There are times to be grumpy and today, time is the reason I am grumpy. First of all if someone offers you a free vacation staying at the Star Presidente Hotel in Genoa, Italy or a weeks camping on the Kashmir boarder……………….take the camping trip. Now, there may be a chance that while you are pitching your tent that the Indian and Pakistan armies who spend each and every day taking pot shots at each other with tanks may drop the odd shell on you………………….but at least you have a chance of getting something to eat and drink.
Honestly, its incredible…………this hotel has a huge sign hanging outside with four huge gold stars on it……………one for every person who works here.
Heidi and I went for breakfast this morning and I dared to order an espresso. The waiter looked at me as though I had just ordered baboon on toast and even made a clucking noise with his lips. Well of he went…………….to Colombia to get the sodding coffee as it took 15 minutes before he arrived back to the table with my tiny drop of coffee. The thing is there is hardly anyone staying here and at breakfast we were the only ones there — apart from one very timid-looking Japanese couple who had probably asked the waiter for something and had been there waiting for it since 2005.
I would have looked at my watch to see exactly how long I had been waiting but had to resort to the clock on my raspberry……………and that made me very sad.
After many years of faithful loving service, my watch has gone wrong. It just chooses random moments of the day to work and that just won’t do. Now, Heidi will tell you that there is no point in me having a watch as time keeping is not one of my strongest attributes. However, I love this watch. I saved up hard earned money to buy my Audermars Piget master time piece that now despite the loving care and attention I have given it has decided to just stop working……………….this is annoying especially as I shall now have to go to a shop and buy a replacement.
Yes, I know I could send it to the menders but as I cant even get an Italian waiter to get me a bloody coffee how the heck am I going to get someone here to understand me that I want him to repair my watch?
However, I need a watch, how the heck am I going to tell time?……..Use the moon? For me, going around without a watch is worse than going around with my trouser zip open.
It also brings me on to the biggest problem I’ve found in my quest to find a new timepiece. There’s a world of choice out there but everything is unbelievably expensive and fitted with a whole host of features that no one could possibly ever need.
I have flown many times across the Atlantic but at no point in the 9-hour flight did I think: “Damn. I wish my watch had an altimeter because then I could see how far from the ground I am.”…………….That’s the pilot’s job………….Let me sit here and enjoy my Diet Coke and breathe in other peoples farts.
You might think, then, that my demands are simple. I don’t want my new watch to open bottles. I don’t want it to double up as a device to remove nose hair
I just want something that tells the time, not in Hong Kong or St. Tropez, but here, now, clearly and with no fuss.
However, in recent months someone has decided that the watch says something about the man. And that having the right timepiece is just as important as having an Italian designer suit, your hair designed by someone called Sergio and a watch that is advertised by a supermodel, a tennis player, a racecar driver or David bloody Beckham.
Then we have my mate Danny, who has a collection of watches. Yes, a collection. But despite this he has just spent thousands of pounds on a watch made by Frank Muller. And I can’t see why.
Except of course, I can. Seiko can sell you a reliable watch that has a backlight for the hard of seeing, a compass, a stopwatch and a built in AK 47 all for $49.99. And that’s because the badge says Seiko. Which is another way of saying that you have no style, no sense of cool and that you cruise on RCI.
To justify the enormous prices charged these days, watchmakers all have idiotic names, like Bleijenborgen and Ross or IWC which also makes root beer.
Then there are the watch companies who claim to make timepieces for fighter pilots and cruise ship captains. Then there is a watch company who claim to make watches for Special Forces soldiers, who need a good watch to see what time they shot Osama Bin Timex.
What’s more, all of the watch companies say they have been making watches, in shacks in the remote Swiss village of Toblerone, for the last one thousand years.
How many craftsmen are there in the mountains I wonder? Millions, by the sound of it. You see them on the watch adverts in the glossy magazines all wearing brown coats and holding a pair of tweezers used to make a watch heavier than a Cadillac for Pee Diddly to wear on his wrist.
For now though, I will have to use the raspberry to tell time and buy a watch from the gift shops onboard until I get mine repaired ….bugger.
Yesterday we all read the wonderful piece by my friend Peter Shanks describing the visit of Queen Elizabeth 2nd to see the Queen Elizabeth 2nd. I apologize but I forgot to send in the following photos showing this unique event……………so…………..better late than never…….here they are.
Not one to usually show her emotions, Queen Elizabeth is seen here smiling, content in the knowledge that her legacy and the legacy of the Windsors will sail into history thanks to the liners of Cunard. I am sure everyone at Cunard, Carnival Corporation and the Arison family must be so proud to see her Majesty smile.
These photos will be preserved and become part of royal history and of course compliment Cunard’s vast collection of their historic and proud past which now also has an exciting present and an even more exciting future. I wonder if one day Cunard will name a ship King William?
It’s another day of sitting in the hotel lobby or as Heidi and I have started calling it the Gobi Desert preparing Carnival Capers etc. Tomorrow I have a meeting at the shipyard so I will pop back onboard and snap some more photos for you all. More staff arrived today and all are excited to be part of this special event. Three more containers arrived today with the remaining scenery and costumes in them and slowly, very slowly things are starting to fall into place.
OK, its time to go. Heidi is sitting here waiting to use the lap top dancer thingy to continue making her new Carnival Capers. This works by her designing them and occasionally she will ask my opinion on scheduling and what show we should present, meal times etc etc. I am not allowed to talk to her during this process as it breaks her concentration. I know how she feels; I can’t stand it when she shouts at me through the toilet door when I am doing my number twos.
During that toilet time and now when I am waiting for her to ask me a question I read. I love reading; it stimulates me and takes my mind away from all the concerns of a new ship start up. Normally, I read the British and English language newspapers which in Naples and other European cities I have been to, are easy to find……….they may be a day old but that’s OK. Here in Genoa however it seems that nobody has heard of the English language in either spoken or written form……………..therefore I have no newspapers and have had to resort to reading Heidi’s magazines.
I like magazines. I like ones about cars and things I will never be able to afford. I like Cigar Aficionado but hate the fact that cigars are now featured in just two pages and the rest is about the world’s most pointless game…..golf.
What I don’t like are Heidi’s gossip magazines about why Jennifer Aniston is crying and that Gwyneth Paltrow has named her new baby Diet Coke. I like looking at the pictures in National Geographic magazine of people who’ve been eaten by sharks and who were lost in the jungle and had to eat their own arm.
For me, a trip to the dentist is a hideous brush with the concept of torture, pain and despair. However, what I do is get there two hours early so I can spend some time lost in a world of Vogue and Clothing for Dogs magazine. I even like to bury my nose in the spine of a magazine and take in some of the glue used to stick the free samples of crap they stick between the pages.
I love that smell, and it certainly helps at the dentist’s because by the time I actually get to the chair I’m so high there’s no need for those savage Novocain injections. He could actually cut my whole head off with a carving knife and I wouldn’t feel a thing.
However, it was while I was reading a 400-page magazine with 399 pages of advertising in it that I came across an article about the availability of Botox. Apparently it used to be available only to the rich and tanned and from private hospitals in Costa Rica ………. now……….according to the magazine it is affordable and in years to come will be sold in pots and found next to jars of mayonnaise in Publix.
Until then you can actually get a Botox thingy on cruise ships. One line (I will not mention which one) has this procedure available at their Spa. Again, I can’t say what cruise line is doing this but allegedly therapists wander the huge lines of people who are getting old and wrinkly waiting as they have been for years to get a table at one of the freestyle dining rooms……………you may have to wait forever but at least you will have lips the size of saucers by the time you get a table.
Time to go……………I think……………..as I don’t have a watch………………I am still wearing it as you will see from these photos…………..why…………well it tells the right time……..twice a day.
Here are photos of the lobby and bar………….it’s 12:35pm.
Bugger all service
John blogging
Bugger all service
A Ghost Town
Just John
Goodnight
Your friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John:
I have always said the only difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys.
Yes, David has his Breitling (which apparently make a watch that will send a signal and tell the search party where you are if you get lost in the deep forests of the world and need rescue).
This remarkable watch is so remarkable…that it has to have a winder. An actually piece of equipment to keep it wound properly!
But I can’t complain, because I have my Rolex. Not because it is a superior time piece, but for the most important reason of all…it looks pretty!!!
Just walked my 2 miles this morning…..
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ and 2 pounds lighter)
John, I’m glad you are now finally knocking the freestyle dinning “allegedly therapists wander the huge lines of people who are getting old and wrinkly waiting as they have been for years to get a table at one of the freestyle dining rooms……………”. I love the “walk right in sit right down” set dinner times. The only people that stand in line for the traditional dinning are those who for some reason arrive 15 minutes early to be first in line so they can trample Ken to death when he opens the doors.
John, Timeless in Genoa, if I remember didn’t somebody give you a watch at your birthday party on the first Bloggers Cruise.
BIG ED
John, surely you and Heidi can find something to do in your room instead of wasting time in that lobby…
Looks a nice hotel, maybe they dont want to get anything dirty or move anything out of place, like in those posh boutiques that never seem to have anyone in them.
“I like magazines. I like ones about cars and things I will never be able to afford.”
Oh, so you’ve started reading Gallon of Gasoline Monthly?
I’m so sorry you and Heidi have to rattle around in that empty lobby. I wish I could come and have a Diet Coke with you. (Actually, I don’t. Diet Coke tastes like it was made with the water they pumped out of New Orleans after Katrina. I’d make mine a Diet Dr. Pepper instead.)
Speaking of New Orleans, any more info on the pre-Bloggers’ Cruise? Also, I’m pretty sure I’m going to follow Big Ed’s lead and book back-to-back, any chance you and Heidi can stay on the Fantasy for 4 more days?
Fortunately, your sense of humor didn’t die along with your timepiece. This was an absolutely brilliant blog, even accompanied by photos to drive home your points!!
You had me laughing like an idiot, John, and I needed it after dealing with brain dead no-help desk people all morning. I can sympathize with you about your espresso.
More pictures of QE aboard the QE2! Wonderful!!!
We’re all anxiously awaiting more pictures of the Splendor!!!
Have a great evening, John. Offer my howdies to Heidi and my thanks to Steph for all of her hard work!!!
Ciao!!
GregB
dude! nice ship!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
ATTENTION ALL
On my blog I added a new page for anybody doing a Back To Back (BTB) on the 2009 Blogger Cruise. This will help all going to know who else is on it. This is open to ALL going on it. Just click on my name at the top of this comment to go to my blog then click on “DOING BTB” on the top. Just leave your info in a comment and I will move it up to the list.
BIG ED
Say what you will, buy I bought my Seiko in Saigon in 1967 and it stills runs great. You only need the time of day afterall.
Bob
John and Heidi,
I am trying to catch up with everything that has been going on with the blog. It is certainly a busy time for everyone involved with the Splendor.
I have been trying to see if you had announced the Godmother. So far, I have not seen it,however, I may be just missing it!
Okay, John, you’ve been talking a lot about losing weight. I could certainly afford to lose some also. Here is the deal……I am not going to do anything until after the Splendor. After I return home, I am going to donate money for weight lost to the American Cancer Society. Last Friday night I did Relay for Life with a group of friends. We did it in memory of a teacher who died last August from cancer. My professional mentor died in January of 2007, also a victim of cancer. It is time for me to lose the weight and this will motivate me! So……..I can enjoy the Splendor and then return home and jump into a weight loss program.
Looking forward to seeing the two of you in 39 days!
Ruth
Dear John I must tell you how much I enjoy you Blog Thingy as you so aptly call it. I was chuckling so hard my DW thought I had lost what little sense I have left. But I must tell you time is only moments upon more moments woven together. So instead of watching time enjoy everyone of those moments. Just food forthought.
Best Wishes
Gary and Bug
Hi John.
I’ve still got two Seikos…
One is a late 1980′s LCD digital in stainless steel, the other is a 1970′s digital… but not LCD. Not even LED.
It’s got two wheels with numbers on them, that rotate (yes – old fashioned clockwork) so the numbers show through a rectangular window.
I got it for Christmas when I was much, much younger – and even though we were on holiday in Spain at the time, I wouldn’t go swimming all holiday, because I didn’t want to take it off! Finally I was persuaded to go for a swim on New Year’s Day – but only because Mum promised to keep it safe, and not to look away, let alone knit – for even a moment!
It’s still absolutely mint – and I dare say it must be pretty rare – and maybe it could be valuable too. It holds a few memories, that does.
My day-to-day watch is a Tag Heuer, bought on board RCL (sorry, sorry, yes, I admit it – I am a cruise line tart!) with enough functions to time how long the Italian waiters take to do anything, and I have a 1970′s Rolex that lives in an electric winder and gets worn on special occasions only.
I guess you need to drop Heidi a few hints……. tell her that having a precious watch that she bought you around your wrist will be like holding her hand when you cannot…….. do you think that will work?
Must go – I’m flying to Barcelona on Friday to join (ahem) Navigator of the Seas.
Yes, I’m being unfaithful again. Sorry about that.
However, I promise not to go rock-climbing …. and if there are any jokes made about Carnival, I will complain to the CD straight away.
Hello John & Heidi,
OK, I’ve never been accused of being hip or trendy, but I’ve also never sailed on RCI. Seiko makes a good watch. My dad worked construction for years, wore his Seiko every day, and never had a problem with it.
I know what you mean about your watch, though. I had a Pulsar that my dad gave me in the late 70′s. Even though the eleven fell off and got lost somewhere inside the watch years ago, I still wore it because it had sentimental value. Then it started losing and gaining time while I was on my last vacation. (My first Princess cruise.) Ok, I thought, I really need to think about replacing this watch. Then I went snorkeling at Princess’ private island. It’s been years since I went snorkeling, and I remembered to take off my glasses, but not my watch. Oh, well. I bought one of those “Fossil” watches in the gift shop onboard. I’m wearing one of those “free” watches that we got for a jewelry purchase in St. Maarten until I get a chance to go to the jeweler and have the extra links taken out. You know what we say around here? “If you’re going to be stupid, you better be tough.”
Hang in there John, you’ll be on the ship soon!
The hotel looks lovely but oh so lonely. It’s not August so people should still be in Italy. No coffee would be a disaster in my case so I hope you survived on the few drops.
My father brought me a good watch from Naples around 1945 and I wore it for over twenty years before the repairman said, “No more, you have to let it go.” Now I buy ten dollar watches at the flea market and they do all I need. They tell me what time it is!
Dear John,
Really funny blog today. Are you staying in the Italian version of The Bates Motel? I’d be very careful in the shower if I was you!
Arrevederchi
Smiffy
Hi to John & Big Ed:
Yes, Big Ed, we did give John an Aston Martin watch as a birthday gift on BC#1, but I’m sure it wasn’t of the highest quality – otherwords, it probably stopped working after a day or so.
See ya’ all in Feb. 2009 !!!
Certainly wish we could get over to go on the Splendor, but funds are a little short. We’re still waiting “for our ship to come in”. It sounds absolutely terrific !!!
Hi John/Heidi:
Have you heard of Jacob the Jeweler in NYC who sells watches for a minimum of $100K? He has some ridiculous time pieces.
What ever happened to Timex, Swatch, Seiko, etc? Granted I enjoy wearing my Tag, but i’m just as comfy wearing my Ironman Timex digi watch.
Great pictures of the Queens. Its cool to see something that will be remembered in history.
Thanks for posting today and looking forward to hearing more.
Enjoy that espresso
David
John, you forgot to mention dive watches. My watch, which I have had for over 40 years, is listed for use down to 300 atmospheres. John, one atmosphere is approximately 33 feet or 10 metres.
That means I can dive down to almost 9,900 feet or 3,00o metres and still know what time it is.
Although, over the years I have dove quite deep; I have never had the nerve to test my watch to it’s proposed limit.
The other good thing about my watch is that it also has an alarm feature. I set it every night as a backup to my plug in alarm clock. It has saved me a few times when our power has gone out overnight due to storms.
A good watch, like a gentleman with style, will never go out of fashion.
Hello there John,
Oddly enough, the only time I ever wear a watch is on a cruise. I wear one then to I make sure I make it back to the ship on time while I’m in port and get to the piano bar early enough to get a seat around the piano! LOL!
I’m a fan of the Swatch watches, they’re pretty durable. A normal swatch is rated waterproof to about 90 feet (30 meters). I accidentally wore it on a dive that went to 115 feet, and it kept right on going! Like Jeff Therrien, I don’t ever go much deeper, too much work. So after that I figured why pay double for the dive version of the Swatch when a regular works just fine!
The worst part for me is finding a watch that has actually numbers on the dial. I have issues with telling time without the numbers! Or maybe I just have issues…
I also want to know what you are doing for exercise. Mostly because I’m a nosy girl.
Cheerios,
Laura (aka divetrash, aka Princess Laura, the sweet and compromised)
Hi John and Heidi,
John, I feel your pain. My watched stopped working several months ago. I haven’t been able to find the perfect replacement, so I purchased a $12 one a few weeks ago. It’s functional..it tells time.
Speaking of time, John…..can you help me understand why there is “ship’s time” and “port’s time”…? These two things seemed to keep changing, plus sometimes they were the same and sometimes they weren’t, on a cruise we took to the Mexican Riviera on the Carnival Spirit a couple of years ago. I found it confusing, and probably spent a little less time in some ports than I could have just because I wasn’t sure exactly which time I was supposed to be on and I didn’t want to be an hour off and miss the ship!
Terri
John, Her Majesty is Queen Elizabeth II and the ship is Queen Elizabeth 2. And you’re a Brit!
Very funny John. Everyone knows Botox won’t plump your lips, that’s Collagen!
Hey John & Heidi,
What a lonely lobby! Maybe after months with a ship full of people this would be nice for a couple hours, but it would really bug me on a daily thing. Thanks for the pictures, looking forward to more of your new home.
Jan
John, whats up with CCL and Baltimore for 2009 ?? If the cats in the bag let it out.
John
We are sailing with you on the Splendor on July 13th and spending 2 days in London after the cruise; will we need Euros and Pounds?
John: I thought the Carnivale (SS Topaz/Peace Boat) was a goner for sure….but it seems the scrap metal sale fell through. Maybe she has some more “time” after all…
http://maritimematters.com/shipnews.html
Sparkle Of Hope For THE TOPAZ?
May 18: Kyma Ship Management’s SS THE TOPAZ (ex EMPRESS OF BRITAIN, QUEEN ANNA MARIA, CARNIVALE, FIESTA MARINA, OLYMPIC), en route from Yokohama to Indian ship breakers, may have been granted a reprieve. After a sale for scrap fell through, her owners have now taken the ship off the market in the hopes of finding a last-minute charter. The 52 year old liner, still in excellent cosmetic condition (according to recent reports), is currently at anchor in Singapore awaiting further news — click here to see an image taken today by Jonathan Boonzaier.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I like the idea of a self-serve hotel…..Good name too…..Bugger All Service. One could help themselves to whatever they want.
Perhaps Lance can whip up a T-Shirt design for this one as well….. Better copyright it now
If you’re still “watchless” come earlier next year…I’ll gladly buy you one during Bloggers #2. From the local “dollar store”
Your “Aston Martin watch” was probably more durable
John…
I’m not watch savvy… I really don’t care as long as it tells time… If your arm sports a Timx, a Sayko, or a Foo Foo… I won’t care… And if it is as nekked as the day you were born… that’s OK too!! I promise not to judge you by your watch!
Now which cruise lines you’re on… THAT’S what counts!!! And those photos of the Her Majesty on the Queen… WOW!! She TRULY appears to be enjoying herself!! How GRAND!!!
Heidi, I’m proud and envious of you! Planning the Capers… The life-line of the cruise!! The timing of the sctivities make or break the fun!! God speed in your task!!!
Regards and know I’ll see less of you soon!!!
Lambie
John,
I love my watches all of them I have a ESQ, Movado, and a Longinese. I also have a bad knock off Rolex that i refuse to wear in public. I love to wear a watch and I can’t plan my day without it. If i forget it at home I feel lost the entire day. So I know what your going through, and the blackberry just isn’t the same as a watch on your wrist. I do have a cheap Timex that I wear when I travel to undesirable places, it was $10 and works great for what it is. I agree none of my watches do anything other than time and one does the date also. I don’t need one that can disarm a nuclear bomb, or shoots a laser beam, could be handy if some ship with a rock wall was near by. Faster climb faster or i’ll laser you haha. Sorry that is wrong. But it might be handy if someone ever spray painted on the hull of a ship yo could just burn it right off. Anyway, I understand your pain. If you wait till mid-week they run a watch sale usually with inch-of-gold-plated-tin. So I hope you don’t get a Rolox, or a timux, or even a skiko. Best to heidi and George.
Kevin
The time now is 9:49 est.
Hi John!
Beautiful hotel…. enjoy the peace and quiet while you can! Soon, you will be guiding a ship full of guests.
Thanks for sharing the photos of the Queens!
Hello to Heidi!!!
Princess Barb
PS…. How is Alan doing?
Hi John,
The Queen has always fascinated me, and yes, it is nice to see her smile, as she rarely seems to do that! I got a really beautiful Bulova watch for my 16th Birthday from my parents, in 1979… and proceeded to lose it about 3 years later. These days, I use my Minimed pump to tell me the time!! The Splendor sounds like it’s a wonderful ship. Hope all you readers, out where all the storms and tornadoes have been, are all safe and ok. I feel bad, you guys have been through a lot; God bless!
Sue from Narrowsburg
Dear John……you are looking skinny. And too, I must be very out of it as I have a Timex and Seiko that keep on ticking. I have fancy things too, but I don’t dare wear them as I have a tendancy to smash watches.
Thanks so much for the QE2 image, I shall forward your blog pages on to friends who will be sailing on both the QE’s soon.
Do you know who did the painting? Thanks in advance…….
Hi John and Heidi,
My Wife and I and our Best friends will be celebrating, a 40th birthday, a 19th anniversary, and New Years eve on the Splendor this year. I’ve just found your Blog after seeing it mentioned countless times on other cruise forum web sites. I always wondered what the big deal of a blog was. I now know. I love to laugh and you make me laugh. I look forward to meeting you in December. Only 206 Days till we sail.
Cheers,
Brad
John,
Thanks for the photos of the Queen on QE2. They nicely complement the ones sent to me by our mate Steve Read, who was in attendance. Steve gets invited to all the good events while I stay home!
As for the Starhotel President, or whatever it’s called, I’ve seen it when in Genoa… An anonymous, monolithic-looking place. Never been inside. The lobby actually looks quite nice… Aside from the total lack of people!!!
I laughed when I saw the press release about that other cruise line offering Botox in its spas – but I wonder how long it will be before all the other lines do it too… Another thing to add to the list of on-board-revenue generating activities!
(I have been on at least one ship, don’t remember which, that offered teeth whitening in the spa!)
Doug
John,
When I receive poor service in a bar or restaurant, I have been known to call the establishment up from my cell phone and ask to speak to my server.
Perhaps it will also work in a hotel?
You could also email them from the crackberry.
Corte Lambruschini, 4 – 16129 – Genova
T: +39 010 5727 – F: +39 010 5531820
president.ge@starhotels.it
Speaking of Aston Martin, did you see the Nike commercial with Kobe?
{of course it is Hollywood}
Hi Heidi & Mr. Grumpy,
First, Laura, Mister Softee roams my block every evening and parks at the Little League field a block away, playing that d–n tune all the time. Wasn’t there a law that says they have to stop? I have that tune playing in my head all night – yuk.
Now John, you know that you are completely spoiled by all the years of excellent service provided by the Carnival crews, so no hotel or airline is going to come close.
I read about the Botox too on that other cruise line, along with the other products they will be offering in their spa. Curious about the pricing?
My problem with watches is that when the battery dies, I never get to a jeweler to replace it. And I buy the Fossil watches from the ship when I cruise. I like the way they look and the way they fit – I need a longer watch, and they usually are. I’ve thought about getting some other expensive brands in St. Thomas, but why? I don’t wear the same watch every day, so I think an expensive one would be pointless. Just like the really expensive sunglasses, even though I almost bought a pair in Grand Cayman – came to my senses though.
Thanks for the photos of Her Majesty. You’re right, I don’t usually see her smiling – except at horse races.
Hope your day goes well, more blog thingy later, please,
Hugs,
Carol
John said..” I can’t stand it when she shouts at me through the toilet door when I am doing my number twos. During that toilet time and now when I am waiting for her to ask me a question I read. “”
Dear John, Never sit on the toilet and read while doing your business. It causes hemorroids which then leave skid marks in your underwear. Take it from a former literary potty expert!
John,
The root beer is IBC not IWC. Lon has purchased his last two watches on a Carnival Cruise. I think I may have to break one so I can go again . . .
Roxi
I used to have an expensive watch that required annual maintenance — also expensive. I got smart and bought a simple and cheap Timex. I love it. So much better than that expensive piece of ****.
A hint for you and all the other dieters: Write down your weight loss goal and then about 10 to 15 benefits you will have when you reach that goal. Read that list aloud every day. Repeat your goal to yourself several times a day. Just through this reminder, you will make unconcious decisions that will help you reach your goal.
This really works! For any type of goal. Ask the dude who draws Dilbert. He would write “I will be a syndicated cartoonist” 15 times a day and he became one! You can tell the man can’t draw and there are only a few hundred syndicated cartoonists. If it worked for him, it’s a sho in for you.
Hi John!!!!!!!!
Listen,,,,,,,,,I’ve been away from the blogger thingy for a while but sure am glad to be back. I’ve missed all the exiciting news( or maybe not so exciting)and want to let you know I am sooooo excited for the bloggers cruise. Kathleen and I talk daily about what we’re going to do and she tells me she’s practicing Guitar Hero til her fingers are bloody for the upcoming competition. I have no doubt my “sidekick” will win hands down. I was glad to hear someone has taken me up on my suggestion for a Guitar Hero competition,,,,,,you won’t be disappointed.
Take care and will be talking with you again soon.
Jeanette
Bucket Lady