I always said that if I won the NHRA POWERade Championship I was going to take my family on a cruise. So after we got home from Pomona I searched for several weeks trying to find the right cruise for us. I found a great one through Norwegian Cruise Lines that left on Sunday, cruising to Cozumel, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands and then returning to Miami on Friday. I was so excited the night before we left that I couldn't sleep. We had to leave the house at 3 a.m. to make our flight in Charlotte. We arrived in Miami at 9:30 a.m. but they wouldn't let us board the cruise ship until noon. The first thing we did was go to the buffet on the 12th floor and get lunch. It was awesome. We went to our rooms which were Mini Suites and they were huge compared to what I thought. I just couldn't believe it. All of us went to the top deck for the departure at 4 p.m.

We were on the water for a day and a half. The sea was a little rough the first night. We watched the N.Y. Giants and Dallas Cowboys game in the bar downstairs. Of course Dallas lost and we definitely didn't want that outcome. The first night we just hung out and went to bed early.

Monday was our day at sea. We got up early, ate breakfast, and went to the pool. It was already 85 degrees and I was loving it. We laid by the pool all day and I had ice cream at least 2-3 times that day. It was amazing. All the food, ice cream, drinks, and anything else you want at anytime. Monday night we just walked around the ship and hung out at the bar areas.

Tuesday morning we arrived in Cozumel at 7 a.m. We got up at 6 a.m. to watch the sun rise and it was amazing. The beautiful clear blue water, warm temperatures and the great sunrise. What more could you ask for? We got dressed and got off the boat. First things first: We found Starbucks. Dad and I couldn't decide what to do. Didn't know if we should walk, rent a jeep, or ride scooters. After a lot of negotiating with the people Dad and I decided to rent a jeep and ride around. It was great. We rode completely around the island. The exclusive side of the island was the nicest. We had lunch on the beach and then it was time to get back on the ship. Dinner again and then Melissa, Angie, and I decided to go to the Spinnaker Lounge. We hung out up there and sat and talked about, of course, RACING.

Arrival in the Cayman Islands was not so early. It was at 10 a.m. and there were five other ships there. The Cayman Islands are stunning! I was so anxious to get off the boat and see the island. They don't have ports at the Cayman Islands so we got boated to the island. My mom and dad had already been there so they decided to do a little relaxing on the ship while Angie and I went to the beach. We got a taxi to Seven Mile Beach. The sand was white and the water was crystal clear. I didn't get in the ocean too deep but Angie got in and said it was a little chilly. We lay on the beach and baked in the sun for several hours until it was almost time to leave. She and I walked around the shops, bought some souvenirs, and visited the Hard Rock Cafe. Later that night mom had made reservations at the Japanese restaurant on the boat. It was great and yes I had ice cream after dinner again. We went to the Casino for a little bit to spend my $60 on the Blackjack table. They had a Cirque de Soleil show and it was wonderful. That night they had a chocolate buffet and I was in heaven. I love chocolate and it was anything and everything you could think of with chocolate on it. I had so much to eat.

The next day was our last day at sea on the way back to Miami. We laid by the pool all day. The girls wanted a good tan before they went home. Angie and I went down the waterslide on the boat. It was hilarious. By the end of the day we were exhausted from everything. Too much food, ice cream, and sun. We arrived back in Miami at 7 a.m. and finally arrived back in King at 10 p.m. and, oh my God, it was freezing. It had snowed Wednesday and the news was calling for more snow.

All in all the trip was fabulous. I didn't get sick so that was one good thing. I had an amazing time with my family and would love to do it again next year. I wish my other sister Amanda could have gone but she was in Daytona testing with the truck team.

Oh yeah, by the way we are still searching for sponsorships for the 2008 season. If anyone knows of anybody send them my way. As of right now I am not sure what our plans are for this year. Keep us in mind!