Half Marathon Equals Half Crazy

Have you ever had those weeks where nothing happens? And then, you have one of those weeks where everything happens? This past week has been one of those non-stop weeks.  Here’s a peek at my week.

After six months of training for the Disney Princess HalfMarathon, this past weekend was the big event. Two girlfriends and I went down to Walt Disney World on Saturday and explored the expo. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as we saw princes, princesses and pixie dust.

The long day started before the sun rose. Sunday, we woke up at 2:30 a.m. for our 3:30 a.m. call time. We were in corral F and started the race at 6:10 a.m. There were so many participants (23,866) it was very difficult to run or even get a pace. We ended up running in the grass beside the pavement, and eventually we got back on the road. 

As a courtesy, slow runners and walkers were to keep to the right of the road, leaving the left for a quicker paced participant. Instead of dodging off the road every time I came up to a runner/walker on the left side of the road, I decided I would politely ask them to move to the right.  As I ran the yellow line on the left side of the road, I said, “Excuse me. Move to the right. Thank you!” Most of the time this worked except the occasional time when a lady had earphones in her ear.  And then, there was that one time when the lady gave me the finger. She was probably the one walking on the yellow line when she should have been the white line, which was on the right side of the road.  You can’t please everyone, can you?

The event was a success.  I crossed the finished line and had an incredible time. I participated in the Disney Princess Half Marathon for a tiara medal and got so much more.

Last night, the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce had the ribbon cutting for my travel agency, located in downtown Mount Dora.  It was a fun-filled evening, meeting new people, networking, and sharing laughs and smiles with the community.  Be sure to check out the photos on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lifesrudderin the Ribbon Cutting Album. 

The rest of this week isn't slowing down. Keep in touch to see what's happening in this travel agent's life, inside and outside the office.

If you’ve got a dream, pursue it!

Create memories not regret!

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@lifesrudder

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Shore Excursions for Your Eastern Caribbean Cruise

So you've booked your cruise to the Eastern Caribbean and now you are starting to look  at the shore excursions.  Don't get overwhelmed on what you should do at each port! Here are my tips for making the most of your stops in San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten in this specially bundled package.

San Juan - HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR OF OLD SAN JUAN

The past comes alive as you walk along the water's edge and continue down along the city wall. You'll visit the San Juan Cathedral, La Muralla, and the beautiful fountain sculpted by Luis Sanguino called "Raices."  The tour lasts about 2 hours.  If you have time, you'll want to visit the fort, which has a $3.00 admission fee.  Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a hat. Wear sunscreen. Don't forget the camera.

St. Thomas - A LOVELY ISLAND AND BEACH TOUR

This tour takes you to various lookout sites. Your first stop is Raphune Hill and Beacons Point.  Get your camera ready for spectacular views of St. Thomas. Continue to Skyline Drive, Botanical Gardens and Magens Bay Beach. Magens Bay Beach, was rated one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic.  Here, enjoy two hours of peaceful serenity by swimming, relaxing, or walking along the shore. Once you leave the beach, you'll be dropped off in downtown Charlotte Amalie to enjoy shopping at your own leisure or you may choose to go back to the ship. This tour is about 4.5 hours.  Ask about the ability to upgrade to a zipline tour.

St. Maarten - SIMPLE BEACH DAY

Who can resist white sand beaches that stretch down the coastline? This Dutch-side beach is family friendly, which means there is no nudity.  Keep in mind that a beach chair, umbrella and snorkel gear are included.  Food and beverages are at your fingertips.

I've already done the leg work for you.  To book this three-port deal, email me at: janelle@cruiseplanners.net.

Ask me about the 3-port Eastern Caribbean Shore excursion deal.

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Create memories, not regrets!

Where is Janelle? Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess Sailing out of Ft Lauderdale

Santa Baby…

Need a gift with a WOW factor?  How about a getaway to the Caribbean? The Emerald Princess is sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale with some incredible destinations.

10-day Southern Caribbean Medley

Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Dominica, St. Thomas, Princess Cays

10-day Eastern Caribbean Voyager

Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Antiqua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Princess Cays

20-day Caribbean Explorer

Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Aruba, Bonire, Grenada, Dominica, St. Thomas, Princess Cays, Antiqua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts

While onboard the ship, there are a couple things you have to do.

*Have dinner at Sabatini’s, a Tuscan inspired Italian specialty restaurant, $20.

*Reserve your spot at The Sanctuary, an oasis of tranquility with private cabanas, spa treatments and refreshing drinks.  No children allowed.

*Watch a blockbuster movie at Movies Under the Stars, Princess’ high-definition, signature, outdoor screen.

Take advantage of these great sailings until April, when she’ll take a 16-day voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Denmark.

Create memories not regrets!

http://www.lifesrudder.com/

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Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder

Walt Disney said, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." I have people tell me that they have always wanted to take a Disney cruise, but it's too expensive. Don't let cost keep you from pursing your dream. My tip for traveling any where you've always wanted to go is to start putting money aside in an envelope, jar, or account for that trip. Before you know it, the funds for that trip will magically grow.

I just came off a cruise on the Disney Wonder, to the Western Caribbean, and I have to say that ship is sprinkled with "pixie dust. Check out the video my mom shot.

Disney is timeliness and makes everyone smile, regardless of age. Here are 3 things I enjoyed about cruising Disney.

Dining --- Dining aboard the Disney Wonder is truly original. Each evening, your place of dining is rotated between 3 dining rooms (Parrot Cay, Triton's Palace and Animator's Palate). I liked this because it provided a different atmosphere each night. Our serving staff rotated with us and every night they provided excellent service and made suggestions on what to eat. Our main server, Alvin (not the Chipmunk) always emphasized he gave suggestions and that we could choose anything we wanted. While dining at Animator's Palate, keep an eye on the animated art work.



Pirate Night -- One night that was truly original was Pirate Night. When we came to dinner, at each place setting was a red, pirate bandana. Some guests wore the bandana on their heads, others who didn't want to mess up their hair, wore it on their arm. After the meal, servers paraded around the dining room and invited the guests to join them in a march around the room and the limbo. Then later on in the evening, we made our way up to the deck for the Pirate Party. Music, laughter and entertainment filled the Caribbean air. The evening was topped off with fireworks. What a fun-filled night!

Entertainment -- As a professional singer, I enjoy sitting back and enjoying a great show. Disney is not only the "Happiest Place on Earth," their shows are top notch. My favorite show was Toy Story, The Musical. Literally, words cannot express this show. The cast was phenomenal. The actors who played Woody and Sid did an incredible job! The lighting (including laser lights featuring Tinker Bell flying across the curtain), set design, sound, special effects, etc., all made this show incredible.

Disney Wonder was voted the friendliest ship around. I can see why they respectfully earned this honor. Everyone made this voyage memorable. If you'd like more information on the Disney Wonder, Adventures by Disney or any other travel destinations, let me know.

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