Hi. A lot has happened since my last post. I am less than one week from embarking on my first solo cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway. I will celebrate the Big 5-0 while on this cruise and have made several major investments in preparing for the trip.
Several weeks ago, I summoned the courage to sign up for ballroom dance lessons at a dance studio in Tinley Park, Illinois. I have weekly lessons focusing on the Rumba, Salsa, and East Coast Swing. Much to my surprise, I actually have a sense of rhythm! I reckon that being a "closet musician" actually works to my advantage. Another advantage is that I am learning to dance to music with which I grew up, classic rock and oldies. As my dancing improves, so will my self-confidence. I am already feeling the changes in my own social interactions.
Today, I went down to a quarry near Bradley, Illinois for my first snorkeling lesson. I can hardly wait to go snorkeling in the Caribbean, as part of a shore excursion in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Breathing through a tube in my mouth was initially very uncomfortable, but I am starting to become more comfortable with practice. I forgot to bring my waterproof video camera. Oh well. Another personal obstacle goes by the wayside. I completed the academic and open-water segments of the class today. I am starting to open up. Wow!
I have also joined an Online Roll Call for the cruise and have successfully arranged a Meet and Greet session with the Getaway's officers and 30 of my fellow travelers. This session will take place on Sunday, the first full day at sea. I look forward to meeting my fellow travelers.
Next on my agenda after the cruise are Etiquette and Dress For Success classes, as well as monthly Toastmasters meetings on the Governors State University campus. GSU is my Alma Mater. In addition to the Ballroom Dance classes and daily workouts, these classes will form the components of a project that I would like to submit to school districts for the enhancement of students' lives. I will discuss this project in greater detail in future posts.
