Getting Ready To...CRUISE! 🛳️

Counting Down To Disembarkation

In just over 24 hours, I’ll be arriving at Seattle’s Pier 91, handing over my bags, and stepping into full getaway mode. My destination: Alaska and British Columbia. My vessel: Holland America’s MS Noordam. My vibe: somewhere between wide-eyed wonder and “did I pack enough underwear?”

I’m ready. Mentally, physically, and spiritually. I’ve been ready for weeks.

My bags, though, are another story. They’re currently camped out in Miss M’s guest bedroom, bursting at the seams and having a full-on identity crisis. Not sure if I’m going for layered lumberjack, business casual daddy, or shorts-and-a-tee simplicity.

Packing for a cruise like this isn’t just packing. It’s strategy. It’s storytelling. It’s me trying to anticipate every version of myself I might need over the next eight nights.

There’s outdoorsy me, chill-on-deck me, hot tub me, dressed-up-for-dinner me, and the version of me who swears I’ll wake up for sunrise and hit the gym. Even though I am more of a breakfast buffet kind of guy.

Right now, all of those versions are competing for suitcase real estate.

Thankfully, I’ve got a secret weapon. My sister-from-another-mister has not only let me take over her guest room, she’s also graciously letting me leave anything I don’t need on the cruise at her place. Including my car.

I brought way too much stuff to take on the cruise. So it’s time to edit and edit again. As writers rewrite, travelers repack.

During round two of packing, I’ll realize I don’t need six hoodies and can survive with far fewer “just in case” items. I’ll probably cut at least half of what’s in there now.

There’s something kind of perfect about this moment. The almost-there energy. The anticipation humming just under the surface.

Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be watching the Seattle skyline shrink behind me. Trading traffic noise for ocean waves. Swapping daily routines for itineraries looser, lighter, and a little more unknown.

But first, I’ve got to conquer my luggage. If you’ve ever stood over an open bag questioning your entire identity, you know my predicament.

Next stop: Disembarkation Day.

Keep calm and let’s cruise, y’all!
Clint 🌈✌️

P.S. If you’re curious about the cruise, I’ll definitely be sharing plenty of photos and videos once I’m onboard. I’ve been a little quiet this week, soaking up quality time with Miss M and her not-so-little dawg Simon, The Pitiful Pitty. Oh, how I love them!

SIMON NOW + THEN

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