when they notice you that you have to worry.

"Dum, de dum de dum... just swimming, not a care in the world... hmmm... getting kinda hungry, what's this?"

I think I was really just losing my mojo and motivation. Life is so busy right now, and until I get back, there's no end in sight. I was finding it hard to reply to the threads I love reading so much (including yours!) and felt rushed to update to finish before leaving. But, looks like folks are really wanting the last chapters, so will seriously consider coming back to it when I get back.

Totally understand. Life can be busy, and for you, lately, it's been especially so.
I'm glad you're considering it, but please don't feel pressured to do so.

THanks for the kick in the pants that I needed!

I'm truly sorry if you feel that I've done that! Not my intent at all!!
The choice on whether you have the time and/or desire to complete this rests wholly with you.

I think after thinking about it more, I really need to. As a way of debriefing myself if for nothing else. Yes, it does take a lot of time, especially now that I will have to figure out a new photo hosting platform, but will indeed share- many of my readers have financially supported this trip and is right and good that I share the good things that I know we're all in store for.

Well, I for one will look forward to reading all about it!

 

[pkondz]

Just remember that the DIS is a hobby that you can participate in if you have spare time, not an iron-clad committment of each morsel of spare time that you have.

Words of wisdom.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I think I had a momentary (somewhat lingering) moment of feeling overwhelmed and just wasn't "feelin' it". It was feeling like work instead of fun, so thought a rest might be good. The funny, the work pictures, etc... it was all just taking a lot of effort to come. But, like @pkondz says, I think maybe a rest, some re-charge time and fresh perspective might be just the ticket.

I know what you mean. Hard to be "on" all the time. There are some updates I do that I know are fun because I was laughing while writing them, and others that I feel like are just done out of obligation to keep things moving. Everybody needs a break.

Just remember that the DIS is a hobby that you can participate in if you have spare time, not an iron-clad committment of each morsel of spare time that you have.

What she said!

 

[cinderkelly]

I was sad to read that you were ending his TR. but we completely understand where that thought comes from.... as I’ve totally let the cobwebs settle in on my own.

Real life is busy and as Donna said DIS is a choice, not an obligation and I was kind of feeling that way myself.

Take some time and come back to it when you have the passion for it again. It will come and we will still be here when you do.

 

[afwdwfan]

The only cure for my damaged eyeballs was to take another sip of my mojito and close my eyes.

That must have been a strong mojito if a sip was all it took.

I’m a fan of unlimited hot water in hotels because I’m lucky to get hot water in my house with 2 teens and a college-aged leech. I will hog the water all I can on vacay and, without shame, leave a trail of power bill destruction behind me.

For $IDon’tRemember.50

That's some great TR writing! Giving us every last detail!

I can say that on the 30-minute trip out to our first stop, I learned a bit about captaining a boat and what it takes to become a captain. It’s WAY more than I thought and the licensing exams sound pretty tough.

Wow... so is that next on the list after the pilot's license?

I SWAM WITH SHARKS AND TURTLES!!!!!

And you lived to tell about it!!!!

Portland Trailblazers go a season without one of their players going to prison.

They've got a good one now... Biggie!

But it took work! Let’s just say my lungs did not appreciate the 3 or 4 tubes full of water they were baptized with over the course of the 2 hours I was in the water.

Only 3 or 4? You lie!

Ok, ok, I know I've been slow to get here, but I get it. You've definitely got a lot on your plate, so if you need to abandon us in the Keys... well, I guess there are worse places to be abandoned.