What comes around goes around.

Remember when I was trying to balance a new marriage with 4 college courses? Courses that took time to do the work I was capable of, and that were worthy of my time, and the patience and understanding of a spouse who truly cares about his mate, and would want the best for said mate, their lives together, and the fruits that these courses would soon bring said lives. Momentarily after registering for these classes, I would decide that 4 classes was too much, what with working full-time and trying to be a good new wife, and 2 of those classes could wait. So I dropped them, and finished the other two. And may I say, that was some difficult shit. Not because the courses were difficult. They were easy - it was my home life and the handfuls of shit I was dealt on a daily basis that made it hard as hell. But, bygolly, I finished.

Soon after, I was placed on academic probation because one of the classes I dropped was a basic studies course, and upon my next registration, I'd be forced to complete that course before I'd be allowed non-basic studies courses. I decided I'd go back and take 2 more. The daily dose of shit followed - this time, in greater quantities, and soon, I decided it wasn't worth the emotional turmoil.

So I quit.

And I will probably resent my decision and the actual reason I made that decision until I die. However, being that I try to be one that doesn't particularly dwell on upset, I file this away in the "we were newlyweds, and stupid" file, and go on.

Qué será será.

Until recently.

Hubby decided he'd go back to school.

I'll bet that when men do and say things, they don't expect to later be bitten in the ass by their own bullshit. When it happens, oh, it's a sweet and savory thing.

In a "see how it feels?" sort of way.

Only to be rivaled by the first super-sized bite of sesame chicken.

Since losing a couple of our weekend-only folks, much to my dismay, I find I'll be working some weekends. I hate it. This weekend, I was lucky enough to find someone who wanted to work one of my days. So yesterday instead of working, hubby and I schlepped on down to Monroe for the day and ate at The Olive Garden, then did a little bargain shopping at Sam's Club. Wish I had more money to buy miles of discount toilet paper by the yard and coffee creamer by the gallon. Oh, how I do love a good bargain. Today, I'll be working and NOT going to my yearly family reunion. I wish I could say I'll be missing that annual potluck feast, but they pissed me off last year so I think working will be more fun. Afterall, there is no monetary gain from family reunions.

Bleep-thhhh-pfft (unfortunately, R2D2 can't be translated here)

I was off yesterday, which was a good time for hubby and I to go see sith. I decided to take the elusive runt and his friend with us. It was a good movie if you like the seemingly endless Star Wars saga, and even had all the chick-flick-elements, so girls, this is a two for one. I for one was glad to see how it all came together, Anakin and Padme. Ok, enough of that. Don't want to spoil!

My sister it seems has found herself again (newly single). My good wishes to her, and more on this at a later date.

The force is strong with this one

It's nice to know Julia's back. Her stories are almost a comfort to me, knowing there'll be something great to read when I have the time to blog-read. Whether she's jetting off to a foreign country just to get away from it all, or decapitating nice young men just to get a mental grope from a pair of famous eyebrows, whatever you find, you can bet it's going to be interesting.

And funny - let's not forget funny.

In honor of Sith opening in our fair town, the last couple of days, we've begun the trek* of watching "Star Wars", episodes IV, V, and VI. Why? I don't know. It would seem to make sense to watch episodes I and II first, right? Then, IV, V, and VI. Well, actually I do know. Episodes I and II were out at the video store. What the hell is wrong with the pay movie channels?? Shouldn't those first two be showing back to back constantly right now on one of them? They probably are - I've just missed them. Anyway, needless to say, we are certainly space and force conscious at my house. My husband, being the sci-fi nut that he is, we can't help but to be. We use the force to do everything - from fixing a bowl of cereal to doing the laundry. It's a damn good thing there's no light sabre in my home, which brings me to my next subject.

On the dark side (using the force, of course), might I offer up a bit of advice to any married male readers out there: Be aware that invoking the phrase "...and you need to lose some weight. Let's just throw that one in there too while we're at it" during an already stressful conversation arguement ugly fight about why you aren't getting any at the moment may induce many more sleepless nights.

Do what you will, gentlemen, but before you shove your foot in your mouth, be sure your right hand is your best friend.

Serve you well, it will.**

* Wrong movie. Sorry, it just slipped out.
**Forgive me for using Yoda-speak. Just seems like it fits.

You know, I could sit here waxing on about the senate judiciary standoff and how the republicans are hellbent on having it their way whether it's right or wrong, or I could lament on how incredibly rich "Sith" is making Mr. Lucas, but no. It's my blog, and I think I'll just whine about my own life.

Thank you very much.

But, it'll have to be later because I've just spent all the time I have to whine looking up what's going on with the senate and "Sith".

Another night shrouded in "what are we going to watch tonight?"

This one, though, thwarted with Evil Alien Conquerors. I can't imagine who would belong to a fan club of this movie, but apparently there is such a club, as I saw during my search for the link. A scary thought.

And then, on to In The Heat Of The Night.

As I watch, my mind wanders to what ever happened to my girlfriends. Comrades. Buddies. We're all married now and have very different lives, and new friends. I miss Lori, my best buddy, and wish we lived closer to eachother and could go out once in a while. Have a drink. A girls' night. A few laughs.

Ahhh.

...and this is good news! Glad to know I'll be reading fresh Julia soon. Thanks sass!

Where, oh where has my Julia gone? Where, oh where can she be??

Maybe a meme will find her.

And oh my God. CW's leaving too?

This is not good.

Where Was I?

Oh - the cruise. Well, it was certainly not what I'd hoped it would be, what with all the advertisements of "Las Vegas styled shows" and such. Maybe I blinked, but I didn't see the first Las Vegas style show aboard. However, the food was to die for, as long as we ate in the dining room (the buffet was....well, a buffet. You got what you'd expect from a buffet) and the dining itself paid for the trip. Mexico was beautiful, the weather was marginal.

Hubby was seasick most of the time, and on the way home, caught some sort of stomach virus, thus, making our vacation suck considerable ass.

For me, at least.

And anyone else within earshot, I fear.

So, I'm pleased to present to you the Do's and Don'ts of cruising:

DO take a couple of days extra, b.c. and a.c.* to see the scenery and casino hop if driving to the embarkation port. This time may very well prove to be the best part of your vacation during retrospection.

DON'T intend to board quickly. I don't care if you complete some V.I.P. quick boarding pass thingy online, my hand to God, 100 year old turtles will be unpacked and having a drink on the lido deck before you take the first step on board.

DO attempt to procure drink inclusive tickets for your cruise. If not, your ticket will include all your meals, and drinks, except WHAT YOU CAME TO DRINK.

DON'T use your credit card to set up your sail and sign account while on board, unless of course you have plenty of money to blow, or intend to be sober enough to keep tabs on what you're spending at all times. You will sign for EVERYTHING you buy on the ship. Cash is needed only for the casino.

If you want a robe in your room, DO procure an outside cabin for your cruise. They don't tell you this ahead of time, and if you want cute little robe-animals to be waiting on you each night when you retire, you'll be disappointed if you have an inside cabin. However, it should be noted that you will have towel animals awaiting your return each night and if your trip is anything like mine was, this will be enough to keep up a smile in spite of personal despair.

DON'T assume you'll need a book or fancy electronic translator to get along in Cozumel. Everyone speaks english. Most better than you do.

DO 'accidentally' leave the price tags on everything you buy for family and friends. The exchange rate is about 10 pesos for 1 dollar, and the symbol for peso is $ so everyone will be muy impressed when they see their Cozumel t-shirt cost you $50, or the post card you mailed them (which won't arrive until 3 weeks after you've returned from your trip) cost you $10.50 in

DO visit Senor Frog's or Carlos and Charlie's while in Cozumel. Order a shot. I dare you.

DON'T plan your trip to Mexico during Spring Break week, unless of course you are in high school or college at the time. If you're celebrating your 35th birthday, this will NOT make you feel younger, but will in fact have quite the opposite effect.

DO save every drink umbrella you get - these work wonders for those people you forgot to buy gifts for.

DON'T assume that the ship is large enough to or has stabilizers that will inhibit your ability to feel any rocking or wave motion. You're on a boat. It's in the ocean. THERE WILL BE MOVEMENT, people.

*b.c. - before cruise, a.c. - after cruise