February 2, 2015: Roatan, Honduras

Our first stop was in Roatan, Honduras.  Dive shops about Roatan. Home to the world's second-largest coral reef, this diver's paradise is teeming with colorful marine life.  Though just as colorful are all the characters that have passed through the sandy shores of this beautiful Bay Island. Roatan has a long and tangled history of Paya Indians, Spanish conquistadors, British pirates, rebel slaves and more recently, European and North American expats. But it's not just the underwater wonders that have lured foreigners to lay down their roots here.  Roatan has a very unique cultural identity unlike anywhere else on the mainland of Honduras.  Everything here has been perfectly seasoned with Caribbean flavor---from the music and local cuisine to the laid back island lifestyle.

At 31 miles long and no more than five miles wide, Roatan is the largest of the Honduras' Bay Islands.

Mom and I signed up for the zip line tour.    I have wanted to go zip lining so convinced her to go along.     We had to put on a bunch of equipment in order to zip line.      They had to give me extra because of my weight, which was so embarrassing, yet brought us a bunch of laughs.        

I was scared the first time I went, but it ended up being lots of fun and I did pretty well at it.    Mom went by herself on the first couple of traverses, but then went with the guide for the rest, as it made her nervous. I thought it was a blast.         Of course, I got a bunch of photos of us.   There were 12 traverses all through the jungles of Roatan.       If you are afraid of heights, I probably wouldn't recommend this tour.

After zip lining, we got to hang out with some monkeys. I had one on my shoulder, who tried to climb over my head. It was quite funny.      

After the tour, we ran into Marianne, who said they had gone swimming and were now shopping. I went into the store where Joy and Kim where shopping.       Then, Mom and I walked over to this indoor flea market. She got a beautiful piece of pottery.      Then, we were going to walk around the town.  This little boy followed us around.    He was quite interesting.  Mom got scared so we turned around.  At the end of the walk, the little boy asked for money.  Mom gave him $5 but it was partly torn.  He said he couldn't accept torn money, so she gave him $1.  I guess he learned his lesson that ripped money is still just as valuable.      

February 1, 2015: Day at Sea

Between  the 1850's and the 1950's, millions of European immigrants sailed across the ocean to start a new life.   With the growing demand, shipping companies began building faster, more spacious vessels.  Then, in 1870, the Oceanic raised the bar altogether, adding electricity and running water to its list of lavish amenities.   Ocean travel has come a long way since.

We watched a group of passengers start to learn Michael Jackson's "Thriller Dance", which they planned to perform for everyone on the last night of the cruise.  It was fun to watch them learn the moves. I probably should have joined in, but knowing me, I am not the most coordinated person.

Went shopping in the stores on the ship. I wasn't too impressed with the shops on this ship, nor was I impressed with the other activities, like the ones on the other cruises we have been on.    

We all went for drinks before dinner.  I tried to get the drink of the day so I could get the glass.
Each drink was $7.95.

Went to watch the Superbowl game, which they aired in the main theater.   The New England Patriots played the Seattle Seahawks.   The room was crowded.  They served the traditional football foods such as wings, nachos, and hot dogs.

January 31, 2015: Royal Caribbean "Vision of the Seas".

Since they were having the Gasparillo festival, our group had to walk down with our baggage to a nearby hotel to get our shuttle.     It wasn't too bad of a walk. It was interesting to see everyone in their costumes.    

We got on the Royal Caribbean "Vision of the Seas".       Of course, the first thing we do when we get on the ship is walk around the ship to see where everything was located.      The pool area was very nice.  I like having an indoor pool for adults only.       Although, the regular pool area is great for people watching.   They usually have different activities going on at the outdoor pool area.

Marianne, Kim, my Mom, Joy, and I went down for dinner.   It was casual night which is nice, especially when you figure you may not have your luggage delivered to your room.

After dinner, Mom and I went to see the comedy routine of Wayne Cotter. He was okay.     

January 30, 2015: Michigan to Florida

We flew from Grand Rapids to Chicago, then down to Tampa, Florida, as we were going on another cruise with Marianne, Kim, and Joy. It was sure nice to leave the snow and cold behind us for the next week.     

It was so exciting for me to get to the Chicago airport and see a Garrett's Popcorn, so of course, I had to get some of the Chicago mix which is cheddar and caramel mixed.   It was about $5 which I didn't think was too bad.   

I sat by the Starbucks and spent some time typing up some old journal entries as I was behind on them for this past year.    

We took a shuttle to our hotel and were once again reminded of the traffic in the area. There were four lanes of traffic around the airport area going to Tampa.  Of course, I took a picture of it to remind us why we don't want to live there.     However, I do like the weather in Florida and would like to live in Sarasota, Wesley Chapel, or a suburb of Orlando.

I have kept in contact with my Florida friend, Todd Kramer, who lives in Brandon, FL.    I met him online on Plenty of Fish in 2008 and met him in person at a Barnes and Noble in Tallahassee in 2009.    I was pleasantly surprised when I got to our hotel in Tampa (Sheraton Riverwalk), that Todd was waiting for us in the lobby.    In fact, I was quite impressed.      

He now works for his father, who is an engineer.  His father makes prosthetic feet and Todd helps out with the business.

The Gasparilla Festival was going to be in downtown Tampa tomorrow, which is a big deal for them.   There are about 300,000 people come to Tampa to celebrate.     People come dressed up like pirates, eat, and drink.      

Todd, my mom, and I walked along the river walk over to the channel side district and had pad thai at the Thai Restaurant.  It was all very good.    I paid for Todd's meal since I was the one who invited him.   It was very nice to see him again.

January 29, 2015: Grand Rapids

We decided this time we would stay at a hotel in Grand Rapids and take the shuttle to the airport so we could save on parking at the airport.   Also, in case there was a winter storm, we wouldn't have to drive in it, as we have had bad experiences with that in the past.

Went shopping at Woodland Mall and had dinner at Olga's Kitchen.   Mom left her jacket at the restaurant and it was too late to go back to get it.  I forgot my jewelry so we are off to a good start.  

October 17, 2014: Work Stress

The last few months were stressful for me as I had found out that 3 of us clerks were going to be laid off.   It was difficult for me, as I loved working at the Health Department.    I enjoyed working Immunizations and Food Sanitation.   I loved my coworkers, Dawn Benkert, Julie Henley, Ivi English-Benes, Kevin Green, Krista Latsch, Sarah Krehn, Linda Scott, Ann Kolopus, Joyce Rademacher, etc.  

There were times over the years that I got tired of covering for people who were constantly calling in sick, but overall, I really liked the job.  

Yesterday, I had an interview with District Court in front of 6 ladies.   It was stressful, but I did a good job.  I was going to get hired for the job.  A few hours later, I interviewed at the Prosecutor's Office which didn't go very well.      Someone whom I thought was a friend said some things about me which made me decide not to work there.   I was quite devastated that someone could say those things about me, especially when I am a good worker.   I spoke with my union representative, Kevin, who recommended me not taking either job and go to the Drain Commissioner's office, as originally planned.   Meanwhile, while I had gone on those interviews, Penny had sent an email to the head of Human Resources trying to get into the Drain Commissioner's office. At the time, she thought I was taking one of those those jobs, but I didn't.  

In the early morning, I thought I wouldn't have a job at all, as there was a mix up with which job I was going to take.    I had to contact the head union representative to get it straightened out.     By noon, it was confirmed I would be going to the Drain Commissioner's office.

Kevin Green, Max Bjorkman, Rob, Adam Rosema, and Terry took me to lunch at Bernie O's Pizza.    Max said he would work in my new department until he retired. He said that the clerk job is probably the easiest clerk job in the County of Muskegon.    He said the ladies there are very nice, which I have soon found out to be the case.    They love Ryke's too...another big plus.

My coworkers got both Penny and I a Ryke's cake which tasted so good.

I had worked in the Health Department since October 2003.    

September 13, 2014: Baptism at Harvest Bible Chapel

When I found out that this weekend was the Baptism service,  I started thinking about my own walk with God.   I have thought about getting Baptized as an adult...just between me and God.  I was baptized as a baby and again with my dog in Lake Michigan,  but this time was different.   I won't need to be baptized again as I have now done this for myself as an adult.

I mentioned it to my mom and she said why do you need to do that again.  She didn't understand it.  I was sad that she didn't come with me to church tonight for my baptism.  

Harvest Bible Chapel in Spring Lake has taught me so many good messages.   The pastor says "Work for God, not for man". This message is so true as we live in a world where companies do not care about their employees and at the drop of a hat will eliminate someone's job.  This has happened to me twice at the County of Muskegon.   The first time it was in Equalization when an appraiser tech position was eliminated which made the appraiser have to bump into a clerk position leaving me to bump into the health department.  Now, 11 years later,  I am back to having my job cut due to budgetary reasons.   This is why I have to remember the pastor's message about working for God and not for man.

Anyway,  I was a little nervous about getting baptized.  I listened to a video about a couple in church who were on the brink of divorce just after marriage.  They turned their lives to God and eventually got baptized.  It brought tears to my eyes.  As I walked on stage to the back of church, the pastor's wife, Kristen Wisen, smiled and gave me a hug.  

I walked down some flights of steps to another room where I was met by several people in the church involved in the baptismal process.   I was greeted with smiles and encouragement.   I was given a plastic bag with shorts, sports bra, underwear, and t-shirt for the baptismal water.   Once I had my new clothes on. I met with Randy Moeller whom I explained what brought me to this day.   He said although life isn't always smooth,  God would be with me through it all.  We said a prayer and then I walked up the steps to another room to give them my name.   I got instructions from another person on what would happen.

As I walked out on stage to the baptismal tub, I got a little nervous.   I got in the water which was nice and warm.  Pastor David Wisen said a joke to the congregation about the temperature of the water being nice and warm which made me laugh.   I spoke through the microphone in front of the congregation about being baptized as a baby but now wanted to as an adult.  I mentioned about my dad's suicide when I was 10 and my battles with depression and anxiety and how it has been very hard this year.  I mentioned I was losing my job and knew it was time to trust and follow the Lord with my future.  I then got immersed in the water and heard a loud cheer and clap.  What a wonderful feeling to now be baptized and continue to have God direct me in my path of life.

I came down the back steps back to the first room and heard cheers and congratulations.  I got to keep the t-shirt and put the wet clothing into the laundry basket.  The church thought of everything for a baptism from the baptismal clothes, to the hair dryer, makeup, and brushes.  There was no excuse for someone to not get baptized. I came back upstairs and was greeted with a hug from a lady in my new bible study.   Thank you Lord for this great church.   It hasn't always been an easy ride, but I am glad I have stuck with it and continue to learn good messages to help me in this crazy life.