Cruising

So my wife and I just got back from a Caribbean cruise to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. Cruises are about relaxing, exploring, consuming, and cigars. If you haven't figured out that last one, I encourage you to find out for yourself what I'm talkiing about.

There were people from all walks of life on this ship. I don't care to make a plug for any particular cruise line (at least not unless some sort of complimentary VIP package can be arranged) so I won't mention the ship's ownership; however, I did want to make a couple of observations about last week. First of all, cruises are not only for society's elite... at least not the one I went on. In fact, it would seem that just by making snap judgements, I couldn't figure out why most of those people were on the ship, living it up as it were.

Of course, I only had to lay on the deck soaking up the full Caribbean sun for about half an hour before my judgements of all the people I had seen turned out and looked back at me. Why was I on the cruise after all? Did I look I "should" be on the boat? Was there a more pleasing aroma in my room after I left the cramped little bedroom restroom with the (rather awesome) vaccuum-operated toilet than the couple down the hall who put the whole vacation on their credit card with no intention of paying it off soon?

As much as I'd like to argue with myself, I know the answer is emphatically: no. I came to enjoy myself and my wife and our marriage and get back above the clouds because the day-to-day grind of the real world can poison the soul. We were all meant to do great things and think great thoughts, and it can get pretty difficult if we don't shake things up every once in a while.

It was a great trip. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and I got caught up on all of the stellar smokes being offered in Stokes Cigar Club over the past couple of months that I hadn't found time to enjoy properly. Even more importantly, though, I got to re-evaluate what I was doing with my life and what I would like to do differently to be a better friend, husband, and thinker. I hope you all can find time to do the same soon.