Today was what they called a "fun day at sea." My daughter and I agreed last night to start the day in the gym. I set the alarm, and we slipped out of the room at 7:00. I did 20 minutes on an elliptical trainer and 30 - 40 minutes on the weight machines. The elliptical trainer frustrated me at first. On the fat burning setting the machine wouldn't let me go as fast as I wanted to go. I switched to the cardio setting, and the machine kept changing from fast to slow then fast again. Finally I put it on manual and ran at a steady pace that was comfortable for me. I loved the weight machines. I did a pretty aggressive leg work out. I was more cautious with my arms, but my shoulder felt fine.

My daughter spent about 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer. Afterward she said, "Mom, I know you like this kind of exercise, but it isn't for me. You feel great, but I feel drained." What can I say? I am an O and she is an A.

We showered and went to the breakfast buffet. Two words describe the buffet - pork and pastry. Ham, bacon, sausage, pancakes, French toast, and Danish were in abundance. I ate half a grapefruit, a banana, and a lot of scrambled eggs.

My husband found a shady spot where he could read. The kids went to the pool. I decided to go to a free detox seminar at the spa. It was very interesting. When I get back I want to do a little research on what the lady said, then I'll blog about it.

Lunch was roast and vegetables from the buffet. They had fresh fruit tarts, so I had my dessert for the day at lunch. My son said, "Mom, you're on vacation, you should splurge a little." I laughed at him and said, "One dessert a day IS splurging."

Among the dinner choices were two of my all time favorite foods, prime rib and lobster. How could I choose? I went with the lobster because it came with vegetables and the prime rib came with a potato. My son told the waiter he would like prime rib first, but might also want a lobster. As soon as he took the last bite of prime rib, that plate was whisked away and replaced with a lobster. They really spoil you on these cruises!

When the waiter brought the dessert menu, I told him I would like to have a half a piece of prime rib instead of dessert. He looked at me very seriously and said he couldn't do that. I didn't think it was fair - he brought my son two entrees, why not me? The waiter continued, "The kitchen is not set up for half portions. I'll bring you a whole slice and you can eat what you want." So while my family ate dessert I ate prime rib. It was delicious, and I ate every bite.