JoAnne's Blog

Just Cruising

 My husband and I have just returned from a cruise to Alaska aboard the Celebrity Infinity and it was fabulous.  The weather could have been a little more cooperative as we had a couple of rough days at sea and rain in Alaska.  I also experienced a bit of sea sickness; but otherwise the trip was fantastic.  This was my first time ever on a cruise ship and I was impressed to say the least.  Whatever you think you may need or want to do, it is probably available.  They even had my favourite game, Sudoko, available everyday in the library.  The food was excellent and the service was second to none.  We had staterooms with a balcony.  Fresh fruit and flowers were delivered everyday. Our bed was turned down for us every night and a light turned on and I mustn't forget the chocolate put on my pillow.  I took my new hydration bottle and everyday it was filled for me with fresh water.  We had a complimentary bottle of champagne to greet us and also a large tote bag with leather straps and a zipper.  The entertainment on the ship was top-notch. There were so many things going on everyday to occupy your time. My sister and her husband accompanied us on this trip and we were all  amazed at the amount and variety of activities available each and every day.  We watched a master carver make birds and flowers from fruits and vegetables; we made oragami birds and learned some new dance moves.  Wynn took in a few computer classes and I went to a stretching class every day as well as visited the spa a few times.  For those who have never cruised before and are thinking about it; don't wait.  You will have a fantastic time. 

Water

Over the last few years, I have made a point of drinking lots of water.  I have been led to believe that I should drink enough water to equal at least one-half my body weight.  For example, a person weighing 100 lbs. should drink 50 oz. of water a day.  Others contend we should drink 8 glasses of water a day. There is a lot of differing opinions as to how much water and what type of water we should drink.

Do not drink tap water, it has too much chlorine.  Do not drink bottled water, you can't be sure of it's source and the plastic bottles are not safe.  Do not drink distilled water, it is dead water and has been stripped of everything (minerals, etc.).  Do not drink reverse osmosis water, it is too acidic.  And so on.  What is one to do?

There is also a theory out there that says it's not that important what you drink as long as you drink when you are thirsty.  Coffee, tea and juices all count. I don't know if I can agree with this idea.  For years, I did not drink anything, because I was never thirsty or at least I didn't think I was.   I do like the idea that juices and tea count.

Now, they are telling us that the water bottles that we are using are not safe to use, especially if they are left in the heat.  The numbers 1, 3, 5, & 7 are particularly bad, even though I thought the tough Nalgene bottles were safe.  I was told that #2 is the best, but now even that number is questionable.

I figure you can't go wrong with stainless steel; so, I recently bought a stainless steel water hydration bottle.  It is kind of like a thermos, except it is not to be used for hot liquids.  I am boiling my water to rid it of the chlorine and any other bugs there may be.  I let it cool and then add minerals to it from the Nutronix - 02 proformance hydration packets and I'm not going to worry any more.