Finally, a real vacation

So, I'm heading out tomorrow to fly to Miami for a seven-day Caribbean Cruise leaving Sunday. I've had an impossibly busy last 3 months dispensing justice to those least desiring it, so I'm counting down the minutes until my relaxing 10-day weekend starts.

At least I hope it's relaxing. I return from almost every single vacation more exhausted than when I left. One of my personality flaws is an unrealistic expectation of the number of things I can accomplish in a given time, so I tend to overbook every minute of my life. This is why I don't blog more often. And also why I forgot to call you back last night.

Anyway, my wife and I are vowing not to do that this time (Except in San Juan, where there's just too much we want to see to fit in the 8 hours we are there. You don't expect me to stop overcommitting cold turkey, right?). Instead, I'm hoping to sit in the sun and stare blankly into the sun for 7 straight days, taking the occasional crumpet or fruit-influenced drink that the poolside attendants bring my way.

Every day when you cruise you get a list of activities for the next day, which all sound fabulously entertaining on paper. Half of the time these things are great, but the other half, the champagne art auction is usually low on champagne and high on high pressure sales pitches for bad art; the trivia is filled with loud talkers and questions about obscure 1940s cinema; and the production shows are less entertaining than the karaoke in the back lounge.

I love crusing, but unless you are going for a non-stop party (which is in fact a very good reason to cruise), the endless supply of available activities can defeat the purpose of getting away from an overburdened life. I'm not going to let that happen this time. I'm going to sleep in, sit on my private balcony, eat well, and maybe sing some Elvis if there's the usual nightly karaoke.

I can't wait. I'll tell you all about it when I come back.

If I come back.