In general, I don’t gamble. It’s been many years since I bought a lottery ticket and I only went to a casino once, a high school graduation present. But I do usually fill out an NCAA bracket, usually just for the fun of it, although occasionally for a buck or two. One year, I won a set of marriage encounter CDs from a Christian marriage enrichment site that was hosting the brackets.

Then there’s the American Idol pool at work. This year I passed but last I did win maybe $10 one week.

I’ve got a story idea I’m playing with about church folks and the lottery. I think that’s my next story after I finish the current wip that just won’t end. Look forward to reading A Million Blessings.

Shelia, I’m jealous. Don’t you enjoy yourself just a little more when you know you got a good deal? You did extremely well. So when’s your next cruise?

I like cruises because of the variety of entertainment and destinations at a low price and of course the people are interesting and the food is good.

Got hooked to your blog! Not a good time to write a comment now except the last part of the dissertation. But reading about cruise was refreshing!

You’ll need dollar bills for tipping for room service, if you use it, but that’s about it.

LaShaunda, you have a REALLY good friend if they’re paying for you to go on the TJ cruise. You really won’t need much money on the ship unless you drink or want a soda or like to gamble or shop. We usually bring sodas with us or buy some at the nearest port. They’re costly aboard ship. Tea and juices are available all day for no cost.

You’ll incur some costs at the ports where the cruise stops. The ship has planned excursions that you can purchase but we usually just go out and negotiate directly with the taxis and tour bus drivers. It’s usually cheaper. How much you spend at a port is up to you. Some folks really like to shop so they spend a lot of money. Some folks do a lot of excursions so they spend a lot of money. We tend to set an amount we’ll spend at each stop and stick to it.

Everyday you’ll get a schedule of ship activities. Since you’re going with TJ, there’ll be lots of activities planned for you. You’ll also find time to pull away and do some reading. It’s really up to you. Keep checking the TJ page. They should have a link to the ship and the TJ schedule and you’ll be able to plan.

Most folks dress casually. We do bring something for formal nights, but the rest of the time its shorts and shirts. Hope this helps.

I’ve been trying to get on a cruise since I was eighteen. Joined the navy thinking I’d finally get on one. NOT.

Anyway, my good friend is taking me on the Tom Joyner cruise in May. I’m so excited.

Do you have any advice for a newbie? I don’t have a clue what to bring or do while on the cruise.

I wondered about tipping and how much money I would need.

What I do like about cruising is having all the essentials paid in advance. I also like being pampered. But we get that at resorts.

Now for the price comparison, you win. I like the way you sold the other couple that was trying to sale you.