Carnival Liberty or Carnival Liberating?

There are exactly 17 days left til my 1 week Caribbean cruise. You know, the work one I've been counting down for the past 3 months. Up until today I have been sooo excited to be going (sans kids and husband have I mentioned?), but all of a sudden the realization that I will be AWAY from my family far far away floating on the ocean in Hurricane season has hit me. 

Will I be lonely? Even though I will be there with over 10 ppl from work I am worried about this.   If you know me, you know I am not really a huge drinker, so what if that is all they want to do? (a boat full of hairdressers... of course that is what they are going to want to do!) or what if they want to do activities/excursions I dont want to do? I have only been at work for a year and my job is quite solitary so I dont really know know these people yet... Part of me is looking forward to just laying at the pool, reading an actual book and maybe imbibing in a mojito or two.  But how can I do that as a newbie and not seem standoffish/snooty/boring? Sigh... I know it sounds like a tough problem to have...

As well, I just figured out that I will be gone for Thanksgiving weekend.  I already feel guilty enough about leaving my family to do something fun just for me, and now I really feel bad.  Isnt thanksgiving the time of year you get together WITH your family, not run away from them? 

Dont even get me started on my *ahem* physique right now.  Not really "cruise ready" if you catch my drift. another sigh... this is only my fault.  Is it too late for a cleanse??  Who am I kidding...

Will this time away refresh me and make me a better mom/wife/coworker?  I can only hope.  We (moms) all need time just for us without feeling guilty right? Maybe this just feels too fabulous? Maybe its my own "I'm not worthy" feelings creeping in once again?   Is it ok if I have a fantastic time and come home sharing my fun stories and pictures?  Do I deserve this?

Jamaica?? Yes please!  But not sharing it with loved ones or close friends seems weird..

After all of these thoughts/feelings are done swirling around my head I have to remember this:

I am thankful to have a wonderful family
I am thankful to have a great job
I am thankful for this opportunity to go on the cruise
I am thankful to finally have a stable childcare situation
I am thankful my family and I are all healthy

I am sure it will be amazing and that once aboard everything will be ok.  I promise to enjoy every moment.  Afterall, look at the ship.... how can I not?

bedtime

Haha... ok, now that I've got this up and running its time for bed!  Dont expect anything more until the weekend after the Fall sip and swap at Jens place tomorrow night!  Going to be a great time - and its for charity!  Chat later

First Post!

I really didnt need another online vice to take me away from "real life", but sometimes there are things going on that require more than 140 characters.  I guess I can write what I like on here and not worry that I am bothering people with my "family" stuff.  Its my stuff and I figured I need a place to let it out.  So here goes...