Baby Let's Cruise...

Norwegian Sky

So I went on a much needed vacation this past memorial weekend.  It was awesome!  Definitely a Norwegian Cruise Line fan.  What makes this trip special is that I actually didn't go with any of my girlfriends.  This vacay was traveled with my sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, and 3 cousins.  Sure, I had my doubts, and that I may pull my hair out; but surprisingly I had an amazing time and can't wait to do it again with the family!  I must give a personal shout-out to my brother-in-law who held the bar down with me. Come on, you really didn't think I was gonna have a dry weekend did you?! 

This trip (in addition to the many cute Caribbean guys I've met) single-handily convinced me that my life needs to be near a beach. We visited Norwegian's private beach, Great Stirrup Cay, and I thought I wouldn't enjoy being around all the people that were vacationing on the ship, but it was amazing. We had so much fun soaking up the sun.  Nassau, Bahamas stole my heart.  Our tour guide was phenomenal (conch fritters anyone?), the scenery was beautiful, and the locals were hospitable (a free scooter ride to the bar? OK!).  I may not move to an island, but Florida is looking really nice on my radar right now.  If this writing thing pans out for me, I'm so there. A girl can dream can't she?



Great Stirrup Cay



Condos at Atlantis Resort



The staterooms and service were excellent.  I've never been in a twin bed that was so comfortable. It made my old days in a dorm bed feel like I slept on a prison cot all those years.  The crew was on auto-pilot with the niceness. I never saw any of them get frustrated, curse under their breath, anything.  They weren't annoyingly nice, just enough to make me muster a smile and actually say good morning...despite my not being a morning person AND after my sister woke me up at 7am to go  sightseeing. To make me smile after that takes some good energy/aura.  Thumbs up!

Last but not least, I was pleasantly surprised to find that just because this was a "family friendly" cruise, the party scene was  so fun!  Clubs, deck parties, BARS, you name it.  It was fun for the entire family, until 1am... then the kiddies had to go to bed (or party in Aunt Tiff's room b/c of course I had an ipod dock:-) and it was adult fun time!  It really was no different than your typical night spot: there was a girl puking her guts out in the club bathroom. Just another Saturday night in Manhattan, right? 

White Hot Deck Party. My view from the stage:-)

My only undewhelming experience was touring the Atlantis resort.  I don't suggest visiting unless you are actually staying there. You can walk through a casino on the ship. I will end my cruise wrap-up by saying I highly recommend Norwegian for your cruising needs, I loved vacationing with my family, and I have one kick-ass tan.  Yes, black girls like getting tan also:-)

Disclaimer: I did use SPF 100+, we have to be careful! Sunscreen protection is key in the prevention of melanoma.

My Open Letter to Scumbag Parents....

There is an old saying that children "don't ask to be born."  Of course when it comes from a rebellious teenager, their mouths should be washed out with soap. But when put in the context of adult speak, it is so profound. 

Mr. Schwarzenegger, being a man will always trump being a conservative Republican.  With that being said, the fact that you cheated on your wife and had a lovechild is neither surprising nor unexpected- especially since you are a politician.    However, taking away a young man's chance to grow up as a brother to his half-siblings or a son to his father is inexcusable.  Who were you really trying to protect here?  You impregnate your housekeeper WHILE YOUR WIFE IS PREGNANT and instead of being a decent human being by owning up to responsibility, you kindle the fire to dark family secrets and psychological despair.  For someone who does not believe in abortion, you definitely made a lane for it.  Just because your son is alive doesn't mean you didn't abort him.  You did. Own it and live with it. Scumbag.

Mildred Baena, of course women also cheat, and you are just as responsible for this mess as the Terminator.  However, the fact that you strutted your pregnant self around your and his REAL family is some bold shit (sorry, expletive was necessary).  It's ironic that you are now in "hiding."  When you come out, and you will-predictably with Gloria Allred as your lawyer- don't even think of playing the victim.  DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! You were scared to lose your job?  You are a housekeeper. In L.A.  He made you keep quiet? I'm sure he did, but where is your dignity as a mother?  Why would you willingly let your son grow up not knowing his true family?  I hate when parents say they were "protecting" their children.  HOW?  Really, I need you to explain it to me like I'm a 5 yr old.  Did you love this man?  Perhaps. Guess what, I don't give a crap! He was married and so were you.  Did you really think the governor of California would leave his wife for you? I blame JLo. Ladies, Maid in Manhattan is JUST A MOVIE.  No, I'm not cutting Ms. Baena any slack. None.  You chose to have unprotected sex with a married man, and have his child. Yet, despite all of your motherly instincts, you forced him to live a lie for the first 14 yrs of his life: he will spend the rest of it trying to come to terms with the truth. Scumbag.

Juliane McCrery I will not even give you space on my blog.  I am only typing your name so anyone who reads this will know you deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.  There is never an excuse to hurt children. NEVER. Kill yourself.  RIP Camden Hughes and I am prayerful that you will know true love in your next life.    

Women and men without children are often called "selfish."  But isn't having or not having children a selfish act in and of itself? For whatever reason, it is a choice.  And once here, they are little human beings that deserve unconditional love, support, and TRUTH. Whenever a child is hurt as a result of delusional, irrational explanations of trying to protect them, I take it personal. Whether I know the child or not.  I respect my elders, but I respect children even more.

Sincerely,
Opinionated Diva