Well, the axe just dropped. Our ship, the Insignia, suffered so much damage that it will take about 9 weeks to repair it, thereby losing the first three segments of the 6-month cruise. If I like, I can start what's left of the cruise on March 22, leaving Singapore and heading east, stopping at the ports initially planned. I guess so.

It's right now I have to get my head together. I've been living in two places at once the last few weeks as I prepared to leave. The first thing I have to do is unpack. Yesterday I bought bug repellant and Band-Aids, Polysporin, anti-bacterial lotion and Easy Wipes (for the airline seat arms and table tray) and I forget what else. I will be well equipped here at home.

SOW, I have to decide what to work on. I have some stuff I have to wrap up so I'll do that. And I'll increase my exercise routine because the excursions looked to be quite demanding. Well, more lists.

And here comes Pollyanna: I'm glad I've had the joy of anticipation. I'm glad to be flexible enough to change my plans. I'm glad because I might have a little more money. I've been quite strapped and trying to cut corners - hard to do at Christmas - and I might be a little more solvent later in the year. Oh, and I'm glad I'll be able to do my income tax, well, not do it because I pay an accountant to make dollars and sense of my income, but at least I'll be able to assemble all the pertinent figures for him. I'm glad I'll be able to celebrate my birthday with my family - if any one cares - well, anyway, with people I care about.

I am, indeed, blessed.