Sober Blog

Halloween Gratitude Cruise

Snow P. — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:05:02 +0000

So the rates we have for this trip are $1700. below market rates. You know you have always wanted to come on this trip so what are you waiting for???? This is the experience of a lifetime with people you know holding hands, praying, dancing, laughing and absolutely insisting on enjoying life! Call 561-702-2312.

Foodies who appreciate food as art will love this restaurant

Snow P. — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:57:37 +0000

I have owned several 4 star restaurants, but 150 Central Park is one of the finest I have ever eaten in. Albeit, you have to purchase a 7 night cruise on the most fabulous ship on the sea to get that $35. per person price, (gratuity included) but Oasis of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is worth every penny. 150 Central Park is their signature restaurant and they have done a fine job with it.
The week I was onboard, there were two alternating menus at this venue which is right in the middle of “Central Park” one of their seven themed neighborhoods. Twelve hundred trees and plants coexist in sailing splendor on these winding paths. You could select the day/menu you wanted to enjoy by looking at the entrance marquee.
Here is the menu we choose, created by Chef Kerriann Von Raesfeld who is the first woman to win the honor of ‘Best Young Cook in the World’ at the 2008 WACS Congress. When a course says “Scallop” it is exactly that, one perfect scallop!

CREAM OF SUNCHOKE
Parmesan Froth and Fresh Chive
SEARED SEA SCALLOP
Citrus Potato Puree, Sauteed Spinach, Crispy Bacon, Veal Reduction, Herbed Citrus
TRIO OF BEET SALAD
Pickled, Roasted and Chilled Arugula, Goat Cheese, Candy Walnut Dust
CUBE OF HALIBUT
Red Onkion, Fennel Confit, Butter Pastry, Spiced Mandarin Emulsion
WAGYU STRIP STEAK
Celery Root Cream, Shitake Bacon, Demi Glace, Chive Oil
BANANA SPLIT
Roasted Banana Ice Cream, White Chocolate Banana Crepe, Tipsy Cherries, Pineapple Bubbles
Although we graciously asked the waiter to delete the tipsey cherries from our dessert, it did not seem like there was one element missing from this dinner.

Drinks of all types are not included. For two glasses of wine and two sodas, the tab was an additional $62.00. Maybe it seemed pricey because the last wine I drank was $1.49 a gallon! The decor is equisite and was designed for intimate romantic dining, not for the large groups I like to party with. Make your reservation before you get onboard and you won’t be disappointed.

The alternate menu which I look forward to savoring:
BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
Cinnamon Crouton
TOMATO TART TARTAN
Goat Cheese Mousse, Melted Onions, Puff Pastry, Basil Pesto, Chive Oil
GNOCCHI WITH CHANTERELLES
Candied Bacon, Veal Butter adn Marsala Foam
HORSERADISH CRUSTED SALMON
Parsnip Puree, Dilled Cucumber, Sweet Mustard Sauce, Crispy Dill
BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB
Boursin Potato Puree, Root Vegetables, Parsnip Chip
SCHARFFEN BERGER CHOCOLATE PATE
Butter Cookie, Blonde Liquid Caramel, Fleur De Sel, Port Sorbet

I am always happy to be living life to the fullest, but know it’s because I have been blessed with divine intervention. I don’t drink or eat alcohol and always ask to have it eliminated or substituted from my food. I don’t know how many teaspoons of port sorbet will get me thinking I can have more, but I don’t want to find out. I hope you feel the same!
See you in October!

Sober Oasis of the Seas & Gratitude Cruise for 2010

Snow P. — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 03:20:08 +0000

Snow & Captain Bill Wright of Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas was a blast

Snow P. — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 03:14:23 +0000

I know, I know Cinderella wasn’t really true. It was just a fairytale that gave little girls something to dream about; a good looking guy, some great shoes and a house you don’t have to clean. The story ends with ..”and they lived happily ever after” leaving whatever that means in the cartoon world up to your imagination. The program has kind of been my Disney, giving me as wonderful a happily an ever after as any girl could wish for. I just spent 7 wonderful nights on the “8th” wonder of the world, Oasis of the Seas. Can your life really be magic if you are all alone with no witnesses? I don’t know, but I do know there are plenty of witnesses in my life who can see what God can do for all of us.

I was blessed to have been on this cruise with a sponsee and family from Denmark, a bunch of my lovely Gratitude Cruisers and one incredibly generous man who gifted me and my sweet hubby the whole trip in a Grand Suite. We have never taken such a luxurious trip in our lives, and it was so indulgent, I didn’t want to miss a minute of it so I didn’t get off the ship once! I told him I wasn’t getting off the ship unless it was sinking and I meant it!
The show “Come Fly with Me” was filled with dancers and props that would make Broadway proud. A full size plane came wheeling onto the stage as acrobatic dancers and aerial artists swung and sang in clouds of smoke and sparkle.
The ice show “Frozen in Time” was just as magical with costumes and props as elegant and clever as any wardrobe designer could create. In one duet, the female dancers comes out in hefty long peasant costume. During their duet, I would say she changed her costume in a three second swoosh of a drape not less than 20 times. It was amazing as you never saw where the old costume went and it was done so quickly. The ice acrobatics took your breath away as skaters were swung and twirled within inches of this miniature rink.
The ship is a feast not to be minimized by small chatter. You must go onboard to see what cruising has become and join the 21st century by experienceing this technological wonder. We ordered room service on the huge flat screen TV in our room and within 10 seconds a staff member called to verify the order. Many more wonderful details can fill a book.

When I crawled into the rooms so many moons ago, I knew my life was over. I was glued to the wrong end of the telescope where it is all distorted and you can’t see and you can’t move and you can’t even envision what it looks like from the other end. It took thousands of alcoholics in recovery, people in the God zone, in the rooms, in the day, in the night to pull me around. It was scary, I didn’t trust anyone, I didn’t like change, but gradually they got me. They covered me with so much love I had to move toward the right end of life and start to live it a tiny bit at a time.
My life is so full, so rich, so full of adventure and surprises, I can’t wait to see what is coming next. I know there will be heartbreak, but I also know I still couldn’t begin to dream up what God already has already had in store for me.

Day 3 onboard Oasis of the Seas

Snow P. — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:46:08 +0000

So, I am on Day 3 onboard Oasis of the Seas, the most technologically advanced cruise ship in the world. Although we are at full capacity with 5900 passengers, because of the exquisite design, it does not feel crowded or pedestrian in any way! I just left my hubby in the cabin, waiting for complimentary room service which I ordered on the interactive tv in our room. On this huge flat screen tv, you can see all restaurant availability, where it’s crowded, what is open, both the complimentary and specialty restaurants. The screen gives you a complete read out of anyplace you could want to go or anything you could want to do on the ship or shore. Although 63% of the passengers made their show and restaurant reservations prior to sailing, there is still availability.

Last night we had an intimate evening in the Comedy Club, fashioned New York City style with a lighted subway map on the ceiling. They said they needed at least 25 passengers in order to have a show, but it was sold out. Although it was half as small as the Improv in NYC, it was twice the laughs! The two comedians were timely, fresh and full of hysterical insight. They were hilarious with only one slight reference to Tiger. Now that’s talent!

On 12/31, I decided to get one more meeting under my belt in Ft. Lauderdale before the holiday and before sailing. I caught a 3:30 pm meeting and there was an out of town newcomer there with 30 days who was young and under a lot of pressure from his visiting peers to have New Year’s Eve partying fun in South Beach. He didn’t tell his friends he was in recovery, and was very nervous at 29 years old with no sober reference. I felt compelled to talk to him at length after the meeting to tell him the things that he would need to be armed with to save his life that night. I left thinking I will never see him again.

Yesterday, as I walked passed the pool onboard this incredible ship, there he was! He must be wondering, “Once you join, do these AA’s stalk you on vacation too????” Ha ha , God sure has a sense of humor! I tried to tell him where our meeting was but did not want to blow his anonymity to the young girl he was with. I will pray I see him again this week so I can tell him where the solution is on Deck 17. I brought my 12 & 12 an led the meeting with all of us reading the first step. If he comes, we will just read it again.

I am going with my hubby and travel buddies, Rick, Helle, Jonah, Marc, Jamie, Jack, Kari, Darlene & Javier to see the show “Hairspray” at 2:30. Then we are dining at the upscale $35. a person 150 Central Park Restaurant. It is Haute Cuisine and no children are allowed. I can’t wait. It is located on Deck 8 in Central Park, one park where you won’t get mugged…unless ofcourse, you go into the Coach store that happens to be there!

I am so happy to be on a real vacation with my hubby. We haven’t gone away for 7 days without the children, or without me working since our honeymoon 28 years ago. I am only here through the generosity of one of my cruisers who thought I should have a good time. How lucky. I will meet with my Onboard Cooardinater soon to make sure all my details for the 9th Annual Halloween Gratitude Cruise onboard this ship are ready when we get here in October! www.sobercelebrations.com and www.oasisoftheseas.com to check it out.

Merry Christmas

Snow P. — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:37:21 +0000

There are higher powers and there are lower powers. The higher powers are belief in something greater than ourselves, belief in God, belief in Jesus, in Buddha, in any kind of religion or spiritual path which helps us live on higher ground. The lower powers of greed, resentment, and contempt are also strong powers that lure and entice with feelings of superiority. We each have a choice every day which powers to invite into our lives, to choose and to try to live good lives by. We have to stay on the ground and trust that the road is straight even though we can’t see it up ahead. The photo here I took from a plane shows how straight the road really is. Let it begin with you. Forgive that person you will never forgive and share the brief journey on this planet with your brothers and sisters in peace. Merry Christmas everyone, may all your dreams come true.

The 12 Steps of Christmas

Snow P. — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:22:32 +0000

1. Admit you are powerless over Christmas, and that your life has become unmanageable.
1. Believe that a power greater than consumer credit can restore you to sanity.
3. Decide to turn your will and life over to Santa as you understand him.
4. Make a searching and fearless inventory of yoru material desires.
5. Admit to Santa, to yourself and to another human being the exaxt nature of your size, color preferences, and taste in furniture.
6. Allow Santa to remedy all defects of bank account.
7. Humbly ask Santa to pay off your mortgage.
8. Make a list of everything you want, and be willint to read the instruction manuals.
9. Cite model numbers and retail locations wherever possible, except when doing tso would require an internet search.
10. Continue to take personal inventory, and when you think of something else you need, add it to the list.
11. Seek through prayer and meditation to improve your conscious contact with Santa as you understand him, praying only for knowledge of his gifts fo ryou and the power to open them quickly.
12. Having had a spiritual awakeing as the result of these steps, carry Santa’s message to friends and family every Christmas.

Sober Holiday Party Etiquette

Snow P. — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:25:32 +0000

What does rsvp mean?
It’s French, means répondez s’il vous plaît, respond if you please, usually by the date on the invitation.

What if it’s a party with alcohol?
“We are miracles of mental health” p. 133. Ask your sponsor if you are a miracle yet and spiritually fit enough to go! Eat a full meal before you go; When you put down your drink, never pick it up again, get a new one. If someone asks if you want a drink, you say yes, a coke please, any soda is a drink!

Do I have to bring something?
Just like the wise men, always bear gifts, no matter how small; flowers, some cookies, a package of pretty napkins, something to show your appreciation because the person was nice enough to invite you and arrange for you to have a good time.

At the last minute can I bring a guest or child?
Ask the host/hostess first. It may be an adult only party in which case get a babysitter or stay home. If it is a large party, the hostess may say to bring an extra adult with no problem

What if I rsvp and then changed my mind and don’t go?
It depends on what type of party it is. If it’s a sit down dinner for 10, you must call and cancel. If it is a large party, I usually won’t bother the hostess and call the next day to apologize for not being there, and find out how it turned out for the wonderful person who invited me.

What if I get a better offer?
You own nothing but what is inside of you. Don’t say yes until you are sure that is what you want to do. Your word is your honor. If you say you are going to be someplace, be there. If you get a better offer, you may be able to split the evening and do both. If not, assume God has a purpose for you attending the one you said yes to and go to find out what it is.

How do I handle my fear of people?
Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us…but not without work! The only people who have courage are the ones who do what they are afraid of. You get on your knees the day of the event, ten times if necessary, and ask God to give you the courage and strength to show up for your own life. You have the option of showing up to find out that there is nothing to be afraid of or waiting until another time for the same lesson in growth. It’s not going away and you will have to learn how to talk to people eventually. All people have to put their pants on one leg at a time, there is no one greater or lesser than you. Being afraid of people is just more self centeredness. Say the 3rd step prayer. It’s not about you, but how you can be of service to the people God is putting in your path.

How do I dress?
Dress like a grown up. Go look at some magazines and determine what a person of class and dignity looks like. Pretend you are one if you have to and wear something respectable. You can never look too good. Only if the hostess says it’s a jeans party do you wear jeans. Otherwise gals, wear a pair of pants or a skirt with a pretty blouse and a nice necklace if you don’t have a suit or nice dress. Guys, clean collared shirts and a jacket or a fancy shirt. No shorts, T Shirts or flip flops. You can also find lots of wonderful dress clothes at Thrift Stores. Ladies, don’t wear “hunting clothes” …necklines down to your navel or skirts up to your thighs, no see through anything, and if you have a thong on, we don’t want to know it!

How do I handle my social anxiety?
I never had a problem with my coffee table. We are only afraid of people and that’s why it is addressed in our steps. It’s more self centeredness; what are they thinking about me, how do they think I look? what if someone thinks I’m not smart? What if they ask me something I don’t know? What if they notice I’m not drinking? This is all self centeredness and we have a program for this, we have to ask God to go to the party ahead of us and be there when we arrive. Relieve me of the bondage of self is the key. It’s not about you, but how you can be of maximum service to mankind. Maybe there is someone there that really needs to talk about an ailing parent, or a broken heart or a lost purse, you don’t know. You just show up to see what assignment God has for you at that location. It’s not about what people think of you, but how close attention you are paying to them. You have to listen to where the opportunity is to be of service. If you are hiding in a corner, you can’t hear it. You have the grace of God in you and are obligated to shine your light to help others who may be in the dark.

What if I don’t have a date (weddings)?
This assumes you have been sent an invitation for two guests, so bring a friend in the program with you. I have taken girlfriends to a weddings and had a great time. Again, it’s not what people think of you, it’s what God thinks of you. Life is to be enjoyed, not endured. Find ways to enjoy it so you can help others enjoy it.

How do I handle social conversations?
You get out of the way and ask a million questions of the person you are talking to. Most people love to talk about themselves. Ask about their jobs, their families, their children, where they were born, what they love to do, where they live. Find out about them and how wonderful they are. How do they know the host, what foods/restaurants do they like? It’s not about you. If they ask you a question you are uncomfortable about, answer with a question!

Is it ok to just find a chair and stay there?
You can’t be of maximum service to God and mankind, the ultimate goal of the 12 steps, if you sit in a corner with a lampshade over your head hiding the miracle you have been blessed with. You have to start someplace and if it is your first party, make progress no matter how small. It’s the baby steps that get you on the journey. You are obligated to shine your magic in the world in whatever small way you can. Be of service, if you are frightened, help the hostess serve or clean up, get busy and be about God’s business. Be useful.

What if I have certain foods I cannot eat?
Don’t eat them. No one is ever going to force you to eat or drink anything. If you know ahead of time that something you can’t eat will be served, ask the hostess if a substitute is possible because you have an allergy. They will surly understand. If no substitute is possible, ask the waiter if you can have more of whatever vegetable is on the plate with added salad. Talk to the waiter and I am sure they will come up with a dish that will work for you. If it’s a buffet, the choices are clear, they’re yours. If you are afraid you won’t get enough to eat, bring a small sandwich or granola bar in your bag which you can eat outside or in the rest room at any time. If you suspect there is alcohol in the food, ask whoever cooked it and don’t eat it. According to Duke University, most alcohol does not cook out of food. Tell them you are allergic and ask for a substitute or get more soda/coffee/cookies. You won’t starve.

How late can I arrive?
If you are invited for an event at 7:00, arrive at 7:00. Your word is your honor. If you accept an invitation, plan to be there. At any fine restaurant they will only hold a table for 15 minutes. Honor your host/hostess by being on time

How early can I leave?
You can leave 5 minutes after you arrive if you absolutely need to. The point is you said you would do something, which is called a commitment, so do what you say you would do. If you want to leave because you are having fear, try to pray and work through it because you eventually have to do it anyway. You will learn a little more every time and eventually be comfortable in your own skin no matter where you are, no matter who you are with. It takes practice and time and doing it. You get that much closer to being you were meant to be every time you want to run and don’t, and remember God will meet you anywhere!

Sober Oasis…of the seas!

Snow P. — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:03:26 +0000

I was at the beach when this ship, Oasis of the Seas, entered this country for the first time on November 13th. At twenty stories high, it didn’t even look real. I would have awakened at 5:30 am also if I had the opportunity to see the unveiling of the pyramids! I am enthralled by this marvel of human achievement as somebody had to dream it, thousands of talented people had to build it for 6 years and over a billion dollars was spent to manifest it.

I also was fortunate enough to go onboard for two days on November 19-20 as the spoons were being used for the first time, the dishes placed in their settings and the sheets were unwrapped and put on my bed! When I entered the ship I felt like the archaeologist Howard Carter as he looked inside of Tutenkamen’s tomb and said…”I see things, wonderful things!”

How big is too big? How much happiness is too much happiness? If you don’t like saying “Wow” all day, don’t go on this ship. At a small interview with five of the top VIP’s when the captain was asked about the technology, he said it was the most advanced technological ship on the planet, higher than the navy’s. From the shipyard in Finland they made a stop in England to drop off crew and pick up crew. He said they never dropped anchor and for the two hours they were there the ship didn’t deviate more than 8 inches. Wow, 225,000 tons of magic. It has mind blowing technology onboard with a huge touch screen at ever elevator which tells you were you are, what is happening all over the ship, how full the restaurants are, and gives you step by step directions to anyplace you want to go. This info is also in your stateroom with a keyboard you can point to your flat screen TV.
The buffet was small than any RC ship I have been on, as they don’t want you to have the “herd watering hole” effect so created 20 restaurants to eat different meals in. The specialty restaurants are stunning, but small. Make sure to make your reservations prior to boarding. Sorrento’s Pizza on the fabulous Royal Promenade has a new section where you can “Create your own Pizza.” The Cupcake Store is adorable; Bolero’s Lounge designed as if Chihuly himself had done it; “On Air” Karaoke Lounge presents ticker tape style entrance that is reminescent of Times Square. Dazzles Lounge is a two story dream with the bandstand the highlight.

You also can make reservations for any and all of the shows. I will be onboard for a week January 2 and have made reservations for everything but “Hairspray” which I hear is wonderful and hope to squeeze in. I don’t know if I will have the time! You never have the feeling you are cruising, just in some huge resort with paper backdrops that have ocean scenes on them!
With two Flo Rider machines, two Rock Climbing walls, gorgeous whirlpools with flat screen TV’s in them, the Solarium Deck is almost my favorite with floor to ceiling glass everywhere.
What kind of attention to detail does a billion dollars + buy? After years of struggling in tiny shower tubes, they built a foot rest and made room so ladies can finally shave their legs in the shower!
Vitality Spa has it’s own restaurant and aromatherapy smells are everywhere. You know that whatever service you have in the spa you will never want to leave!
Rianna gave a concert that was great.
Food & entertainment options were endless. Good Morning America broadcasted live from the ship in the morning, so there was a wonderful high dive show in the Aqua Theatre which someone with kooky glasses was watching!
Join me on the Inaugural Halloween sailing for our 9th Annual Halloween Gratitude Cruise and I will tell you more in person!

8th Halloween Gratitude Cruise was a blast!

Snow P. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:09:16 +0000

After nine glorious days of sober celebrations and over thirty five meetings and group events, I want to thank all of you who have kept coming back for 8 years and making the Halloween Cruise such an awesome event. With brothers and sisters from 20 states and 3 countries we totaled 1,073 years of sobriety. Way cool!

We began this year’s festivities with a wedding on the beach the night before sailing for Jason & Lorrie. I performed the ceremony and it was endorsed by heaven with a full rainbow at the end of the ceremony.

(There are advantanges to having your officiant/sober sister/photographer with you on your honeymoon!)

We ended our events 9 short days later as Bill B. got a call with news of who will be starring in “The Lois Wilson Story, When Love is Not Enough.” It was incredible that Bill and his wife Bernedette were able to join us on our cruise with so much left to do for the movie.
Our “Studio 54 Stayin’ Alive” Group Costume was a hoot!

AWESOME SOBER DANCING! CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR OWN SANDY AND STEVIE B. CLICK HERE.

See more videos at www.youtube.com/bluemoonsnow

Our wonderful Keynote Speaker Jack C. not only delivered a very powerful message of experience, strength, and hope, but days later he was the perfect officiant for our impromptu private costume contest. When the crowd chanted the Flip Wilson “Here Come the Judge” as he entered the room, Jack surely rose to the “Laugh In” occassion and could not have been a more wonderful sport.

The fellowship and giggles on excursions was always there as folks rode underwater motorcycles, toured fortresses, went aerial trekking, parasailing, snorkeling, shopping, and spelunking.
Our honeymooners won a free cruise at bingo and were chosen as one of the three couples on stage for the Love and Marriage Game which they won! When given the bottle of champagne, they graciously gave it to the couple married 60 years. Love and service is our mantra!

We saw the movie “Gotta Dance” which Peggy B. was in and several of our cruisers performed in the “Gotta Dance” routine the ship now has on all cruises. The 12 Step Trivia Game was priceless~!
One of our cruisers brought her beau this year who proposed to her with a heart shaped diamond ring! Congratulations Joanne & Don! Celebrations galore as we had meals fit for kings and laughs fit for a happy and joyous vacation. Next year this Halloween trip will be on the Inaugural Halloween sailing of Oasis of the Seas. While no rooms are left for the general public, I have rooms for our group. Call me to book asap to get yours! All events are exclusively for Gratitude Cruise guests. 561-702-2312