The Royal Wedding, or My Confession

I have a confession. For the last few weeks, I've been one of those people who shake their head at the mention of the Royal Wedding & wonder why people are making such a huge deal. I mean, we're not British, they're not our future royalty, right?

I do care about fashion, however, so this morning when I got to work, I went to CNN.com to get a look at the dress. It took all of 5 seconds to get sucked in! So yes, I spent my day watching the video (I still maintain it was crazy to wake up for it) and oohing and aahing at all the coverage. I teared up when Wills said, "I love you. You're beautiful" when Kate made it to the end of the alter.

So in tribute, I tried to find a romantic picture to commemorate the day. I've been wanting to show these for a while, so we're going to pretend that the names carved into this bamboo tree in Jamica say "Wills & Kate".

We're also going to pretend that's her way off in the background on the right - maybe on her honeymoon, gazing wistfully at the sea while thinking, "Oh my God, I married a PRINCE!"

And for the record, I've also decided that Harry is quite the hottie, much like his older brother. But that's a topic for another day.

Water Colors

I'm always fascinated by the vibrant colors of anywhere tropical and Jamaica was no exception. The ocean looks amazing and I like the other patches of color here and there.

Loving the Light

This was me trying to be a little artsy while I was taking pictures one day when we were at sea. I like how the colors & lighting turned out. This just says "spa" & "clean" to me.

Matthew would be proud

While in Jamaica, my husband & daughter climbed Dunn's River Falls. I decided to go the observer route, due to bad knees, but selfishly, it also gave me the opportunity to take tons of pictures. I got some gorgeous ones, but after a while, I decided to use what I learned in class last year & play with my shutter speed for a different effect. I loved the result on this one!

But... I don't wanna leave!

We got home from our vacation last night - **heavy sigh** - it was wonderful. I thought about refusing to leave & just wrapping myself around the balcony of the ship, but I figured my family might be a tad embarrassed. It was everything I wanted it to be - relaxing, fun, no worries. I've been going through pictures tonight & thought this was a good one to start with:

This was a view of the Boardwalk, from above, where you can see the Carousel, the Aqua Theater & the rooms overlooking this area of the ship. The smaller red umbrellas that can be seen are outside of Johnny Rocket's - YUM!

Bon Voyage!

I originally posted a different picture, then realized I had already posted it last September. I needed something tropical to post, since we're leaving for a cruise tomorrow! I've been so excited, given all that the past year has brought. I can't wait! I should be packing now, but I'm a procrastinator, so I'd rather wait until the last minute so I get to experience the panic of not having enough time to think clearly while I pack.

This is a private island right off of Key West that I took on our last cruise in 2009. I plan to live there one day, since it's only accessible by boat. Until that day comes (i.e. I win the lottery), I'll settle by taking cruises & beach trips.

Besides the obvious reasons for being excited, I'm really looking forward to all the photo ops I'll have! See you in a week.

Cheaper than a therapist

I'm struggling, but trying to stay in the happy place.

On a related note, we've officially booked a cruise for Spring Break 2011. I'm not sure what excites me more... the open sea, the beaches or having my camera along.

An old favorite

This is one of my all time favorite pictures and I can't believe that I've never posted it before. This was taken in Cozumel, Mexico. The Mariachi band played while the little girl danced. As cute as it was, it was all about money. The minute they saw you attempting to take a picture, they would stop and ask to be paid for the photo op.

Always the rebel, I used my zoom lens from the 2nd floor of the shopping area where we were. I'm sorry if I cheated them, but the girl was precious and the little boy was pretty hilarious. He obviously didn't care for the family business as much as his sister did.

The Happy Place

Life is just extra hard right now, so I find myself more & more going to my happy place. Yes, that includes fantasies of me on the beach.

I took this picture from the ship when we went on a Disney cruise. This is their private island, where we stopped on the last day. I had almost forgotten how blue the water is. What I wouldn't give to be here right now...

It was only a matter of time

Ok, I'll admit it. Not one day has gone by that I haven't thought of the beach since my trip. This is where I want to be. Period.

Crazy for the Storm

Our first night at the beach, we had a storm roll in, complete with huge streaks of lightening. I got a chance to test my skills with slower shutter speeds & my tripod. Sure - I still need a lot of work, but I got a few cool pictures.

On a side note, this title seemed applicable, but this is actually the name of a wonderful, amazing non-fiction book that I highly recommend - Crazy for the Storm, by Norman Ollstead.

Insert toes here

I'm home from my trip and I'm already feeling like I've been punched in the stomach by the real world. I'd like to be able to walk along the beach right about now and dip my toes in the water. It was so much more effective than a therapist.

Sunset

This is Gulf Shores, Alabama - a few miles from where we're staying. I took this picture from the pier. I wish I had something profound or witty to write, but I can only just sigh. I love it here.

Heaven

The beach is my most favorite place in the world to be. Yesterday, while floating in the ocean, I mentioned that if I only had a bottle of water, everything would be perfect. Thirty minutes later, a lady offered me one. It truly was perfection.

Key West

I went through some old pictures tonight and came across this one. This is the view of Key West from the balcony of the Disney cruise we took in 2009. I'm headed to the beach in 15 days and am already starting to get vacation-itis.

I love NY

With the latest scare in Times Square, I've had New York on my mind. One of my favorite memories is Crif Dogs. Before our trip in 2008, I asked a few locals where to get a good hot dog and the answer was a resounding "Crif Dogs in Greenwich Village!"

On a Sunday afternoon, we took a cab and the cabbie kept asking if we were sure we had the right address. I loved the entire neighborhood and the atmosphere. As you can see in the picture, we had to go to the basement, where we found a very small establishment, but it was so "New York". I  couldn't get enough! The hot dog was pretty darn good too.

Sorry, Kumar

I suppose if I grew up with White Castle, I'd love it, but I didn't... we had Krystal where I'm from. They all closed over 15 years or so and every so often, I get a craving with no way to satisfy it.
One of our final stops on our anniversary trip was the Krystal on Elvis Presley Blvd. I think the location just made it taste that much better!

Remember the Alamo

I am always amazed by how the Alamo is right in the middle of the city, but I always enjoy seeing it. I'll admit that it makes me think of 2 things every time...
I'm sure I should pretend it's something to do with the missions or the battles, but those who know me will understand that my life is wrapped up in TV, movies & pop culture. I totally think of Selena & Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

Pee-wee: Aren't we gonna see the basement?
Tina: [laughs] There's no basement at the Alamo! 

That line gets me every time.

One last NYC picture

There's something about the Essex House that I've always loved. I'm not even sure the significance of it, but I love the way this picture turned out.

Wishing I was here...

New York City, at sunset. I can almost smell the hot dogs and roasted nuts.