decisions decisions decisions

AAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!

We cannot catch a break, can we? One would hope that the stupid governor of South Dakota would put aside partisan politics and assign a Democrat to his seat given that the American people put that party in power, but I doubt that will happen. Stupid 17th Amendment. Stupid Constitution of the United States. God, I hate this country sometimes.

So this news only temporarily dampened my spirits. I received an unexpected phone call this afternoon whilst on desk from my friend Carl. Carl is a professional pianist who lives in NYC, but has taken a job with Norwegian Cruise Line and is working for Second City Improv Troupe. Confusing, I know. REGARDLESS, I have been invited to go on a free cruise with him to the Caribbean. Sounds like an opportunity of a lifetime, right? For any sane, normal, human being?
But this is Erin we are speaking of and I got me some reservations:

1. The trip is January 13-23. This is less than a month after I'd be returning from Vermont.
2. I'm still unclear as to what "free cruise" entails. I know that my airfare from MI to NYC (yeah, it starts in NYC!!!!) is covered, but what about meals? Gratuity? Adult beverages?
3. I'm not really a cruise kinda gal. I mean, I haven't ever been on a cruise before or anything, but I'm just not that into big boats that don't feel as though you're really on a boat. Or tours. Or laying out in the sun.
4. January is not typically bathing suit time for me so I'm woefully unprepared for such an endeavor. I'm pale. And not exactly as fit as I wish I would be to be lounging on the deck in a bikini.

I've already been told by a half a dozen people that I would be crazy to pass up this opportunity. I mean, I'd be in Antigua. In January. With my friend Carl. With whom I have a fabulous time. I'm going to be emailing him tonight to ask for some more specifics. When he called he was on the beach in St. Thomas. And I could hear the waves in the background. And almost smell the ocean.

Oh, poor little Erin! To go on the cruise or not to go?

I lead such a difficult life.

Everything else is moving along at a nice clip. I recently reconnected with my friend Michael where we discovered that neither of us are the center of the universe and blogging is no substitute for actual communication. It was really good to see him again. I had my first fitting on Monday and confirmed that the individual who took the measurements was indeed supremely stupid. I have but one episode left of Season 1 of the Gilmore Girls which is my latest guilty pleasure. I went to the Sandbar last night for the first time in 2 weeks. I had tea this morning with the lovely Christina and have not consumed caffeine today. It was the staff Christmas party and I still went out and purchased a b-i-g salad for my supper to avoid gorging on the many cheese laden items on the buffet table. In honor of the Christmas party, I look hot. No, seriously. Hot. Berghoef can vouch for me.

And I only have 3 more days of work before I head to the land of milk and honey for one glorious week of family and friends.

Life is good.