5 Days Before Embarkation - Packed and Ready, Freddy.

Packing didn't take nearly as long as I expected. That's probably because of the list I've been adding to, crossing off and reconsidering for the past month or more. When my suitcase was about ¾ full, I lifted it onto my fancy schmancy digital bathroom scale. It weighed in at a paltry 32 pounds, well within the 50 pound limit dictated by American Airlines.

A while back, I booked our flights home. I thought I got a great deal! Reality set in when I printed off some travel documents and read the fine print. We can fly home cheap as long as we leave our luggage behind. Luggage fare is $25 for the first bag and $35 for each subsequent bag.

To keep costs down, I suggested Dean take just one change of clothes; he tends to over pack. But NO, he refuses to co-operate. Luckily, we borrowed that large suitcase from my parents so I can take all my princess accessories. I just hope Dean doesn't notice that his khaki Dockers have relocated themselves out of the suitcase and back into his closet. I need the room for my gorgeous white cotton dress I bought in Manzanillo on my last cruise.

I thought it prudent to weigh our bags again once everything was packed. After I added a few bits and pieces, my suitcase weighs 49.2 pounds, still within American Airlines restrictions.

Small problemo. Dean's suitcase weighs in at a whopping 39 pounds, which leaves only 11 pounds for extras, like duty free alcohol.

I'm thinking … Dean's suit jacket and dress shoes must weigh close to five pounds - and does he really need them?