Back from Vacation!

I’m baaacck!

Technically, I’ve been back since late Sunday, but between unpacking, wrapping up my final week at Sprint, and diving headfirst into rehearsals for Seussical, I haven’t had a moment to sit down and blog. So here I am, finally catching my breath — and ready to dish.

Let’s talk about the trip.

We left Friday the 14th at the crack of dawn (okay, 7:45 a.m., but close enough). Landed at John Wayne Airport around 9:20 and had our bags in hand within ten minutes. I fell in love with that airport. No crowds, no chaos, and Enterprise handed us a free upgrade to a mini-van — perfect for getting Mom and Aunt Sandra in and out without a wrestling match. Sorry, LAX… we’re breaking up.

Checked into the Howard Johnson across from Disneyland by 10:30 a.m., then immediately drove to Universal Studios. I splurged on VIP tickets because life is short and lines are long. We hit the tram tour first — mildly boring for me (been there, done that), but watching Aunt Sandra scream when the Jaws shark lunged at us? Worth every penny.

We rode everything we could, shopped like tourists, and left around 5:30 p.m. Dinner at Mimi’s next door, and I was out cold by 10. Theme park stamina is not what it used to be.

Saturday was Disneyland day. We hit the park at 10 a.m., and by 2 p.m., Mom tapped out and headed back to the hotel. Sandra and I stayed until 7:30, riding everything that wasn’t closed for refurbishment. The crowds were surprisingly light — maybe everyone was still drying out from the recent L.A. monsoon. Even Tower of Terror was only a 20-minute wait, and yes, I screamed like a child. That ride is a visual feast with a side of adrenaline.

Sadly, Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain were closed, but Space Mountain reopens in May for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary — and yes, I’m already planning my return.

Sunday morning we slept in (glorious), then had lunch with my friend Marina Campana. She moved to SoCal to chase the acting dream and is already SAG-carded, agented, and popping up on shows like Will & Grace. She’s going places, and it was a joy to catch up.

After lunch, we headed to San Pedro Harbor to board our cruise ship — Vision of the Seas. It took a couple of hours to get through security, but by 4 p.m., we were exploring the ship like kids in a candy store. This was my sixth cruise, but my first since 1985, and Royal Caribbean did not disappoint. Gorgeous architecture, a theater that gave me major stage envy, and a stateroom with a private balcony where we spent every morning sipping coffee and listening to the waves.

Our cabin stewards, Theresita and Jose, were absolute gems. Every night they left us towel animals — some of which were so elaborate I considered naming them. I took pictures of all 300 moments of joy (okay, 300 photos total from the trip), and I’ll post them once I dig myself out from under the laundry pile.

Dinner was a dream. Our team — Kheng, Charles, and Filrandy — treated us like royalty. The food? Incredible. I even got Mom and Sandra to try new things. The desserts were borderline indecent (hello, baked Alaska). Midnight buffets, formal dining in the Aquarius Room, casual bites in the Windjammer Café… we ate like cruise royalty.

Monday was a full day at sea: sunbathing, casino losses, and the Captain’s welcome gala. Tuesday, we docked in Cabo San Lucas. The moment we stepped off the boat, we were swarmed by souvenir vendors. I gasped at the menu prices at Margaritaville — until I realized they were in pesos. $180 for lunch? Nope. $18. Crisis averted.

We shopped, spent too much, and made it back to the ship in time for dinner and a lovely piano and strings concert in the Champagne Lounge.

Wednesday was Mazatlan. Fewer vendors, more charm. We taxied to the Golden Zone, strolled the beach, lunched at Anthony’s, and shopped at Señor Frog’s and a jewelry store recommended by the cruise director. I bought Quanna a bracelet, Mom got earrings for my niece, and Sandra went rogue to shop for her grandkids. We reconvened just in time to sail off into the sunset.

Thursday, Sandra wasn’t feeling well, but I had a dolphin adventure booked in Puerto Vallarta. So off I went — and spent eight hours learning how to care for dolphins, feed them, train them, and get gently nibbled by teething baby dolphins who just wanted belly rubs. It was magical. Smelly (the fish room was intense), but magical. I even got a DVD of the whole experience. Worth every penny.

Back on the ship, Sandra was still recovering, so Mom and I did dinner solo and watched the port fade from our balcony. By Friday, Sandra was back in action, and we spent the next two days at sea watching Broadway revues, losing more money in the casino, sampling the drink of the day, and witnessing the Mr. International Belly Flop and Mr. Sexy Legs contests. Yes, they were everything you’d imagine.

Sunday morning, we docked in San Pedro at 7 a.m., cleared customs by 10:30, and made it home late that night.

Now I’m back, wrapping up my final day at Sprint with an exit interview at 9 a.m. It feels strange to be leaving, but I’m excited for what’s next — time off, new adventures, and maybe a few more towel animals in my future.

Hope you’re all doing well. I’ll be better about updating now that Mom and Sandra have flown home and life is settling down.

Have a great day!