Cruise Time

Right after school got out and Dereck completed his Middle School Mathematics test, we headed out of town to Los Angeles, in particular Long Beach, and boarded the Carnival cruise lines for a cruise down the Mexican coast. Great time to relax, spending time with Dereck, catch up on reading I've missed out during the school year, and explore.

[**Update as of June 18th, Dereck passed his Middle School math test. He is now officially certified to teach middle school math in addition to elementary. It appears that he is on track to teach 7th or 8th grade math.]



This was Dereck's first cruise ever (unless you count working on a Naval Amphibious Carrier).

Sunday - Prior to boarding the ship, we had about 2 hours to kill time so we decided to head to the beach in Long Beach. We couldn't figure out why it was so difficult to find a parking spot or why the major street was blocked off until we saw so many gay and lesbian couples walking around. Once we found parking to walk to the beach, we came across Long Beach's Gay Pride Parade. After exploring the beach for 2 hours, we headed to the boat. Waiting in lines for about 2 1/2 hours for various processes IS NOT FUN. Ship sailed. We explored the boat. Met some wonderful people who worked hard to serve us dinner every evening.

 The awesome window nook was perfect for reading with a couple of pillows.

Monday - Sailing on the sea, spent most of the afternoon laying on a comfortable lounge chair reading a good book on my iPad (great traveling device for books)

Tuesday - Cabo San Lucas - we went zip-lining and I screamed to my hearts content

Dereck forgot to tip his head back and smile!

They called this hold the Mexican Butterfly.

Wednesday - another day at Cabo San Lucas exploring the town and BEACH (coming from a native Seattlite who only sees the beach now once or twice a year)

Thursday - Puerto Vallarta, took a taxi to the "romantic" beach and enjoyed a lovely stroll on the boardwalk

Friday, Saturday - Sailing on the sea - enjoyed the numerous on board shows

Sunday - returned to LA, drove down to San Diego and walked around downtown San Diego exploring the shops, local dog park, enjoying the cool weather

Monday - spent our honeymoon in San Diego watching a movie at the theater, walking around town, enjoying the company of my husband

Tuesday - laid on the beach reading my book in San Diego. Oh, I got sunburnt on the back of my thighs below my swimming shorts after laying in the sun for only 30 minutes. Ouch it hurt!

Overall, a fun and relaxing trip. Now we're ready to work!