What a difference 1500 miles makes! Mr. G and I flew from dreary Boston to sunny Miami and took a shuttle to the Port of Miami. We boarded the Carnival Destiny and got settled. After the muster drill, we headed up to the Lido Deck for the sunset sail-away concert. So, I’ve now seen Weezer 10 times in 4 different states and in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. I have to say, I don’t know if can get any better than the sunset show! Weezer Cruise organizers, Sixthman, sent out a survey prior to the cruise where fans were able to vote on the songs they’d like to hear. The setlists did not disappoint and I was nearly in tears when I heard a few of my favorite songs for the first time live: Jamie, I Just Threw Out the Love of My Dreams, Tragic Girl and Mykel and Carli (apparently that was the first time they’ve played it in 15 years!). I also love a good cover song, so I thoroughly enjoyed their renditions of Paranoid Android and Teenage Dirtbag.

We got to spend a day in Cozumel soaking up the sun with our toes in the sand. Did I mention that it was January?! It was so nice. We were pretty psyched to go to Cozumel because we went on a cruise for our honeymoon back in 2005 – “the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history,” aka the year that the list of storm names was used up and six Greek letter names had to be initiated. By the time we got married in November, Hurricane Wilma had torn through Cozumel a month before and Hurricane Gamma was spinning in the Gulf as we set sail. Carnival had to adjust our itinerary, so instead of stops in Key West and Cozumel, we were rerouted to Calica/Playa del Carmen. It made for a fun story and it all worked out fine, but it was great to finally go to Cozumel!

We caught Weezer peeps, Karl Koch and Sara Kim, setting up a mini display of Weezer memorabilia.

There were TONS of activities going on constantly, many of them hosted by members of the various bands. There were fun theme nights, shuffleboard and beer pong tourneys, group yoga, gameshows, and concerts everywhere all the time. Never a dull moment. We got to see River’s discussion about the Pinkerton Diaries, we played Rock ‘n Roll bingo, and sat in on a live taping of Doug Benson’s podcast, “Doug Loves Movies.” We also got to see an insightful Q & A with the band and we participated in the vow renewal ceremony officiated by Scott Shriner. All of that and we still managed to eat every 3.5 hours and take many glorious naps. Oh, how I love naps…

I almost broke my neck trying to catch this beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. It was worth it.

We got some awesome swag on this trip. Most notably: this signed poster for those of us super-fanatics that attended both the VIP Memories Tour and the Cruise. Yep, I totally did. Because I love them. So very much.

So there ya have it – that’s my Weezer Cruise round-up! There’s much more content than I had originally planned, but it was really cool to kinda relive it for a moment. And I’m sure I’m forgetting a detail or two, so if you have any questions – shoot me an email. And if you’re curious about what a music cruise is like OR if you went and wanna reminisce (like I do sometimes), there are a ton of YouTube videos you can check out – like this Weezer Cruise Montage.

Rock ‘n roll!

Here’s the super cute logo:

So cute.

From there, I created a handful of ideas to present. Here are a few of my faves:

I’m still trying to wrap my head around all the awesomeness I encountered a couple of weeks ago at the Stationery Academy! I was incredibly privileged to meet Whitney English Kolb, Emily Ley, and Lara Casey – tremendously inspiring women, each living their best life, and encouraging others to do the same. And not to mention my fellow classmates who are each so passionate, supportive, and immensely talented. I will never forget the two days that I spent with these ladies – the lessons learned, the stories told, and the friendships gained.

Anyone who is interested in stationery is aware of English Paper Co. and their gorgeous products. But Emily Ley is how I came about attending the Stationery Academy. I learned about Emily through my previous employer, Meg Baisden Photography. I was talking about how one day I’d love to have my own line of stationery and Meg told me about a client of hers that is in the process of doing just that. Intrigued, I began following Emily’s journey on her blog and was immediately inspired by her ambition, passion, and authenticity. As soon as information on the Stationery Academy became available, I was on board! When I learned that it was to take place near my hometown in Pensacola, I decided that it was absolutely meant that I attend.

{Credit:(L) Meg Baisden Photography, (R) yours truly}

So I went in ready to learn about stationery-business-how-to steps-1-2-and-3. While yes, we did get that information and then some, I was not expecting so much soul-searching to occur! For example: What’s on your “Crazy List?” What are your biggest fears? What’s been holding you back? What fires you up? Honestly, I wish I was a little more prepared to answer these questions on the spot. But with the little time that we got to think about it and share, it was enough time to realize a new direction for myself and my brand. Light bulb!

Thanks to a great branding session with Lara and Emily, I was both enlightened and taken aback. I went there thinking I’d soon be launching my own stationery business, but instead it became clear to me that my passion lies elsewhere: FOOD! It’s SO true, folks. It’s funny I didn’t see this for myself because everyone else did! While I will keep doing graphic design, there are exciting plans in the works utilizing my skills but with an emphasis on food. I am beyond excited about this new direction and my fellow classmates share in my enthusiasm as well, which makes this realization a lot less scary!

{Credit: Meg Baisden Photography}

I’d like to wrap it up here with a promise to share this new journey with you authentically and frequently. To Whitney, Emily, and Lara – thank you for everything. To the inaugural Class of 2011 – it was so great meeting and getting to know each and every one of you. I know amazing things lie ahead for each of us!

{Credit: Meg Baisden Photography}

Just wanted to sneak this picture of Whitney English checking out the business card I designed for Meg. Kinda makes my day!

I’m thrilled to be on my way home to Pensacola, not only to see my family, but to be part of the Stationery Academy’s inaugural Class of 2011!!! This 2-day workshop was founded by two lovely ladies that are leaders in the world of stationery and will be attended by 14 other über-talented, stationery-loving women. I will be basking greatness (and hopefully some Florida sunshine)! SO EXCITED!!!

It was such a treat to see Dale Chihuly’s exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston! Mr. G and I got a chance to see his work in Vegas at the Bellagio a few years ago. This time we got to experience these spectacular glass sculptures with some special out-of-town guests. I would venture to say that this was a definite highlight during their busy stay.

A little tip about the MFA: if you happen to get there about 45 minutes before they close, the admission is free!